Youth and their Virtual Networked Words: Research Findings and Implications for School Libraries

Abstract

Rapid changes in the information and technology landscape provide challenges that at times conflict with traditional notions of school libraries and their role in learning, literacy and living. They herald important opportunities for school librarians to rethink, reimagine and recreate a dynamic learning environment for school, libraries. This shifting information environment includes the publishing arena increasingly characterized by a movement away from a "hard copy paradigm" (Rowlands & Nicholas, 2008, p.8), the growth of a pervasive, integrated information environment characterized by vast quantities of digital content, open choice, collaborative and participatory digital spaces, and the transition of the Web environments from consumption of information to creation of information. This paper reviews recent literature focusing on young people's use of the Web environment, particularly their use of Web 2.0. It identifies emerging Internet use patterns, and presents a set of challenges for school library leaders as they engage developments and continue in their acknowledged leadership role in building information technology environments in schools.