"How I See It: My Place"
Program Overview
New Teen Program for California Libraries!
Teens to explore and document “place” using digital media
What is "How I See It: My Place"?
"How I See It: My Place" is a new program for California libraries that will provide all the resources librarians need to successfully implement a ten-week digital photography documentary project for teens – activities, equipment, supplies, funds and training. Twenty one libraries have been selected to participate in the program, which will take place during summer and fall of 2008.
What will the project do?
The project aims to engage young people in thinking in a new way about the places where they live. Program activities will enable youth to actively explore their surroundings, document their observations through digital photography and writing, conduct additional research and investigation, and share their discoveries about local history, environment and culture with peers and community members at public events. Public program formats may take various forms, from exhibits and tours to digital, multimedia and web-based presentations.
How will the program work?
CCH is providing a “package” of resources to libraries – a program outline, a bibliography, tips on public programming – along with a set of digital equipment and materials and a cash grant of $1000. Librarians will receive training in the use of equipment and materials at a two-day workshop, so that they will be familiar with the program and be able to implement it effectively. Technical and program support will be available to librarians throughout the summer and spring.
How will the program work ?
Librarians will recruit ten to 15 teen participants and lead them through a ten-week process of exploring, investigating, and (re)discovering their local environment using the program outline, equipment and materials provided. Librarians can identify additional local resources and resource people to assist if they wish. Librarians will help the teens create an exhibit, a walking tour, an interactive digital map, or other means of communicating their findings to the rest of the community. Librarians will also help the youth secure library space for an event, and organize and publicize the event. At the conclusion of the project, librarians will evaluate the program and report on their experiences to peers and CCH.
What are the objectives of the program?
The project aims to enhance youth and community awareness and appreciation of place, community and environment. It also seeks to strengthen youth skills and self-confidence, enhance the capacity of the participating libraries to conduct engaging young adult programming, and raise awareness of the central role libraries play in community life.
How was the project developed?
The project grew out of the work of young adult librarians who participated in a pilot program last year. Other individuals have been crucial in helping CCH and Califa, our project partner, shape the program to meet library youth-development objectives and ensure that it reflects “best practices” in young adult librarianship. They include young adult librarians, other library professionals, youth media specialists and humanities scholars. The project is supported by the California State Library.
Who can I contact for further information or assistance?
Senior Programs Manager Felicia Kelley, who is based in the Council’s Los Angeles office, is managing this project. You can reach her at fkelley@calhum.org or (213) 623-5993.
California Stories: How I See It: My Place is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.
This project is conducted in partnership with Califa, a membership-based service bureau designed to provide cost-effective delivery of services, programs and products through a membership network of California libraries. www.califa.org