matt latham program coordinator/reference librarian hoboken public library —— kate vasilik...
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Matt LathamProgram Coordinator/Reference Librarian
Hoboken Public Library——
Kate VasilikSupervising Librarian, Head of User Services
Piscataway Public Library
Do’s & Don’ts of Library Programming
for the 20s/30s Crowd
NJLA Annual Conference 2013
The Elusive Patron!
Important group for the future of public libraries Decision makers of the future Young families and active community members
Integrated programming, collections, and services
Technologically and communally relevant – what’s there for ME?!
Enhance communication and encourage participation
Social media and mobile servicesCommunity relationships and volunteer
opportunities
First Things First:Know Your Community . . .
Who are the 20/30-year-olds in YOUR community? Demographics research and observation
Know Where They Are& What They Are Doing . . .
NetworkingLocal News and Event ListingsLocal OrganizationsCommunity Events and FundraisersNightlife Scene
Reach Them Where They Are . . .
Roadblocks & Inconsistencies
As with all age groups, there are no easy answers!
While this age group has shared experiences, there are a wide variety of interests
Added difficulty is that this age group has more varied Life Situations (i.e. “This Is Where I Am In My Life”) than many others
It’s not always easy figuring out where your potential users are, or what would connect them with the library
General Programming:Winning Formulas
Food!Community PartnershipsDiverse Promotions Know Your CommunityPredictability/Consistency Repeat Programming
Programs for Specific Audiences
with specific needs & interests
Niche and Interest Programming targeting shared interests and lifestyles
Opportunity to invite community members to host presentations and
share skills and knowledge!
Nostalgia: 80s & 90s Culture
Opportunity for participants to interact with the material AND each other.
Added benefit: Often attract wide-range of ages – families, teens, older adults, and kids!
• Everyone Loves Snacks – Adults, Too!
• Restricted Age? All Ages? It’s Really Up to You!
• How to Find Interested Participants? …Be Patient. Be Fun! Talk About It!
• Schedules Aren’t Everything.
• Online & Off-Site Locations!
• Book Groups: YA Books for Adults & Adult Books with YA Appeal (YALSA’s Alex Award List)
Discussion Groups
Comic Trivia and Video Game Tournament
Retro Gaming Day
Open-Mic in the Park
After-Hours Open Mic Night
Makerspaces & Maker Culture . . . do it yourself & make it yourself
Provide space, tools and possibly training for individuals to create their own projects and develop their own skill set.
Can be tech based or really anything!If model is tailored to local culture and
demographics, this could be an important piece of the future public library puzzle.
Different tables featuring demonstrations and new equipment
Opportunity for further programming, education, collection development, and collaboration
Focus on outreach and community-building
Interest from ALL age groups, interests and abilities!
DIY Series ProgrammingHome beer brewingCake bakingBread bakingChocolate makingRecycled sculpture
artComic book writing &
drawingDrawing/African Mask
Art/etc.Interior Design BasicsSelf-Defense Classes
Soldering Your Own LED Flashlight
Cheese TastingBeers of the World
SamplingIntro to BirdwatchingIndoor GardeningFood CanningHome Bicycle RepairDance ClassesWedding Planning
Intro to Homebrewing
Cake Baking
Cheese Tasting
Cooking and Party Hosting with Chocolate!
Soldering Your Own LED Flashlight
Comics Writing & Drawing
Wedding Dancing
Interior Design Basics
Sources for Ideas
Matt [email protected]
http://beratedlibrarian.wordpress.com
——
Kate [email protected]
http://katethelibrarian.blogspot.com
What else?