DMLs and Teens

YOUmedia has a studio recording space where teens can use instruments and learn to mix tracks.

Reaching the teens of this 21st century is one of the most paramount obstacles facing libraries today.  This is especially true since it seems that most teens do not like to read; thus, the alarming numbers of high school graduates unable to read reflects this sad outlook.  With technology being the bridge between these young minds and the actual use of libraries beyond the books (but just might influence their reading), it is amazing to see so many libraries incorporating digital media spaces specifically for today’s youth to take part in.  I, for one, am jealous at the special “place[s] where adult patrons are not welcome” (Grinberg, 2014, para. 1) like in the Nashville Public Library and where kids can hang out, create masterpieces without judgment, and generally just get to be rowdy, opinionated, and conscience kids with a plan to change the world.  They certainly did not have these types of concentrated areas when I was growing up reading V.C. Andrews or The Babysitters Club where kids like me could get together and hold lively discussions on air in a kids-only talk show.  Bitter?  No, not at all.  I am actually happy that the minds of teens are being cultured for something other than complaining about how much they hate school.  I feel we all have benefited from the joys of library spaces that encourage learning, period.  That’s exactly what the Nashville Public Library has done for their teens with their new digital spaces geared directly toward creative learning. 

References

Grinberg, E. (2014, June 2). Reinventing libraries for 'hanging out, messing around and geeking out'.  Retrieved September 1, 2015, from http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/02/living/library-learning-labs-connected-learning/.

What is a DML?

It has been assumed that libraries will become obsolete as the technology world grows larger and in more demand by the public.  I believe this is a gross assessment due to how libraries have embraced technology in so many areas within its four walls.  One such area that is gaining popularity is that of digital media labs (a.k.a. digital centers or digital studios).  Amanda L. Goodman, author of a report on digital media lab use, states this type of technological installment in libraries as “a gathering of equipment that allows original digital content to be created or analog content to be converted to digital formats” (2014, p. 5).  Simply put, this is a special area in a library solely committed to help people create digital content in such modes as audio, video, or any other type of digital format.  Can you imagine all of the untapped artists coming to a public establishment to create some of the world’s most amazing pieces that anyone has ever seen?  I certainly can and that is why libraries are jumping on this type of technology to bring learners and creators of all ages to one central location: the digital media lab in the library!

References

Goodman, A. L. (2014). Chapter 1: The library context for digital media labs. Library Technology Reports, 50(6), 5-15.