My notes from the Media Mentor State Library Training I attended. I will use this sheet to train other staff members on media mentorship.

1. Media Mentorship
New form for old role: connecting families to their information needs using all forms of
media
 Support children and families in all types of media use
 Make it easier for families and teachers to find online resources and gain digital skills
 Help families gain access to high-quality digital materials from trusted sources
New Media
What is a Media Mentor?
All media that uses text, sound, and visuals in a digital setting; always changing
Websites Videos Apps AR & VR
 70% of households have digital media devices
 Children are expected to start school knowing basic computer skills
How Much Screen Time: Professionals
AAP Updated Guidelines
<18 months
No screen time except video chat
15 months - 2 years
Avoid solo media use; no max. time
2-5 years
Max. 1 hour; co-viewing ideal
6+ years
No max. time; create family limit
English/Mandarin Baby Study
0-2 yrs: don’t learn from screens
2-3 yrs: need interaction
Lisa Guernsey’s Three C’s
Content: what is on the screen
 Need to be picky about content
 Focus on creativity and child control
 High quality and engaging, but also entertaining
Context: what happens before, during, and after media use
 Ask questions
 Create context (connect to book or activity)
 Expand experience beyond the screen
Child: what is appropriate for each child and situation
 What is this specific child interested in?
 How long is this child’s attention span?
+ Cultural Relevancy: show diversity and understand
different needs of your patrons

2. No or very little screen time simply isn’t an option for many families.
Program & Service Ideas
How Much Screen Time: Families
Storytimes
Use an app as a center activity after storytime:
 Miximal: flip and choose a head/body/feet to
create a new animal· Phonological Awareness
 Sesame Street Makes Music: dance with Elmo
to nursery rhymes; virtually play instruments
from around the world· Hand-eye coordination
 Dip Dap: draw shapes that come to life to help
Dip Dap go into space· Shape Recognition
 Endless Alphabet: spells and defines new words
with animated scenes· Vocabulary
Use an app to tell a story:
 The Monster at the End of This Book App
 Felt Board: create flannel sets virtually with
different shapes, colors, and backgrounds
Older Children
Have children examine their proposed screen
time activity. Is it high quality? Have they done a
variety of activities today? Is this screen time
activity engaging or passive?
Younger Children
For younger children, make a chart showing the
most important activities to your family. Has the
child completed all other important activities
today before using a screen?
Healthy
Screen Time
Quality
Balance
Engagement
Outside
Chores
Reading
Playing
Creating
Quiet
Screen Time
Focus on Joint Media Engagement between adult and child, highlighting ready to read
practices and focusing on interactivity and shared experiences.
Programs:
 Tinker Tuesday: free play with library’s tech toys
 Design comics using iPads
 Coding or robotics clubs
 Digital media training for parents/grandparents
Circulating Items:
 Tinkering Toys: iPads, Makey Makeys, Raspberry
Pi , Ozbots, Spheros, VR devices
 STEAM or maker kits
Passive Awareness:
 App of the Week/Month on bulletin board, book
display, or public newsletter
 Flyers recommending new media materials for
specific age groups
 Online communication format