Keeber's Kolumn     

Library News, by David W. Keeber

Red Rock News

Date: August 29, 2008   

            I have a teenager at home and I am not so foolish to think that young people in town read this column.  But, if you are a parent, I thought you would find this week's information useful to your kids.  Maybe, after reading this, you can lead them to the Sedona Public Library's website for the many great resources there that will help them with their homework, and maybe even their entertainment.
            When we redesigned the Library's website (www.sedonalibrary.org), we spent a lot of energy putting together the kid's pages and the teen pages.  One site for all ages would never have worked because children develop so quickly that what is of interest one year is of none the following year.  When you go to the Library's home page, notice on the left side there are links for "Kids" and "Teens" under the Quick Links section.  Let's look at both to learn what resources we have and that you can recommend to your kids.
            Following the Kids link first, you'll notice the big headings of Homework Help, Summer Reading, Cool Sites, Pre-school Sites and Events.  Mouse over the Cool Sites link first and you will find a page that offers access to web pages on critters, entertainment, kid's favorite sites, games, great websites, and sports.  As a parent, you should know that all of the sites we recommend have been vetted by librarians from all over the nation as worthwhile, accurate and safe. 
            That safety issue is certainly a big concern for parents as the Internet, just like any city street can have some worrisome features.  We suggest that before you turn your kids loose on the Net, you both navigate to our web site, click on the Cool Sites page and follow the link at the top of the page that leads you to the "Kid's Rules for Online Safety."  The 10 rules are important and if followed, ensure greater safety for your children.  Take the time to read these together, discuss them and get their approval to follow them.  Then, return to them regularly for a quick review.
            Few folks have purchased an encyclopedia for their homes.  In the past, it was done a lot more, but given the nature of the Internet, more people believe that they can find what they are seeking by doing a search on the Web.  The Library offers dozens of sites on the Homework Help page that are teacher and librarian researched and approved.  That means that the information contained on them is age-appropriate, vetted for accuracy and easy to use.  If you child has a homework assignment, urge them to use these sites first, before the "google" it and get a quarter million hits back.  The general categories on the page are for the arts, biographies, countries and states, history, math, reading, science, social studies and technology, plus great general homework help links.
            The Cool Sites pages offer possible homework help, but are generally more entertainment oriented.  There are commercial sites such as the TV sites, but you can be assured that these sites are among the best on the web and not subject to many of the bad things we hear about the Internet.         
            If you click on the Teen page link, you will find a totally different look, feel and array of sites, clearly aimed at older children.  But just as with the Kids page you will find a link to Safe Surfing Tips for Teens.  Just like you would with younger kids, spend time with your teenaged child reviewing these tips.  Impress upon them the importance of following them. 
            Its less likely that your teen will approach you with questions on their homework, but regardless of their age, you are likely to find good quality information if you follow the links on our website.  Then, once you model searching the Library's pages a few times, your child is more likely to gravitate there on their own.  Young people don't care where they get the information they are seeking, just so long as it's fast and easy.  You are more likely to care if the information is accurate, but eventually they will too.
            Besides homework help, the teen pages offer links to a number of sites we feel confident in which they would be interested.  But, there is also a link for them (and you, too, Mom and Dad!) to send us your comments, suggestions and even complaints.  That is the sort of help we would appreciate so we can keep improving the pages for children and teens.  If we can get them to become habitual about using their Library, whether in person or online, they will have developed a life-long habit that will serve their needs regardless of age.
            Spend an evening cruising the Sedona Public Library's Kids and Teens pages for yourself to learn what is there, and then show them how wise you are by directing them there when they ask those questions that leave us adults with a blank stare!  We're here to help, even online!
           

This column is also presented on:  Gateway to Sedona and Sedona Biz