While all the technology and resources are great, what makes the space truly work is that the teens aren’t left to their own devices once they walk through the doors. Exploring individual interests is encouraged, but YOUmedia is staffed by mentors from the Digital Youth Network and by experienced librarians who run structured workshops and projects to help students build their critical thinking skills and creativity.

students aren’t assessing information sources on their own merit—they’re putting too much trust in the machine.

at Northwestern, when 102 undergraduates were asked to do some research online, none went to the trouble of checking the authors’ credentials

not only is intelligent search a key to everyday problem-solving, it also offers a golden opportunity to train kids in critical thinking.