Learn how to integrate pop culture and technology into school library programs and classrooms, and make today's digital content, mobile devices, and students' changing interests work to the educator's advantage. Today's school libraries need to evolve and meet the needs of 21st-century students-the instruction, programming, and library services must be relevant to today's learners. Additionally, the interactions between educators and the students are what make the critical difference in the students' learning, and turn the library and classroom into places where they will find, assimilate, experience, and understand information. This book provides practical strategies for using pop culture and technology trends to connect with easily distracted middle and high school students and hold their attention. Author Linda D. Behen addresses why school libraries are in transition and why there is a need for dramatic change. She discusses the evolution of all libraries in response to digital content; ubiquitous mobile devices such as smart phones, iPads, and other tablet computers; patrons' changing interests; and the ways in which schools and school libraries have found to effectively adapt to technology changes and student needs. This book is essential for middle and high school librarians and educators, library school students and instructors, and young adult public librarians. Provides annotated lists of recommended apps and effective media tools Examines what new methods and tools work best to engage the attention of this generation of students Explains how to teach students already comfortable with the Internet how to find, evaluate, understand, and assimilate information for both academic and personal purposes Demonstrates how to keep up and constantly change a library program to maintain its appeal

Building on the information needs and the learning style preferences of today's high school students, the author builds a case for using pop culture (TV shows, fads, and current technology) to build integrated information skills lessons for students. Chapters include a rationale, a review of the current literature, and examples of units of study incorporating popular culture and technology. There is serious discussion in the media about today's youth, the Echo Boomers, and their connection with technology. Our high school students tell us that they have few meals with their families, that they want their teachers and their school's decision makers to listen to them and take their ideas seriously, and that they use the little free time they have to talk to or instant message with their friends or to play video games. Author and media critic Jon Katz says, Technology is youth culture. These kids are building a revolution. Technology is part of their ideology, their language, everything they do. Building on the information needs and the learning style preferences of today's high school students, the author builds a case for using pop culture (TV shows, fads and current technology) to build integrated information-skills lessons for students. Chapters include a rationale, a review of the current literature, and examples of units of study incorporating popular culture and technology. Grades 7-12.