Digital and Information Literacies

“The schools should be that safe space where digital youth discover their own competencies, learn to use their own voice to comment on the world.”

Henry Jenkins, University of Southern California


Every generation is born into a society with a certain set of available, baseline technology capabilities and tools. As humanity has progressed over thousands of years, so have the technologies, knowledge, skills, and tools. The innovations of one generation become the baseline for the next.

In our interviews and discussions, we found several major themes:

  • Terminologies are shifting. What is meant by digital information literacies? What are the existing information literacy models and frameworks that can be adapted for planning and delivering programs and services?
  • Strategies for teaching information literacy are evolving. What is the current research on the best ways to teach information literacy? How can practitioners and those working directly with youth teach based on this research?
  • The role of libraries remains critical. How can libraries lead the way in creating diverse places of learning for youth to explore their future selves?
  • Equity must always be at the forefront.  How can educators and librarians provide opportunities for learning and multiple means of support, as well as access to devices, resources, technologies, and tools?