Kidlink in Libraries
Getting Their Attention

1. Computers that can be used by visitors.

   Consider installing enough computers to serve a class of students (two students per computer, maximum three). Link the computers to each other and permanently to the Internet. One color bubble jet printer. To ensure fast responses to web requests, consider mirroring Kidlink's web site to a local host.

2. A display of posters, pictures, and items, that shows some of the advantages of getting a friend in another country.

   Motivate schools to help prepare this display. Visualize the global aspects.

3. Ask visiting kids to help build a "Virtual Kidlink Library," with art, text, and other contributions.

   Use exercises from the  Who-Am-I? program to support visiting kids' work to furnish your "Virtual Kidlink Library" with art, text, etc. In this way, it may grow to become a resource kids can use to support discussions with friends in other countries. Set your computer browsers' home page to your "Virtual Kidlink Library" home page. This page should be part of your library's web site, and be accessible by other Internet users as well as by visiting kids. Include a link on your "Virtual Kidlink Library" home page to Kidlink's home page for kids and youth for easy access, or link to translations thereof into your language. Replace "http://www.kidlink.org" with the web address of another host if desired for faster access to the pages. Let the browsers automatically return to home after 15 minutes of inactivity.

4. Posters outlining interesting exercises for kids and youth, with explanations about how to use the equipment.

Next page: Exercises for kids and youth