National Library News November 1999 Vol. 31, no. 11

Web Awareness

The National Library of Canada, in view of its commitment to promoting equitable, universal and affordable access to information, has joined with various other organizations, including the Canadian Library Association, SchoolNet and the Ontario Library Association, in supporting the Media Awareness Network’s campaign Web Awareness Ontario. It is expected that this campaign will be launched across Canada in 2000.

Accessing information on the Web is not limited to simply "logging on" to the Internet. It requires a sustainable environment for access by the public and the development of various skills in order to maximize the potential of the medium. The involvement of libraries in providing facilities for using the Internet and training those who wish to acquire these new skills is of concern to all those who facilitate access to information.

The use of new media, and the Internet in particular, is growing rapidly, especially in households with children. According to recent data, about two million Canadian children (under 18) are currently able to access the Internet from home. In addition, many Canadians, including children and teenagers, access the Internet from other locations such as school, libraries or work. This poses an educational challenge to parents and teachers, as they strive to keep ahead of young people in their explorations of this new medium.

Web literacy is a crucial part of the skill set young Canadians need to function in the digital age. It is essential that they understand the unique attributes of the medium and develop the critical thinking skills needed to understand online marketing, distinguish between fact and opinion, recognize hate propaganda, and protect personal privacy and safety on-line. As a society we have a responsibility to provide our young people with these lifelong skills.

Web Awareness Ontario: Knowing the Issues is an Internet education and public awareness campaign, launched during Ontario Library Week, October 18-24. Mr. Roch Carrier, National Librarian has been invited to host the launch at the Nepean Public Library on October 18, 1999. The campaign, developed by the Media Awareness Network (Mnet), in partnership with various organizations, including the National Library of Canada, aims to

• raise awareness about the issues and challenges that are arising as children and young people go online;
• promote an understanding of why children and young people need to develop critical thinking skills for safe and savvy surfing on the Internet;
• provide parents and teachers with resources – teaching units, tip sheets, background information and multimedia games for children – to help them explore important Internet-related topics with their children and students.

Web Awareness Ontario will offer:

• workshops for teachers and librarians in selected locations and libraries across Ontario;
• Web site demonstrations and tutorials for parents and young people at public libraries across Ontario;
• parent information sessions for members of Parent Councils and Home and School Associations;
• a Web site on Web awareness <http://www.webawareness.org> with practical Internet education resources.

The roles school and public libraries play in the lives of children are significant, as is the responsibility that comes with providing access to opportunities that seem limitless. Perhaps more than ever before, the ability to access and interpret information is essential for Canadians of all ages. Through its involvement with programs such as Web Awareness Ontario, the National Library helps to promote literacy, which includes the ability not only to read, but also to understand, appreciate, discriminate and apply the information contained in whatever medium is being used.