thelifeguardlibrarian:

world-shaker:

A new competition sponsored by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has just announced 12 winning libraries and museums that will receive $1.2 million in grant money help push the boundaries of what these  institutions look like, specifically helping to create facilities that are better “learning labs” for teens.

The idea was inspired by YOUmedia, a teen learning space at the Chicago Public Library’s downtown center. YOUmedia provides teens with access to thousands of books. But it also contains over 100 laptop and desktop computers — machines that are equipped with various media creation software — as well as an in-house recording studio with keyboards, turntables and a mixing board. YOUmedia also provides classes and connections to mentors so that teens can learn how to use the equipment.

Recognizing the importance of museums and libraries as sites for hands-on learning, the MacArthur Foundation and IMLS-sponsored competition plans to take the YOUmedia model and spread it nationally. The hope is for the new learning labs to serve as places where teens can explore science, technology, art, and literature — not just to not just to read about it — through building and making.

What do you think of this?

 CHICAGO.

You walk into YOUmedia and you can feel good stuff happening. Kids are engaged. Technology is being used appropriately (and productively). Books (good books) are available. Kids find new talents and new ways to connect with their peers, beyond superficial interests. The staff is relevant and informed (YOUmedia is not staffed exclusively by librarians—there are digital media/music/design specialists on hand as well). Oh, it’s worth every penny.