Pennsylvania State University (Pennsylvania State University, University Libraries)

In this Early Career Research Development project, Dr. Priya Kumar of Pennsylvania State University will develop, test, and disseminate a toolkit that equips librarians to navigate privacy issues related to preteen engagement with technology. The Maryland State Library Agency, the Wisconsin Library Services Team within the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Division for Libraries and Technology, a team of advisors, and the American Library Association will be involved in different phases of the project. Through co-design workshops with librarians, the research team will translate a theory-based privacy literacy framework designed by Dr. Kumar into a publicly available toolkit and test the toolkit at four public libraries. In the process, the research team will foster a community of practice through which youth service librarians can exchange privacy knowledge and support. The research will contribute insights and materials that help librarians diagnose and address technology-related privacy issues in a way that respects the diverse needs of youth.