ncompass live: meeting the unique needs of teens

Meeting the Unique Needs of Teens

NCompass LiveAugust 19, 2015

Presented by Rachelle McPhillips

Action Plan

• Review library policies– Conduct Policy– Unattended Child Policy

• Define library space• Raise community awareness• Create/conduct programming• Provide staff support• Avoid some things

Action Plan

• Review library policies• Define library space– Sidewalk– Walkway to entrance, lawn

• Raise community awareness• Create/conduct programming• Provide staff support• Avoid some things

Action Plan

• Review library policies• Define library space• Raise community awareness– Communication to parents & patrons– Community partners and neighbors

• Create/conduct programming• Provide staff support• Avoid some things

Action Plan

• Review library policies• Define library space• Raise community awareness• Create/conduct programming– Crafts, games, cooking– Book club at library & at school

• Provide staff support• Avoid some things

Action Plan

• Review library policies• Define library space• Raise community awareness• Create/conduct programming• Provide staff support– Continuing education, staff training– Procedures

• Avoid some things

Staff Support

• Inside the Teen Brain • 40 Developmental Assets• Continuing education opportunities• Reframe the situation so staff can relate– Planning the work day– Offering patrons options

This picture will make sensein a minute.

I can explain this.

Action Plan

• Review library policies• Define library space• Raise community awareness• Create/conduct programming• Provide staff support• Avoid some things– Rules that discriminate– Practices that divide staff

Things to Avoid

• More rules, especially specific to age group• Staff division• Making all YA patron misconduct the

YA librarian’s responsibility

These are my kids.

Guess who isn’t my kid.

Every Childon Earth

Between the Ages of

11 and 19.

A patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron is a patron.

Troubleshooting– Introduce yourself and ask the patron’s name – Get in the mix – straighten chairs/newspapers/pick up in house use

books – Ask if they need help (offer program, books, games)– Have them find a chair– Split them up– One verbal warning

• Ask if they need help.• State the behavior that must be corrected.• State that this is the only warning.• State consequence if behavior continues.• Do not use words to address continued misbehavior. Carry out

consequence.

What to say when someone says…

“Can’t you do something about these kids? They take up all the computers after school!”

“I don’t use the library after school anymore.”

“Do you feel like you’re babysitting every day after school?”

What to do when…

Patrons are loud• Computer lab• Tables• Outside on library grounds• On sidewalk around library

What to do when…

Patrons are being physical• Horseplay• Bouncing/running/hide and seek• Destroying/defacing property

Teen Space: The Beginning

First Teen SpaceMay 2010

Teen Space: The Revolution

• Find a spot– Consider visibility and proximity of front door– Consider Wi-Fi and cell access– Call Jessica and Sally

• Make it work– Weed and move nonfiction– Weed and move art print collection– Relocate a non-library organization– Get patron input


• Take “before” pictures in case you you’re asked to do a presentation about serving teens in the library.

(Imagine useful but boring stacks of nonfiction books here.)

• Get bids and ask potential donors for help


New Teen SpaceNovember 2011

Teen Space: The Evolution

Rearranging & Dream Rocket ProjectApril 2013


Teen Summer ReadingMay 2014


Teen SpaceAugust 2015


Teen SpaceBack to School August 2015


Teen Space Service Point August 2015Anytime Activity Quilt from SRP

Welcome to CPL!While you're at the library, remember that you can and must:• Talk softly• Avoid noisy disturbances• Walk; don't run• Refrain from going in and out of the library repeatedly • Use cell phones respectfully

Library staff will not tolerate:• Physical violence• Public displays of affection• Disrespectful, foul or obscene language• Bullying of any kind

Resources and Contact Info• Columbus Public Library Policies:

http://columbusne.us/DocumentCenter/View/393

• Inside the Teen Brain:Begley, S. (2000). Getting inside a teen brain. Newsweek, 135(9), 58-9. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Select database

• 40 Developmental Assets:http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18

• Rachelle McPhillipsColumbus Public Library2504 14th StreetColumbus, NE [email protected]




http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18

http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18

mailto:[email protected]

ncompass live: meeting the unique needs of teens

Education