Connected learning offers a framework, mindset, and concrete strategies for libraries to build meaningful and impactful relationships and programs with youth and their communities. Libraries that integrate connected learning into their services have a transformative impact on the lives of vulnerable teens, and benefit from greater community engagement. They are also able to make progress towards equity goals that go beyond quantitative measures of representation to ensure that teens from historically marginalized groups feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection.
A report from the Transforming and Scaling Teen Services for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion project.
A report for library leaders is also available.
Guided by the connected learning framework, this report dives into challenges and opportunities for public libraries in serving diverse teens in socially and culturally connected ways, including concrete recommendations for public library staff.
The base of… connected learning is how we work to relate to the youth and truly see them and see how we are able to connect to ultimately benefit them.
Jessica Cheney, Former Teen Services Coordinator, Memphis Public Libraries
Chapter 2 focuses on how to develop a connected learning plan and includes an overview of how to turn that plan into connected learning-based services.
Teens in York County, PA explain the impact the social justice initiative sponsored by the Kreutz Creek Public Library practice had on their lives.
See connected learning in action at the Pottsboro (TX) Public Library. A youth’s interest in chickens inspired a teen driven radio show episode.
From the IMLS-funded Capturing Connected Learning in Libraries initiative, this resource will get you started with reflection and evaluation for program design and improvement. It offers effective, easy to use, and accessible tools and strategies.
This framework for developing a connected learning-based evaluation plan asks you to think about goals of the evaluation and goals of the program, sources of data available to use, and how to analyze data collected.
Talkback boards present questions or prompts for patrons to answer, either by voting for possible choices with sticky dots or by writing short responses on post-it notes. This repository is filled with talkback board prompts along with specifics on the outcomes each prompt helps assess.
While focused specifically on computational thinking, the customizable assessment tools on this IMLS funded site can be repurposed for a variety of connected learning focused activities.
This site offers a series of self-paced modules on an array of connected learning topics, including equity and connected learning, building capacity for connected learning, and the connected learning mindset.
Watch presentations at the ConnectedLibFest to learn how library staff, community partners, and academics are bringing connected learning to their communities.
Check out these facilitation materials to train colleagues and community partners about connected learning. Also, read about how to advocate for connected learning with library leaders and colleagues.
Join the YOUmedia community of practice to take part in discussion about supporting connected teen learning labs in libraries and museums.