PLO 4: Evaluate systems and technologies relevant to a particular information context.

YALSA's Teen Services Competencies for Library Staff: Teen Growth and Development; Learning Environments; Learning Experiences; Community and Family Engagement; Equity of Access

Course: LIS 60675 Youth Literature in the Digital Realm

This group project was completed for LIS 60675 Youth Literature in the Digital Realm. The goal of this project was to evaluate the popular storytelling site Wattpad in order to connect library patrons with the platform and utilize it in programming for the community. Working together as a group, we assigned roles and held weekly meetings in order to stay on top of target dates and discuss progress and ideas, something librarians are asked to do regularly for special projects. The goal for our site was to increase Wattpad’s visibility to the community by highlighting it as a powerful digital storytelling resource for readers and writers alike. My role was to develop library programming that would use Wattpad in variety of capacities, in-person and virtually. Librarians act as media mentors to individuals and families and thus need to be familiar with digital media that will help develop multiple literacies and encourage appropriate digital participation. Youth should be provided the opportunity to engage with a variety of digital media and platforms that will empower and engage them.