Digital and Media Literacy: A Plan of Action

Outlines a community education movement to implement Knight's 2009 recommendation to enhance digital and media literacy. Suggests local, regional, state, and national initiatives such as teacher education and parent outreach and discusses challenges

Glu: An Online Type 1 Diabetes Information Community

This research paper examines the online health community Glu (MyGlu.org), a type 1 diabetes social media site. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that requires constant and specialized medical attention. Online health communities like Glu, are an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for many of its members. This study discusses the composition of this information community, the motivations of its members, and the benefits members gain through their participation. It describes the major characteristics of the community and focuses on the information needs of type 1 diabetics. It concludes with reflections on how libraries and LIS professionals can better serve the information needs of health communities like Glu and accommodate their needs in the physical space of the library

Bringing America Up to Speed: States' Role in Expanding Broadband

Describes innovative state programs to expand access to high-quality, high-speed broadband; the National Broadband Plan -- a partnership of state, federal, and local governments; providers; and nonprofits -- and roles and challenges for states

New on the Shelf: Teens in the Library - Findings from the Evaluation of Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development

Several trends have come together to intensify interest in how public libraries might best support the interests and needs of youth in their communities. This study reports on findings from the Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development (PLPYD) Initiative, a 4-year, 9-site initiative funded by the Wallace Foundation to develop innovative models for public libraries to provide high-quality educational enrichment and career development programs serving underserved low-income children and youth. The evaluation reveals that public libraries can be a resource for youth in low-income communities. In addition to providing access to technology and a "safe" place to be during out-of-school hours, evaluation results indicate libraries can provide high-quality youth employment programs that include training in both specific job skills and more general personal and social skills. These programs also can have positive impacts on the library system and the community. However, to work intensively with youth requires time, financial resources, dedicated staff, consistent leadership, and alignment of youth program with library's core mission and goals. Thus, public libraries need to assess and build their capacity for youth programs and services in a systematic way

Opportunity Reimagined: An Inclusive Vision for Healthy Communities

This white paper looks at the key issue areas that are essential for healthy communities to exist: health equity, economic opportunity, and education. It also recognizes that an equity agenda must be present in each of the afore mentioned areas. The paper draws on insights and knowledge shared by presenters and participants at the 2016 America's Future Summit: Reimagining Opportunity in a Changing Nation and makes recommendations for fostering healthy communities and expanding opportunity for Latinos and all Americans

2017 The Role of Books and Reading in STEM: An Overview of the Benefits for Children and the Opportunities to Enhance the Field

In April 2017, STEM Next, in partnership with the Hoag Foundation and the Molina Foundation, commissioned the Institute for Entrepreneurship in Education (IEE) and the Caster Family Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Research at the University of San Diego to provide an overview of literacy learning within the disciplinary context of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This overview includes (1) a literature review on the benefits of integrating literacy and STEM for elementary and middle-school-aged children, (2) an environmental scan of reading programs, organizations, and materials that focus on Literacy in STEM, and (3) a set of criteria for identifying high-quality STEM reading materials and programs for school-aged children both in school and out of school.https://digital.sandiego.edu/npi-youth/1001/thumbnail.jp