THE FUTURE OF LIBRARY SERVICES FOR AND WITH TEENS: A CALL TO ACTION #act4teens

Background The result of a yearlong national forum conducted by YALSA in 2013 Funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant Lays out a new path for serving 21st century teens through libraries Provides recommendations on how libraries must address challenges and re-envision their teen services #act4teens

Why a call for action now? Teens make up a significant portion of library users Library services and resources for teens are in jeopardy There has been a significant shift in the demographics of teens Technology continues to impact communication methods, teaching, and learning Teens are entering the workforce without critical skills #act4teens

So what’s in the report? A description of the paradigm shift impacting teens and library services for and with them An overview of five fundamental elements that libraries/library workers must change Recommendations for various stakeholder groups Steps forward - Questions to guide local assessment and planning #act4teens

What’s the paradigm shift & what does it mean for libraries? “Libraries used to be grocery stores. Now we need to be kitchens.” [Forum Participant] Libraries must evolve into places, physical and virtual, where individuals can learn how to connect and use all types of resources Libraries must leverage new technologies and approaches to learning and become kitchens for “mixing resources” Libraries must focus on multiple literacies, not just traditional reading and writing Libraries must become places where young people experience learning that is connected to their passions, desires, and interests #act4teens

Connected Learning From: #act4teens

Examples of what connected learning looks like in a library createIT at Pima County Public Library HYPE Makerspace at Detroit Public Library The Studio at Rangeview Library District Find resources and a community of library staff and youth advocates practicing connected learning at #act4teens

What can libraries do to meet the needs of teens? Serve ALL teens in the community no matter what their backgrounds, interests, and needs might be, and regardless of whether or not they frequent the physical library space Be a community space for HOMAGO “hanging out, messing around, and geeking out” Leverage teens motivation to learn by embracing the concept of connected learning and providing programs, resources, and services that build on teens’ passions and interests (continued on next slide) #act4teens

What can libraries do to meet the needs of teens? Bridge the growing digital and knowledge divide Provide workforce development training Serve as the connector between teens and other community agencies Integrate youth participation into all aspects of the library including the development, implementation, and evaluation of library programs and services #act4teens

How will we get there? What do librarians need to do? Embrace our role as facilitator rather than expert Refocus beyond our traditional roles and traditional measurements of success Partner strategically to reach beyond the library’s walls Create a whole-library and whole-school approach to serving teens in physical spaces and online Identify and develop new professional skills #act4teens

So what’s the first step? Gather library staff, key stakeholders and teens in the community to determine the most pressing needs of the teens in your community. Examine the library services currently being provided for and with teens to determine what’s working and what needs to change. Work with library staff, stakeholders and teens to create a plan for moving forward together. **Make sure to involve teens from ALL demographics (including library users and non-library users) in each step! #act4teens

Closing thoughts Be bold, persistent and critical. Do not be afraid to experiment and fail. Never lose sight of your goal: to change the lives of teens and provide them with a brighter future. Share what you learn and contribute back to the network of practice. We need to learn best practices and acknowledge challenges from each other. Remember: YALSA is here to help! #act4teens

Resources The Report Report and Executive Summary of the report: report Free, archived webinars on key issues in the report Connected Learning Connected Learning: An Agenda for Research and Design: for-research-and-design for-research-and-design Connected Learning TV: Connected Learning Research Network:

Questions or Comments? #act4teens

Please contact YALSA if we can be of help YALSA 50 E. Huron St. Chicago, IL (web site) (YALSAblog) (wiki) #act4teens

Who is YALSA? YALSA stands for the Young Adult Library Services Association Parent organization is the American Library Association (ALA) Has over 5,100 members who are school librarians, public librarians, educators, grad students and library supporters YALSA is a national association of librarians, library workers and advocates whose mission is to expand and strengthen library services for teens, aged Through its member-driven advocacy, research, and professional development initiatives, YALSA builds the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens. #act4teens