Children S Digital Needs and Libraries New Research Commissioned by ASCEL
Children’s digital needs and libraries – new research commissioned by ASCEL
“The lives of today’s children are not dominated by digital information, but they are immersed in it.[1]”
A new research report published today (2nd December 2014)gives new insight into how young children access digital technology and crucially suggests how public libraries might better support them in the future
The research, commissioned bythe Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL) working in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL), was undertaken by Shared Intelligence and funded by Arts Council England. It draws together existing research literature with the findings from 25 focus groups with children in public libraries and schools across seven local authorities in England. The report highlights the differences between the use of technology by under-fives and children in the primary years. It identifies that whilst there is a need to protect children from negative or harmful experiences of digital technology, a bigger risk is that some children lack the opportunity to engage withit. Public libraries have a clear role to play both in supporting children to become digitally safe and aware but also to ensure that all children have the opportunity to explore, experience and become skilled technology usersachieving in their lifetimes things whichmay seem impossible today.
The full report is available to download on the ASCEL website
The report adds to recent research undertaken by the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) to understand the digital leadership skills required of today’s senior library managers. In response to the research and with funding from Arts Council England, SCL has recently commissioned the country’s first ever Digital Leadership Programme, which will start to deliver a programme of training and support to Heads of Library Services from the New Year.
Sarah Mears, Chair of ASCEL, said “We are delighted to receive this report which provides fascinating detail about children’s use of and views about technology and how it is supporting their learning. ASCEL are looking forward to acting upon the recommendations whichprovide new clarity about the potential for libraries to support children’s digital use and understanding”.
Ciara Eastell, President of the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) said “This new ASCEL report gives valuable new insight into the crucial role public libraries can play in supporting children and their families to use the Internet safely and creatively. SCL welcomes this new research and will be working with ASCEL to take forward the recommendations of the report”.
For more information
Contact Sarah Mears: Chair of The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL) tel: 03330 134027
Contact Ciara Eastell, President of the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) at tel: 07896 991924
[1] Children’s Digital Needs and Libraries: A report to ASCEL; Shared Intelligence; November 2014