1. KARAOKE NIGHT FOR TWEENS AND TEENS @ THE FAULKNER COUNTY LIBRARY Kathleen Gregory LIBM 6371, Fall 2011 Designing Information Programs for Children & Youth

2. KARAOKE NIGHT FOR TWEENS AND TEENS  Thursday, September 29, 2011, 7-9 p.m.  Third time to offer this program  Offered once a month  All needed equipment was available  Attended by fourteen multi-ethnic boys and girls  Snacks provided  No parental involvement  Young people sang and seemed to enjoy the program

3. Pros: Singing Karaoke is up to date with pop culture. Patrons appeared very comfortable in this setting. Self selection of music. Equipment was in working order. Snacks provided. Cons: Program began 40 minutes late. Too informal- no welcome or introduction. No motivation for parent involvement. PROGRAM PROS AND CONS…

4. Pros: Safe environment for youth to spend an evening. Good venue to try something new—singing to an audience. Ample selection of karaoke music to choose from. May motivate further library usage. Good use of available technology. Snacks provided. Cons: Program began late. Lack of welcome or introduction of performers. Time was spent adjusting equipment. No motivating factor for parents to attend. In comparison to children’s calendar indicating 19 programs weekly, tween/teen activities number only 4 weekly. PERSONAL REFLECTION…

5. PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION… Suggestions for Improving Karaoke Night: Have all equipment and necessary materials ready to begin. Start and end on time. Dim the lights to encourage the focal point of the singer and the screen displaying lyrics. Welcome the audience and introduce performers or allow a patron to emcee. Have a procedure in place for determining the order of singers. Comfortable seating. Allow parents access to computers and/or a final materials check-out after the program to encourage them to remain.