Frances Jacobson Harris

The author describes how "information and communication technologies" (Internet, chat, IM, blogs, social networking) play a big role in teens' social lives and impact how they seek information (whether on a formal or informal basis). She discusses ways that librarians can teach teens to learn how to separate the online wheat from the chaff. Also, regulating teens' actions online goes beyond filters and rules of conduct. They must also learn online ethics in order to become intelligent citizens of the virtual world. To that end, librarians must accept and understand ICT as an essential part of library service.… (mais)

This book was not what I had understood it to be from the title and the small amount of information I had read in a catalog before placing it on my to-read list. It may have been a very good read for school librarians, but for academic librarians who thought it was more about the "net generation"/millennials and less about specifics of school libraries, it was disappointing. (Based on the title even if I had known it was published for school librarians, I would have still expected more information about the "net generation"/millennials than this book provided.)… (mais)

Of the first edition of the book in 2005, we said the following: “Frances Jacobson Harris is one of a group of super teacher librarians. Super because she reflects deeply about what goes on in her library media center and constantly tests it against national theory and practice. She is and effective teacher and understands the teenagers who frequent her LMC.” Frances has updated and added new materials to this second edition and we again find that Harris is a master at pragmatic analysis of the current teen mind and behavior when it comes to information. Her various chapters can be read as separates and for the reader, it is a treat to compare the chapter topic with one’s own thinking and ideas. It is like having a personal trainer at your side expressing her opinion but not foisting those ideas on you. Does the world still need an expert in information in the school? We wish so many writers in the field of information would read any one of Harris’ chapters…A highly recommended and thoughtful read.… (mais)