What is it about?
This paper considers the use of digital media like iPads and other technology during storytime sessions for preschool children in public libraries. The paper considers some of the benefits and challenges of their use and reports librarians' and caregiver' responses to their inclusion.
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Why is it important?
Our findings show that views of digital media in library storytimes are quite polarized. Some participants felt that their use brought variety and excitement to the sessions while others thought library storytimes should be tech-free. The findings suggest that library services need to give some thought to the inclusion of technology and digital media in these kinds of programmes.
Perspectives
The contrasting views uncovered by this research was interesting. it seemed that those who had never experienced a session including digital media were mostly very opposed to the practice while those who had attended a digital storytime session were more open minded. The whole concept of media mentoring - explaining to caregivers the importance of developmentally appropriate practice and modelling it - needs further investigation.
Professor Anne Goulding
Victoria University of Wellington
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Apps on laps: digital storytimes in public libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand, Library Hi Tech, June 2018, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/lht-02-2017-0040.
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