Media Smart Libraries partnered with the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) for the first annual United States Media Literacy Week November 2nd through 6th, 2015. This week-long event, inspired by Canada’s Media Literacy Week, was designed to bring attention to media literacy education and its valuable place in the curriculum. It was also an opportunity to showcase the work of amazing media literacy educators and organizations across the country. Media Smart Libraries celebrated this first annual event with a continuing education workshop for school and public librarians facilitated by Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, Executive Director of NAMLE.
The continuing education workshop for librarians, Start a Conversation on Digital Voice in Your Library was held on November 3rd at the Cumberland Public Library. Over 30 public and school librarians who work with middle school and high school populations attended. The workshop focused on bridging the gap between the digital lives of youths and their place in the real world, and how librarians and educators can help by starting conversations with teens and kids to learn how to navigate this divide critically. Topics covered include credibility, copyright, agenda shifting, political engagement, and responsibility.
A lifelong proponent of media literacy, Michelle Lipkin upholds the organization’s mission “to expand and improve the practice of media literacy education in the United States.” Michelle’s extensive experience in media and media literacy education, digital citizenship, and children’s television production made her the ideal facilitator for the Media Smart Libraries workshop “Start a Conversation on Digital Voice in Your Library”.
Additionally, Michelle serves on the Media Smart Libraries National Advisory Board. About her role in Media Smart Libraries and the national conversation about media literacy, Michelle Lipkin said, “It was a pleasure to talk with Rhode Island librarians and hear their thoughts on media information literacy. It was an engaging and inspiring group of educators. I am thrilled I had a chance to work with them.”
By: Alyssa Taft