Education abroad: U.S. Libraries and Museums for Youth

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have announced their plans to create 30 new youth learning labs in libraries and museums across the country. They were inspired by an innovative new teen space at the Chicago Public Library called YOUmedia and innovations in science and technology centers.

A case in point, high school age teens engaging with YOUmedia can access thousands of books, over 100 laptop and desktop computers, and a variety of media creation tools and software, all of which allow them to stretch their imaginations and their digital media skills. By working both in teams and individually, teens have an opportunity to engage in projects that promote critical thinking, creativity, and skill-building. Mentors from Digital Youth Network as well as Chicago Public Library librarians lead workshops to help teens build their skills and create digital artifacts – from songs to videos to photography to blogging. Teens learn how to use a variety of technology and digital equipment, including still and video cameras, drawing tablets, and video and photo editing software.

The project’s organizers are convinced that such labs will help young people become makers and creators of content, rather than just consumers of it. What is more, by providing young people with engaging and diverse opportunities beyond the classroom the labs will break the old-fashioned notion that schools are the only places for learning. The MacArthur-IMLS learning labs will be part of a network of museums and libraries throughout the country that use best practice principles, based on research and evidence, to engage youth in effective science, technology, engineering, and math education. These new learning labs will be spaces for experimentation that engage young people with both digital and traditional media to promote creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning.