Media mentoring through digital storytimes: the experiences of public libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This paper reports selected results from a study investigating digital storytimes in children’s programming in public libraries in New Zealand Aotearoa. The paper focuses specifically on the capacity of the librarians running digital storytimes to act as media mentors for families within their communities by demonstrating good practice in joint media engagement and acting as guides to good quality digital resources. The results suggest that while the librarians are offering advice to caregivers on appropriate apps and e-resources, they are less comfortable with modelling and explaining to caregivers how to use digital devices with their children to maximize their learning. It is suggested that part of the reason for this is continuing concern about young children’s exposure to technology. It is recommended that librarians include more explicit messages about appropriate use of digital media with young children in their digital storytimes to enable caregivers to support their children’s learning with technology and to overcome some of the resistance to digital media use.