Serving Teens

Teens are “plugged-in” in Washington Courthouse!

Since becoming the Young Adult Specialist at Carnegie Public Library in Washington Court House seven months ago, I have been utilizing many sources to reach out to teens in the community.  I’ve been working with a combination of programs, an online presence, and our library’s Emerging Technology committee. 

I’ve always enjoyed working with computers, which is something that I’ve found to be important in making contact with “plugged in” teens.  I have found that the teens that are online are not the ones I tend to see in the library, so I’ve been trying to reach out to them through an online presence. The greatest tool I’ve found to do this has been our web site. There are many great items on our site, including a calendar of events that links to an advertisement for upcoming programs, and a “Teen Zone” link with items such as my “hot picks” book list, event photos and the Teen Blog. Our site has been recently revamped with a face lift and with web 2.0 social networking tools which makes it easier to do things such as a blog and upload photos.   The Teen Blog has been a great way to post pictures of past events and to remind everyone of upcoming events.  I try to change the background each time I post a new writing to keep it looking fresh and fun.  We had to experiment with it for awhile, but now it’s easy to post new information and for the teens to reply to the posts.  

Another experiment I’ve been working on is being available at a certain time for Instant Messaging.  We have the time that I’ll be available announced on the website, and this allows a great potential for communication with a small amount of time input.  I’m also working on a “Myspace” page. I’m hoping that this popular social networking site will enable me to connect with some teens that don’t come into the library as often.  

Programs are always a great way to rally teens. The Yu Gi Oh tournament is a popular program that was already in place when I started.  Yu Gi Oh is a card game, and I’ve been able to get to know some of the “regulars” and advertise other programs through this one.  During Teen Tech week I had our first “T4”, that is, the Teen Timely Topic Tangle, a forum for teens to chat about and debate issues that are important to them.  We had a small group discussing technology and the way that it affects their lives.  I was able to get some great new ideas, and we had fun experimenting with our digital camera to make short films.
One of the best ways I’ve found to keep up with, and to learn about the technology tools we have available, is through our library’s Emerging Technology committee.  This group is the brain-child of the director, and is a group that includes the information technology coordinator with members from each library department. The group meets once a month to brainstorm ways to use new technology in the library. 

Reaching teens in new techno-savvy ways can be quick, easy, and fun when one is willing to join the cyber-revolution!  

Amy Beth Johnson, Young Adult Specialist, Carnegie Public Library, Washington Court House