How To Create a Teen Space in Your Library « YA Library UK. One of the most important steps any library can take toward supporting young people is creating a teen/young adult space within the library.
Depending on the size, content, and resources of your library, the space may be as big as its own complex of rooms or as small as a shelf of books and a bulletin board. Regardless, a teen area is worth having. But if you don’t already have one, how to go about creating one? What if your library service can barely cover its costs and can’t give you much cash for the area? What if the teen space that you really want is virtual rather than physical?
It’s important to be able to defend the need for teen space (especially if you’re asking for money from your service), so first take a look at The Need for Teen Spaces in Public Libraries (via YALSA). There are some basic things to consider including purpose, space, money, and design. Make some time (preferably with other enthusiastic colleagues) to come up with a list of wishes and dreams. Like this: Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Young adult library librarian space design teen. Libraries.idaho.gov/files/LowCostTeenHandout.pdf. The Need for Teen Spaces in Public Libraries. Adopted by YALSA’s Board of Directors, January 2008ÃÂÃÂ Abstract: This paper provides an overview of and commentary on teen space development and its implicit bearing on the strategic vision, planning, and development of facilities design for 21st century libraries.
Attention will be drawn to key success factors such as why teen space is important and current and future priorities and best practices related to library facilities for teenaged users. This paper will help you understand the importance of teen space within your community and organization and address issues which shape the quality of a teen customer’s experience with your library. Background: Over the past twelve years there has been a transformation in library facility design for teenagers. Traditionally speaking, common practice has been to ignore dedicated space for teens or to create boring, unfriendly facilities with little attention to adolescent needs and wants. Resources Bernier, A. Bolan, Kimberly. Teen Space Guidelines. Download the print version of the Teen Space Guidelines (PDF).
Foreword These guidelines were created in 2011 -2012 by a task force of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) with feedback from the library community achieved through a public comment period in the fall of 2011. Members of the task force were Katherine Trouern-Trend (chair), Audrey Sumser, Kathy Mahoney, Caroline Aversano, Samantha Marker, and Kimberly Bolan Cullin. YALSA’s Board of Directors adopted the guidelines on May 24, 2012.
Review Process In order to finalize the guidelines, the taskforce presented a draft document to YALSA’S Board of Directors in June 2011. The feedback was carefully considered by the Taskforce; additions and revisions have been made accordingly. Introduction This is a tool for evaluating a public library’s overall level of success in providing physical and virtual space dedicated to teens, aged 12-18. Guidelines for Physical Space 2.1 Convey that it is teen-owned and maintained. 3.0.