In a recent piece at egdge.org Clay Shirky talks about the changes brought about by the internet and relates them to historical  events. To make a historical analogy with the last major increase in the written word, you could earn a living in 1500 simply by knowing how to read and write. The spread of those abilities in the subsequent century had the curious property of making literacy both more essential and less professional; literacy became critical at the same time as the scribes lost their jobs. It is our misfortune to live through the largest increase in expressive capability in the Read more [...]

This short video is from the March 9, 2010 FCC summit to discuss the need to include all Americans in the digital age.  It gives clear examples of the need for access and the skills to use the internet across a diverse segment of the population. People need universal access to broadband and the skills to use it, not as a privilege, but as a right. These five stories come from Americans who have found digital literacy to be a major influence in their lives. Learn more: Librarians Play a Vital Role in 21st Century Literacies Should Broadband Access be a Right? I Say Yes FCC’s Read more [...]

This morning I participated in an webinar for the Georgia Public Library Service, Introducing Transliteracy to Libraries. Introduction to Transliteracy for Libraries View more presentations from Bobbi Newman. You can find the transcripts on WhattheHashTag [Update] You can listen to the recording here. Promised links and resources: Libraries and Transliteracy Blog Defining Transliteracy Libraries and Transliteracy Slideshow Libraries and Transliteracy Facebook Page Transliteracy.com Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age.  Knight Commission on the Read more [...]

The Libraries and Transilteracy blog recently added a fourth contributor, Brian Hulsey. Brian's first post was on the skills 21 century workers need and his most recent post The Future is in Your Hand, looks at mobile services in libraries. Brian blogs at Strange Dichotomy and you can find him on Twitter at strng_dichotomy. Brian currently holds a position in Electronic Resources at the Simon Schwob Memorial Library of Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. He enthusiastically explores and learns new technologies in hopes to promote and excite others with a contagious dedication Read more [...]

Check out two new posts over at Libraries and Transliteracy. The first Take the Plunge Integrate Social Media Into the Classroom highlights 4 tips for integrating social media into the classroom. The second Teens, Texting and Social Isolation by fellow contributor Tom Ipri looks at a recent report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project and a New York Times article about teens and texting. Creative Commons licensed photo used courtesy of My Silent Side Read more [...]