Where Are We Now? The Evolving Use of New Media with Young Children in Libraries

Abstract

The topic of using new media with young children (zero to five years old) in the library has been a focus of conversations in the field for several years. An Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) survey, administered to children’s library staff from across the United States in 2014, provided a foundation for these conversations by revealing how library staff were using new media with young children and their families. The results of the survey, which revealed widespread inclusion of new media in library spaces, along with the innovative work of library staff and community needs, spurred profession-wide initiatives to apply research-based practices to how libraries support the literacy and media needs of families.