Article Review #3

Wiliams, T. (2014). Why should libraries care about teens and technology?. Young Adult Library Services, 12(2), 9-12.

This article discusses teen technology use, the digital divide, teen technology skills, and the implications that these issues have on the library program. The article points out that it is a common misconception that teens “know everything that there is to know about technology” when in reality many are only fluent in the technologies that they use most. This often limits their technological abilities to personal devices, apps, and websites with which they are most familiar and excludes necessary knowledge of technology skills that they may need for school and future jobs. This lack of necessary technology skills can be most distinctly seen among students that have access to and training in technology, and those that do not. The difference in access and training among these students is known as the “digital divide” and those that fall behind now will most likely struggle to keep up in the future as well. This article suggests that libraries are in a position to bridge this gap. The first step in doing so is to identify the technology needs of teenagers in that school or community by talking to teachers and teenage library patrons, and keeping track of common technology questions and areas of interest. The library may then be able to offer increased access to needed technology and plan to provide appropriate training and resources that will fit the needs and interests of this age group. This article closes by describing why these teen technology issues matter most. By providing teenagers with greater technology offerings now, the library program is equipping these students to succeed in school, careers, and life in the future.

I think this article makes a valid point that the technology skills of many teens are limited to those technologies that they use most, and that we cannot make generalizations that teens are “digital natives” and therefore comfortable with all technology. However, I do believe that because teenagers are “digital natives”, they potentially hold a greater disposition for being able to learn and adapt to new technologies. As a librarian, I would like to take advantage of this disposition and the natural curiosity of this age group to help teens reach their potential and grow into a more well-rounded knowledge of technology literacy.