Teen Tech Week plugs in to fun Published March 4, 2011 By Kelly Deichert Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Maxwell and Gunter libraries are helping youth explore technology during Teen Tech Week Monday through March 12. "(We're) encouraging teens and other users to use and take advantage of the many online services and nonprint resources that the libraries offer," said Marsha Taylor, librarian with the Gunter Library. "We want to make teens and others aware of our databases, DVDs, PDAs, audiobooks and games." The week will offer educational and entertaining programs. "Tutor.com which offers free online tutoring and career help to all ages, 24 hours a day and seven days a week," she said. "We encourage users to use our digital media programs by OverDrive and to participate in an online tournament of mahjong as well as fun online projects to make at home or at the library." Teen Tech Week is part of a national initiative by the Young Adult Library Services Association. The theme this year is "Mix and Mash @ your Library." Events include: Download audio books - Participate in free demonstrations and downloads at Maxwell and Gunter Libraries from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday. Learn Tutor.com - Register for and learn about Tutor.com at Maxwell and Gunter Libraries from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Make your own music video -Make a music video using free computer software at Maxwell and Gunter Libraries from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Play mahjong - Play Mahjong online or enter the Mahjong tournament at Maxwell Library at 3 p.m. and Gunter Library at 4 p.m. on Thursday. Winners will receive prizes. Make a "Glee" music video - Make your own glee club music mix at Maxwell and Gunter Libraries from 3 to 5 p.m. March 11. Share it online or burn it to a disc, and make a custom CD cover. Join the Teen Book Club - Mash fiction and nonfiction in the Teen Book Club. Attend the organizational meeting and meet new friends at Maxwell and Gunter Libraries from 2 to 4 p.m. March 12. The YALSA reports that in 2005, "86 percent of youth ages 8-18 have a computer in their home, and 74 percent have Internet access in their home. On average, 8-18 year olds spend six hours and 21 minutes per day using media (including TV, video/DVDs/movies, video games, audio media, computers and print media)." Even though 71 percent of teens report that the Internet is their primary source for completing school projects, multiple studies have shown that the majority of teens lack the critical thinking skills and technical expertise to use the Internet and other electronic resources effectively, the association says. "Libraries are aware that in order for teens to gain skills necessary to compete in today's job market, teens need access to digital and online information and trained professionals who can help them and are willing to help them use these resources effectively, efficiently and ethically," Ms. Taylor said. For information on Teen Tech Week, call the Gunter Library at 416-3179 or the Maxwell Library at 953-6484. To learn more about the YALSA, visit the American Library Association website www.ala.org and click on "divisions."