Teens are important patrons in our libraries, with unique and evolving needs. Staff comfort levels, preconceived notions or stereotypes, and requests from organizations to justify teen services can create barriers to effective teen services – but they also offer library workers a chance to advocate for teens. Using psychology, biology, and what we know about teen lives today for a better understanding of teens and their current experiences can create an empathetic base for teen library services. In this presentation, we will share our approach to a training we share with staff to build understanding about teens, as well as some techniques for using this training and the information to advocate for teen services in your libraries.
Learning Outcomes:- Attendees will be able to recognize: Stereotypes for teens and library staff, and how they affect teens’ perceptions of libraries. Teen development, including sleep science, brain development, and puberty. Outside factors affecting teens today. The importance of intentionally developing services for teens in libraries.
- Attendees will be able to apply information from this session in advocating for teen patrons and teen services in their libraries.
