A panel of experts joined HuffPost Live to discuss initiatives aimed at teens during National Teen Tech Week, when libraries showcase the non-print services they offer.
Shannon Peterson, president of the Young Adult Library Association, told HuffPost Live's Caitlyn Becker about the opportunities her organization provides.
"One of the amazing mini-grants that YALSA's supporting this year is a music production suite where teens are working with a local rap artist to learn how to record, produce and market their music. So it's taking something that a lot of teens might be really passionate about ... and helping them gain skills to be able to level that up and learn these tech skills in the process," Peterson said.
So why are these unconventional library programs so essential for teens?
"The important thing is kind of bridging the gap in technology between what the teens are learning in the classroom and what they're going to really need for their careers," said digital lifestyle expert Julie Hochheiser Ilkovich. "They're very familiar with technology. Of course they understand cellphones and they understand how to use a tablet, their friends have one, they have one at home, but they might not understand how to really use that technology to be successful in their life and at school."
To learn more about National Teen Tech Week watch the full segment below.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.