The Indie Librarian

Libraries Present and Future

2012-01-09T10:12:00.007-05:00

A friend and colleague Chrystie Hill recently presented Libraries Present and Future at at TEDxRainier 2011. Chrystie works with libraries around the world and shares her knowledge to help make libraries great places.

I love the concept of "participatory democracy and practice" in the Netherlands and the requirement that the community be a part of planning right from the start.

During my public focus groups, I've been asking a similar question to one Chrystie asks, "When everything is online, why come to the library?" It's a good question to get people to think even if they don't agree that everything will be online one day.

By he way, TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.

Collection Turnover Buzz

2011-11-09T07:56:00.017-05:00

There's been a lot of buzz about several of the "new" topics presented in our latest "Creating a Thriving 21st Century Library" training session. We're excited because, if you don't already know it, Rob and I love to stir things up and get people thinking about the possibilities and future of libraries.

One of the topics we've had a ton of questions about is turnover reporting. Many of you have said that you aren't familiar with turnover analysis.

Turnover Rate = Circulation / Volumes Held

Turnover relates to the number of materials checked out to the size of the collection. It indicates how often each item in the collection was lent and therefore is relevant to use of the collection. Turnover analysis is a very effective way to analyze areas of your overall collection to keep a close eye on overall collection, genre, and format trends and shifts.

To make things easier, please feel free to use the Turnover Spreadsheet that I created. Note that you'll have to modify your collection names/types based on your library. Overall, it's pretty straightforward. Try doing this for 2010 and then do another at the end of the year for 2011.

Ideal turnover rate vary depending on the type of collection but, as a rule of thumb, any collections below a 2.0 are the ones you should concentrate on first and foremost. Anything below a 4.0 should also be closely analyzed.

Once you weed and re-think your collection based on the data, run a turnover report every 6 months or so. And, don't forget about re-thinking how your merchandise your collections too!

Click here for a complete PDF of the latest version of our workshop, Creating a Thriving 21st Century Library.

Avoiding the Path to Obsolescence

2011-09-12T11:14:00.003-04:00

This is a must read!

A client of mine just forwarded this article to me with the following message:

OMG did you SEE this?? I was reading along, nodding my head, until I got to the “Space Matters” section at the end. It sounds just like what you told us in your report!! Then I really started nodding my head. I am sending this article to my trustees with their next meeting packet. WOW!

Avoiding the Path to Obsolescence: Riches-to-rags tales in retail business hold survival tips for libraries

It's so nice to hear others backing up the things I've been saying for years. Thanks Steven Smith and Carmelita Pickett.

Top 10 Benefits of Tough Times

2011-07-05T14:11:00.009-04:00

Just a quick follow-up to the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. For all of you who attended Cathy Hakala-Ausperk's and my Pre-conference, thanks so much for participating. We had a great time and hope you did too (and hopefully you took away a few inspirational ideas while you were at it).

So, here again are the top 10 benefits of tough times:

10. Refresh Your Organization
9. Developing Staff Skills
8. Make New Friends
7. Finally Write That Grant
6. Say It Better (Improve Communications)
5. Kill Mission Creep
4. Enjoy Spring Cleaning (Leaner Facilities)
3. Weed’em and Reap
2. Meet New Needs and Create New Users
1. Adjust Your Attitude

For more details, check out the PLA Blog and P. Sweeney's post.

Here too is the .pdf copy of the presentation as well as the quotes from the beginning of the day. If there's anything else don't hesitate to contact me.

Also, for any of you who attended or missed the panel presentation "Consulting From Both Sides of the Fence: Why Libraries Hire Consultants, and How Consultants Get Jobs ," feel free to contact me with questions.

Consultants Giving Back at ALA on June 26

2011-06-13T17:05:00.012-04:00

The "Consultants Giving Back" program returns to the American Library Association conference on Sunday, June 26. As part of this program I will be providing 1/2 or 1 hour consulting sessions between the hours of 1:30 and 5:30 pm at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in the Magnolia Room.

My areas of expertise include:
- building and facilities consultation, whether re-envisioning existing facilities or planning a new building
- rethinking and rearranging space to be more effective, efficient and customer-friendly
- creating and engaging children's and teen area
- hiring and working with architects
- suggestions related to the overall planning process, etc.

Feel free to bring floor plans for specific input.

Please contact me ASAP at 585-739-7003 or kim@libraryexperience.com to schedule a session!

Upcoming Presentations

2011-05-17T13:19:00.006-04:00

Rob and I will be giving the keynote titled Public Libraries Survive and Thrive in the 21st Century this Friday, 5/20 at the Indiana District IV Library Conference. We'll also be doing a breakout session called Library Assessment in the Real World. We're looking forward to it.

Also, my friend and colleague Cathy Hakala-Ausperk and I will be presenting The Top 10 Benefits of Tough Times on Friday, June 24 (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM) at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. We'd love to see you there. See PLA's website for more information and to register.

"Refreshovations" and More

2011-03-02T16:07:00.014-05:00

Since Rob and I have been talking so much about reinventing libraries and our concept of "refreshovating" (rethinking, restructuring and rejuvenating), I thought it would be fun to post a few good examples of both new spaces and "refreshovated" ones for everyone to check out. Thanks to Library Furniture International, we had the opportunity to visit several great Chicago-area public libraries at the end of February. As always, we learned a lot and took away a ton of great and forward-thinking ideas. And, of course, I just needed to share with you.

And, a special thanks to all the terrific library staff who toured us through their buildings!

Barrington Area Library - "Refreshovated" their library by incorporating a supported self-service area, wonderful merchandising with terrific bookstore-like shelving units and fantastic signage, a digital media lab (that once was a small meeting room), interactive children's space and much more. Stay tuned because they're just getting started!

Ela Area Public Library - Revamped and "refreshovated" entrance and first floor with new streamlined service points, supported self-serve, a cafe area, great bookstore-like shelving, and a new teen area.

Arlington Heights Memorial Library's Kids' World - Opened January 2011. This "refreshovated" children's area is an exciting and colorful space. Several interactive elements for the very young have been incorporated including an "I Can Read" area which attracts beginning readers with fun activities and preschool literacy computers to help build skills.

Gail Borden Public Library District, Rakow Branch - Opened August 2009. Features a popular collection, gardens, an external 24/7 DVD and video game dispenser, and is an environmentally friendly LEED registered building.

Gail Borden Public Library District's Studio 270 Teen Area - Opened January 2011. This teen area features a small meeting room with white board wall, highly merchandised popular collection, computers and technology, a slew of soft seating options, and a variety of interactive spaces such as a craft area, small stage and more.

The Customer is Key!

2011-01-27T16:02:00.007-05:00

As my cohorts (Rob, Laura, etc.) and I have been stating for years, customers are the key to successful library service. Since the early 90's I've been actively seeking out the ideas and feedback of library users and non-users and acting upon their suggestions -- always resulting in better libraries!

Over the past 10 years I've also been actively working to show library users (and non-users) the possibilities for their libraries through attention grabbing, informative, and often humorous presentations that grab their attention as well as educate them about what 21st century libraries can be. The mission of librarians needs to be to not only listen to their customers, but to show them the possibilities so they can react, provide feedback, and help create the vision for libraries today and in the future.

It's nice to see that others such as Steve Matthews are also supporting understanding the 21st Century customer. See his 1/26/11 posting "Customer is the Purpose" in his 21 Century Library blog. He states, "The absolute total purpose and focus of the 21st Century Library Model is the customer. Customer centered library services that meet the information needs of the 21st Century customer will result in any library remaining relevant to its community."

Midwinter 2011

2011-01-20T16:31:00.007-05:00

Just a quick follow-up for those of you who attended "21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries" in San Diego at Midwinter...

Feel free to contact me at kim@libraryexperience.com for a copy of the presentation if you want to share it with your staff, board members and/or community.

Also, many of you were interested in more information on FireSign, that great digital signage vendor that Rob and I spoke with at the conference. Please check them out. They're doing great things with wayfinding and digital signage as well as integration of their product with other products such as Evanced Solution's Events and Room Reserve software.

Public Libraries Survive and Thrive in the 21st Century

2010-12-15T10:52:00.012-05:00

Just wanted to remind everyone that you can still register for the PLA Institute: Public Libraries Survive and Thrive in the 21st Century to be held at ALA Midwinter on Friday, January 7, 2011 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Registration is open until December 29, 2010.

Rob and I will be presenting "21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries" during the afternoon session. We'll provide you with ideas and best practices--covering facilities, marketing, staffing, community collaborations, customer service, and technology--that will help your library thrive in the 21st century. Learn how to manage, in good times and in bad, and how to incorporate innovative new ideas in your library.

Overall, our goal is to inspire you! We want you to leave the session motivated and enthused, even in the light of tough economic times. Think of tough times not as a negative, but as a positive--a prime opportunity to make changes and improvements and to offer service like you never have before.

For more information and registration details visit the PLA @ Midwinter website.

More on the Shoppable Library

2010-12-08T08:38:00.003-05:00

I originally wrote a post on 10/07/2010 about the "shoppable library" concept that can be seen at the new public library in Almere, Netherlands. Many of you who have participated in Rob's and my "21+ Ideas for 21st Century Libraries" sessions over the past few months have wanted more information. So, here's your chance...

Check out the article in the Contemporist magazine for more photos and additional information on what they did. I love their description of the run versus fun library "shopper."

Libraries Rock in Indiana!

2010-11-17T09:43:00.042-05:00

"Libraries Rock" was the theme of this year's 2010 Indiana Library Federation Annual Conference held this week in Indianapolis, IN. Rob and I were glad to be a part of it (and to be home)!

We presented our 21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries CE session on Monday for over 50 people. We were pleased to see so many there to hear about new ideas and best practices--covering facilities, marketing, staffing, community collaborations, customer service, and technology--that will help libraries thrive in the 21st century. Our focus was on helping people learn how to manage and be a success in good times and in bad and how to incorporate innovative ideas in libraries of all sizes and budgets.

On Tuesday afternoon I did a mini session called What's Your Sign: Signage & Wayfinding in Libraries. I was amazed that we had a packed house -- over 65 people. Now, that's dedication, especially when it's late in the afternoon and we're talking about signage--typically, not the most exciting of topics ;-).

Just a quick reminder to everyone to download my Signage Planning Worksheet and to try out the "Beautiful>Ugly" graph developed by Aaron Schmidt. Read more on his blog Walking Paper. You can also print out a copy of the graph from the What's Your Sign presentation.

Also, here are some other helpful signage and wayfinding resources including some vendor information that was requested during the sessions:

Vinyl lettering resources (there are so many out there, but here are a few): Try Demco, Highsmith, Brodart. Also, FastSigns, Right on the Walls, Signazon, and many, many more...

Indiana-based pop-up banner companies: CustomBannerLab.com, Indy Displays, Matrix Imaging, and, once again, many, many more...

Libris Design's Wayfinding and Signage Document

San Jose Public Library's Signage Design Guidelines

Demco's Signage Planning

Don't forget to call if you need anything or have questions. Thanks everyone!

New York in Fall, More 21 Ideas, and Lawler Kang

2010-11-08T15:29:00.007-05:00

Well, it proved to be another great New York Library Association (NYLA) conference this year. Saratoga Springs was beautiful (even with the rain). Rob and I were happy to see so many of our friends and colleagues at the exhibits and were extremely enthused by the turnout at our 21+ Ideas for 21st Century Libraries presentation.

We also had the pleasure to hear Lawler Kang speak at the Library Administration and Management Section luncheon. Check out his book Passion at Work: How to Find Work You Love and Live the Time of Your Life. Very inspirational.

Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award

2010-11-02T12:46:00.004-04:00

I'm very excited! It was just recently announced that one of my projects, The Queens Library for Teens, part of Queens Library (NY), won the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence Award.

In Spring 2008, Queens Library presented me with the challenge of converting an empty storefront (located two blocks away from the full-service branch)into a 3,500 square foot teen library. Together with and Queens Library administration and Demco Library Interiors, we worked over the course of 6 months to create a vibrant and positive environment enhanced with a slew of technology and programmatic offerings for the kids in the Far Rockaway community. The teen library was opened in December 2008 and was met with tremendous enthusiasm.

I'm very proud to have been a part of this project and the work done for teens in this community. Congratulations to Queens on this fine award and thanks for asking me to be part of it.

For more information see my article Just for Them in Library Journal that discusses the project. The Queens Courier also has a nice article.

New Library Technologies

2010-11-02T11:58:00.003-04:00

In case you missed it, you need to check out the October 25 article in Wall Street Journal titled New Library Technologies Dispense With Librarians. The article discusses new options for "express" libraries such as automated materials vending, locker systems, etc.

The article has an unfortunate title. I've been following the development of these products for quite some time and haven't viewed these solutions as options for "dispensing with" people. The overall idea has revolved around enhancing and extending library service and giving library customers options. And sure, sometimes it's about coming up with an economical and customer-oriented solution for those libraries who face cuts, closings, and losing staff. Why wouldn't this be a great idea? Automated service or no service?

Ultimately, my vision for technologies such as automated materials vending (e.g., Evanced's BranchAnywhere) is a full service station that checks out materials as well as connects people with other library services. For example, it would enable customers to view program offerings and happenings at various library locations and sign up online right then and there. It would also include real time interaction with a person (i.e., a librarian / library staff) via video, etc. The possibilities are endless, not to mention cost effective, convenient, and customer-service oriented.

For additional commentary, take a look at the Annoyed Librarian.

The Shoppable Library

2010-10-07T04:02:00.003-04:00

This library is a "must see." The new public library in Almere, Netherlands (opened in March 2010) took a retail approach to its service and design. What a great example of 1) understanding how people interact with a library and its materials and 2) effectively creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with a browseable collection that puts materials within arms reach.

Within the library's "shop" concept, the space integrates seating, workplaces, information computers, counters and lighting into the bookcases/shelves. Materials are arranged by topics or "shops." There's also a news café (on the 2nd floor) that includes hundreds of magazines and newspapers and a circular bar with monitors presenting the latest news.

New Blog in Town

2010-10-06T20:53:00.005-04:00

My friend and colleague Rolf Erikson just started a school library design blog. Rolf is great and has done terrific things for school libraries. We love to work together too. ;-) Please check out his blog. He has terrific ideas.

The Shift Age

2010-09-09T10:37:00.005-04:00

Yesterday morning I attended a very inspiring presentation by futurist David Houle, author of The Shift Age. David spoke about the Information Age giving way to the Shift Age and how we are entering a time of transformation and change that offers both great risk and incredible opportunity. I just downloaded a copy of Shift Age to my Kindle and signed up for his free newsletter.

David is currently working on his next book on educational transformation and I can't wait to read it.

Really great stuff!

Library Grapples with Need to Change...

2010-08-19T10:05:00.005-04:00

Like many libraries today, the Indianapolis-Marion County (IN) Public Library (IMCPL) is grappling with changing and evolving into a 21st century library while having to cut back at the same time. Take a look at this Indy Star article to find out how IMCPL is handling things.

A few interesting ideas that came from the article include:

IMCPL -- When administrators took note of the large homeless population using the Central Library, they partnered with the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention to set aside a quiet room for the group to conduct outreach. The group also visits the Central Library a few times a week to look for people they know are homeless and might need services.

Darien Public Library (CT) -- Many who were employed in the New York City financial market lost their jobs, so the library started an early-morning program called "Monday at Seven." Every week, when these professionals would normally be heading off to work, the library opens early and lets them gather there for coffee, bagels and networking.

Hall County (GA) -- The agricultural-based community voiced the need for a new farmers market, so one library branch donated a location and extra hands for setup. On days the market is open, that branch has seen door counts double, and administrators said library card sign-ups have increased.

The Library of the Future

2010-08-11T09:32:00.005-04:00

This just came my way from my colleague Laura Isenstein this morning and I thought it would be of interest to all of you…

These are the words of William Robinson, an architect with Engberg Anderson Design Partners from Milwaukee (WI). Enberg Anderson has years of experience in designing public libraries. He was asked this question on LinkedIn.

This is what the vision for the 21st Century Library is all about and what public library service of today and tomorrow is and will be about.

The Question: How do you imagine the library of the future?

William’s answer:

"The role of the library, particularly the Public Library (which is what I believe you are asking about) has changed incrementally over the past 20 years or so. While still the repository of literature and often special collections (local history, maritime, archival), the social aspects of the library are what set it apart from the research you can do at home via the internet, and the visit to the local bookstore (still important... keep them open). Most libraries are now recognizing the need to offer interactive learning space - shared computers for kids, vs. individual desktops; study rooms for small groups to work collaboratively or for local business startups to use for meetings; larger public meeting facilities with available technology not found at the local hotel meeting room; etc.

In addition, the library has become an increasingly social environment. A place that people meet and keep in touch with each other, especially among young people and families. In fact in many recent libraries we have designed, the spaces are now assumed to be active and "buzzing" and we are finding ourselves designing the quiet room where those who are seeking a quiet read can go - often near a fireplace and with a cup of coffee nearby.

In addition, with the abundance of internet data out there, and students increasingly seeing Google as the source of all wisdom and knowledge, experienced library staff are an invaluable resource for helping teach "how to research" as opposed to just "where", by helping students discern credible information and how to cross reference sources of information.

Third, the library is the last great social equalizer in most communities. It is the one place that is owned by all the people, and truly accessible to all. Libraries may become the last bastion of truly neutral discourse as the media increasingly delivers information mixed with opinion and bias. And libraries will continue to bring people together, through programming for all ages, and through access to shared resources, in a way that no other private facility can do. They will remain the center of a community. So the shelves of books may decrease, and many may be replaced by shared electronic resources, but the need for space where a community can gather, interact, communicate and learn together will continue to grow.

The role of the librarian will continue to evolve, but remain as vital as ever, and the facilities themselves will change from the shelving-filled warehouses for information that many once were, to the truly active and alive center of the community.

Ypulse Interview - Teen Trends

2010-07-22T16:03:00.002-04:00

Those of you who have been following my work and books know that I've been a big fan of Ypulse for years. Ypulse is a great resource and authority on youth. They study the opinions and behavior of tweens, teens, collegians and young adults in order to provide news, commentary, events, research and strategy for marketing, brand and media professionals.

Recently, their Managing Editor Meredith Sires interviewed me about teen trends happening inside and around libraries. Here's the article.

ALA 2010

2010-07-01T11:50:00.011-04:00

As promised, here are copies of my two presentations from this year's ALA conference: Teen Space: Design with Economy and Top Library Building Trends.

Thanks to @librarian_cyn who tweeted about me -- "Great library space is more than furniture and architecture: service plan must come first!"

Among other things, I know a few of you had specific questions about digital creativity and content creation. I've been working on developing planning tools on this topic and have several colleagues throughout the U.S. who have collaborated with me on this type of thing. See too my 6/21/10 post on the Transformation Lab and the Aarhus Library in Denmark.

If you have further questions or need additional assistance in this area (or in any other facilities planning area), don't hesitate to contact me.

Also, many of you asked for copies of Supporting the Next Generation of Public Computing, the LITA Public Library Technology Interest Group presentation Rob and I coordinated. Just click on the presenters name to access each presentation. Thanks again to Chuck McClure, David Leonard and Rob Caluori for being on the panel.

The Transformation Lab - Prototyping the Future

2010-06-21T14:48:00.008-04:00

A vision for library space...

See more about the "transformational library" model and the Aarhus Library in Denmark. There's a great 7 minute video overview to watch.

Metropolitan Library System (IL)

2010-05-17T17:28:00.010-04:00

I really enjoyed my time at the Metropolitan Library System talking about "Signage & Wayfinding" and "21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries." Both workshops turned out to be great brainstorming sessions thanks to the participants. Thanks everyone!

So, without further delay, here are copies of the .pdfs of the presentations as well as the Signage Planning Worksheet. I apologize for the delay in posting this information. I had a few technical difficulties with my .pdf writer yesterday, but things seem to be functioning now.

What's Your Sign - Signage & Wayfinding in Public Libraries

21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries

Sign Planning Worksheet

Also, just a reminder to try out the "Beautiful>Ugly" graph developed by Aaron Schmidt. It's a great tool. Read more on his blog Walking Paper. You can also print out a copy from the "What's Your Sign" presentation.

Don't forget about the other helpful signage and wayfinding resources including Libris Design's Wayfinding and Signage Document, San Jose Public Library's Signage Design Guidelines and Demco's Signage Planning.

Keep in touch.

LACONI Youth Services Conference, Illinois

2010-04-26T13:07:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed meeting everyone and sharing ideas at the LACONI Youth Services Conference. Thanks to Kathy Fredrickson for asking me and to the La Grange Public Library and its staff for hosting. It was a great day!

As we discussed, here's a copy of the presentation with the notes. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions about any of the content or if you need additional information.

Don't forget to check out my Teen Spaces Flickr site and several of the other resources on this blog that I mentioned in the session.

I was really inspired by several of you who asked questions and came up to talk with me after the session. Best of luck on all your projects and keep thinking BIG for teens!

What's Hot in Teen Spaces @ FLA

2010-04-07T09:52:00.009-04:00

I just arrived at the Florida Library Association conference in Orlando, FL last night. I'm very happy to be in Florida again and to be presenting at the 2010 conference.

For all of you attending my "What's Hot in Teen Spaces" presentation, below is a copy of the presentation as well as a few additional resources to supplement the handouts I gave you.

Thanks for attending and keep in touch.

What's Hot in Teen Spaces

The Need for Teen Space

The Asset Approach and Teen Space

Teen Spaces Guidelines

Digital Creativity Spaces Overview

Teen Spaces Bibliography
*Also check out Sandra Feinberg's and James Keller's article "Designing Space for Children and Teens" in the April 2010 edition of American Libraries.

Be a Good Boss

2010-03-17T22:08:00.017-04:00

I'm on my way to the 2010 PLA National Conference in Portland, OR on Monday. In addition to helping my husband in the Evanced Solutions' booth #2133 (they're releasing their latest product BranchAnywhere, an automated library materials vending solution), I will also be presenting "Be a Good Boss: One Year to Success" on Friday, 3/26 (8:30 a.m.) with my friend and colleague Cathy Hakala-Ausperk.

Cathy and I are looking forward to the presentation and hope to leave everyone enthusiastic about being a better boss.

Click here for a copy of our presentation. We'd also like to share the Table of Contents and a Sample Workbook Outline from Cathy's upcoming book "Be a Great Boss" (to be published by ALA Editions in Late Summer / Early Fall 2010).

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at Kim@libraryexperience.com or Cathy at chakalaausperk@gmail.com

Bad Signage Knows No Bounds

2010-03-17T21:46:00.004-04:00

I'm mean really...did you have to post this sign????

Library Dreamspaces in Europe

2010-02-11T09:23:00.003-05:00

David Adjaye explores the beautiful architecture of Peckham Library in London and two others in Lyons, France. Back in the UK he talks to architect Wil Alsop about his design for the Peckham Library and the importance of architecture and community...

Check out this exciting BBC video clip.

Perceptions 2009: An International Survey of Library Automation

2010-02-10T10:15:00.005-05:00

If you haven't already seen this, check out Library Technology Guide's "Perceptions 2009" report from 1/22/10.

I'm especially intrigued about the Open Source discussion and issues that have been surrounding it of late. It also seems that Polaris is continuing to get strong ratings and feedback.

Trustee Workshop: Ideas for 21st Century Libraries

2010-02-01T18:09:00.002-05:00

It was good to be in New York again and to see many of my friends and colleagues. Rob and I were delighted to share our ideas and experiences with you and hope that it inspired all of you on some level. We look forward to more opportunities to assist the Pioneer libraries. Keep in touch!

Here as .pdf link to the presentation for those of you who are interested.

During our discussion about making your entire library friendly for all ages, I mentioned an article titled, "Teen Space an the Community's Living Room: Incorporating Teen Areas into Rural Libraries" by Lisa Wemett.

Library Construction, Preservation, and Training Funding

2010-01-05T11:56:00.003-05:00

Public and academic libraries will receive a slice of the $20 million in grants that the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded for 319 humanities projects, including traveling exhibitions, research fellowships and faculty research, the preservation of humanities collections, and educational programs for libraries, museums, and archives.

Find out more. Check out the Library Journal article from 12/28/09, "NEH Grants Support Library Construction, Preservation, Training."

Get Assistance to Attend ALA 2010

2009-12-22T13:39:00.004-05:00

Evanced Solutions just posted that they're sponsoring a "We Love Evanced" Video Competition. Prizes include free software as well as a $1000 scholarship to attend ALA 2010 in Washington, D.C. Find more information on the Evanced blog.

South Carolina State Library Teen Institute

2009-11-19T21:25:00.006-05:00

I had the best time at the Teen Institute in Columbia, SC. What a great group of people who are so passionate about teen space and services.

Here are the .pdf versions of both PowerPoint presentations:
Teen Space
Beyond Teen Space

In addition, I wanted to remind the people who are interested in virtual space for teens to look at the handout in your packet by Miranda Doyle titled "Library Web Sites for Teens: Quick Tips." You'll also want to check out Miranda's book 101+ Great Ideas for Teen Library Web Sites. Don't forget about Denver Public Library's eVolver site. I also forgot to mention that I include several examples of good teen websites in the 2nd edition of Teen Spaces.

For those of you looking for wall system options check out:
Altos
Dirtt
KI

And, lastly, you can see the programs from Ann Arbor District Library at AXIS

Keep in touch everyone!

NYLA and CLA 2009

2009-10-20T09:15:00.009-04:00

Rob and I enjoyed seeing all our friends and colleagues at this year's New York Library Association's Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, NY (October 15 - 17). Thanks to those of you who got up early on a Saturday morning in October to attend our presentations "21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries" and "What's Hot in Youth Spaces."

We were also excited to be in Anaheim, CA to be a part of the California Library Association Conference October 30 - November 1. What a great turnout to hear us speak about our "21 ideas". We look forward to developing the next 21 and hopefully being invited back to CA to share them with you.

If you have any questions about anything we presented, feel free to contact us directly. Enjoy!

21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries

What's Hot in Youth Spaces

Get it Loud in Libraries

2009-08-10T09:54:00.002-04:00

A friend and colleague Stewart Parsons has been integral in the "Get It Loud In Libraries" initiative, a campaign run by Lancashire County Council in the UK. They have been putting on gigs in libraries for four years now, but the Juliette Lewis show has been the most popular so far. Check out this article.

Champagne Dreams on a Minimal Budget

2009-07-22T10:50:00.007-04:00

Thanks ot all of those who attended our session "Champagne Dreams on a Minimal Budget: Cost Conscious Library Space Designs" on Saturday, July 11 at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. Norm Maas, Marilyn Genther and I had a great time and hope we were able to share some valuable information with you about budget conscious facility designs that work to meet today's public libraries changing service models. Thanks to LLAMA for supporting this program. I look forward to many more outstanding LLAMA programs in the future.

As promised, here are the .pdf versions of all three presentations. Please be patient as the files are large and will take several minutes to download. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.

Kimberly Bolan Cullin - Queens Library for Teens, Far Rockaway (NY)

Norman Maas - Norfolk Public Library, VA

Marilyn Genther - Mount Prospect Public Library, IL

Find even more on LLAMA's ALA Slideshare page.

Massachusetts Library Association Conference 2009

2009-05-14T19:32:00.008-04:00

Rob and I really enjoyed our time in Springfield, MA. Thanks to everyone who attended our sessions, 21 Ideas for 21st Century Libraries and Teen Third Place. We hope you found the sessions useful. Let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2010 conference, if not before.

Inspirational Space in Lancashire, England

2009-05-14T19:15:00.006-04:00

The Lancashire Libraries Youth Space team in England commissioned design practice Mooch to work with local young people to generate ideas and concepts that would inform the new spaces.

The aim of the project is not only to create inspirational space that would become young people's default "third place" destination but to allow young people ownership of the space through their input and ideas.

Raising expectations, opening up new doors and creating a platform of opportunity for young people is all part of the project and Mooch facilitated this perfectly through their engagement program.

For more information see their presentation.

2009 PLA Symposium

2009-04-08T21:12:00.012-04:00

What a great day and a half at the 2009 PLA Symposium in Nashville, TN on April 3 and 4. Jane, Tim, Marc, Cathy and I would like to thank the 106 participants who attended our session, "Today's Library: From the Inside Out." We had a great time and learned a lot. We hope you did too.

As promised, here is a .pdf of the final PowerPoint presentation. It will remain on my blog for the next several weeks. If you have questions, please let me know.
Today's Library Powerpoint

Also, here are a few other items people requested:

1. "Wood" ceiling information for the Ramsey County (MN) - Maplewood Library project
Organtex
Acoustigreen Organtex
Photo of Maplewood ceiling

2. "Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill" articles include, but aren't limited to:
Peter Carbonara Article #1
Peter Carbonara Article #2

3. Meeting room management software is called Room Reserve by Evanced Solutions and the vending solution for libraries is called GoLibrary also by Evanced Solutions. See also my blog post from 1/13/09.

4. See my 3/15/09 post for mobile service point solutions.

5. Free Signage - The Dewey pictograms are available on the California State Library's literacy website. They can be downloaded in low or high resolution at California Library Literacy Services.

Music and Video Production Spaces on a Budget

2009-03-16T12:45:00.006-04:00

A friend and colleague Kent Barnard, currently working on his MLIS (focusing on youth and children's services) at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, recently shared some great tips with me for libraries who are interested in creating a music and video production space on a budget. Here's what he has to say:

- Depending on the budget, there are lots of ways to do this inexpensively. The most important element is to be able to eliminate background noise for the audio. In this respect, it would be best to have a separate room, or a way to separate the area from noise. In many instances, a meeting room could double as this space.

- In order to use a green screen for video production, the subject needs to be at least 4' in front, and there needs to be room for lighting. One solution for lighting, if an area is under construction, would be to install a couple of sets of track lighting spots, one to illuminate the green screen, and one set to illuminate the subject. If only one track is used, it should be to light the green screen, to prevent shadows.

- Another way to illuminate is through simple work lights (the kind on stands at any hardware store). Inexpensive cloth can be used to soften the light, but these have the advantage of being portable, and only about $40 apiece.

- For the green screen itself, there are several inexpensive ways to do it. The important thing to remember is that the green (or blue) needs to be a flat color, it cannot be glossy. Dark Lime green is the color of choice.
Here are some options:
1. special chroma key paint @$30 gallon
2. special chroma key fabrics (lots of choices, lots of websites)
3. green bed sheets
4. green flat paint
5. a pull down, or portable screen can be purchased or made

Other components:
- A computer (Mac would probably be the best choice, but a PC can be used with the right software. A laptop set up with the right software could also be used elsewhere in the library.)

- A microphone (USB is the new technology)

- A video camera (If you get one with a microphone, that much the better for video production.)

- Software (There are a lot. Adobe may already be available in the library.)

Feel free to contact Kent with questions. Visit him at Large Librarian-at-Large. Thanks, Kent!

Mobile Service Desks

2009-03-15T17:50:00.004-04:00

Many of you have contacted me about ideas for mobile service desks for both circulation and reference/information. Here are a few products I've seen in action that have a lot of possibilities.

1. TechnoLink Service Desks by Demco Library Interiors (DLI) *Contact DLI for more information.
2. Rovers by Versteel
3. There is also a product by Bretford, but I don't have a product name yet. Contact Bretford more more information.

I'll post additional information as I have it.

Customer Convenience

2009-01-13T06:21:00.007-05:00

I've been working with several of my clients on how to increase customer convenience and streamline services through automation. As a result, I came across a Swedish company called Distec (Distribution Technologies). You may know the company as GoLibrary as it's the brand they use in North America. At any rate, I wanted to share the information with you. The company offers three main products:

1. GoLibrary Books - Acts as an independent library and can be placed anywhere where you wish to provide library service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The machine stores books and handles loans, returns and administration automatically.

2. GoLibrary Media - Developed in response to the need to automate the handling of CDs and DVDs.

3. GoLibrary Reservations - Offers a completely automated reservation system that, again, can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A few of their installations include: Contra Costa County (CA), Yuba County (CA), and Westchester Library System (NY).

For more information on these solutions see GoLibrary

Board and Card Game Ideas for Teens

2009-01-13T06:14:00.003-05:00

Here is a great list of board and card game ideas compiled from the YA-YAAC listserv. I thought this might be helpful to those of you looking for ideas.I hope it helps.

YA-YAAC Board and Card Game Ideas

What's Your Dewey Decimal Number?

2008-12-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

A friend forwarded this to me. Just something fun to share. Find more at www.spacefem.com.

Kimberly Bolan Cullin's Dewey Decimal Section:

888 Classical Greek miscellaneous writings

Kimberly Bolan Cullin = 1932582525214312294 = 193+258+252+521+431+229+4 = 1888

Class:
800 Literature

Contains:
Literature, criticism, analysis of classic writing and mythology.

What it says about you:
You're a global, worldly person who wants to make a big impact with your actions. You have a lot to tell people and you're good at making unique observations about everyday experiences. You can notice and remember details that other people think aren't important.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

CLA 2008

2008-12-08T17:01:00.003-05:00

What a great teen space training session in San Jose, CA. Thanks to all those who participated in the full day workshop.

Here are the links to the text only slides.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Congratulations again to the prize winners:

Grand Prize - Cafe Table and Scooper Stools from DEMCO
Megan Birdsong from Monta Vista High School

1st Prize - $100 DEMCO gift certificate
Cindy Miller from Long Beach Public Library

2nd Prize - $50 DEMCO gift certificate
Eno Schmidt from Cupertino Library

Prince Aha Stools

2008-10-27T20:38:00.002-04:00

Several of you have inquired about the funky stools you've seen in several of my photos. They are the Prince Aha Stools and are manufacturered by Kartell. They can be purchased from Design Within Reach. They're a very durable product according to several sources. Another vendor option is Hive.

Side note: An interior designer friend of mine said another stool she purchased from Hive called La Boheme 3 had some issues and didn't hold up well. She'd avoid La Boheme, but highly recommends Prince Aha. You might want to check out the Hive website for other ideas.

My Week In Missouri

2008-10-22T21:50:00.012-04:00

What a great week in Missouri! Thanks to Marge Kudrna and the State of Missouri for asking me to train on the topic of Teen Third Space. It was a great adventure. I flew into Kansas City on Sunday, presented the first workshop on Monday in Carrollton, then moved onto Springfield for the Tuesday session, Farmington on Wednesday and, last but not least, St. Charles on Thursday. I had a terrific time! Thanks, Marge, for driving me around the state and for exposing me to Jack in the Box. :-) Thanks too to all the library hosts and hostesses, and to all the workshop participants. I enjoyed meeting everyone (and seeing several of you once again).

Here are the links to the text only versions of the PowerPoint presentations. Remember that all the photos of the model libraries aren't included here, but they will be available after November on the companion website for the 2nd edition of Teen Spaces.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Also, here is the list of creative program ideas we brainstormed. If any of you want to elaborate on your suggestions please post as comments. If you want to add a program to the list that I missed, please email me.

Missouri Libraries - Creative Programming Ideas that Work

And...the best for last...the winners of the grand prize drawing. Thanks again to DEMCO for all their generous donations.

Grand Prize - Cafe Table and Scooper Stools from DEMCO
Karen Sieber, St. Louis County Jamestown Bluffs Branch

1st Prize - 2 floor rocker chairs from DEMCO
Rebecca Crame, Marshall Senior High

2nd Prize - $150 DEMCO gift certificate and teen books from the State Library
Deanna Mercille, John A. Evans Middle School

3rd Prize - $50 gift certificate & lamp from DEMCO & books from the State Library
Cindy Rinker, Barry-Lawrence Regional Library, Mt. Vernon Branch

Congratulations everyone!!!!

Pioneer Library System (NY)

2008-10-12T17:56:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended the Teen Third Place workshop in Canandaigua, NY on October 2. What a fantastic group! It was great to be back in Western New York. I was just in time for a few beautiful fall days. I even had a moment to eat some Concord grapes and buy a grape pie. Two of my favorites that I can't get in Indiana.

I will be giving Ellen the text-only handouts soon, so stay tuned. For now, here are your responses to our talking points.

How are you involving teens?
- Hung signs asking them to write right on the sign what CDs they want us to buy
- Teens active in library programming can do their government class community service in library
- Teens who frequent library can come to “Lock-In” programming
- Opportunities for community service (a requirement to graduate)
- Song writing workshop
- Teens doing Murder Mystery for our Halloween Party
- Volunteer opportunities for teens
- Teens helped create and design the teen room (paint, move books...)
- Teens choose books to order from YALSA every month

What excellent customer service practices have you implemented?
- Started a regular gaming night for teens (battle about games vs. “literacy” and won)
- Installed Wi-fi laptop in Teen Corner strictly for teen use (excellent response-would like to add another)
- Talked up “Teen Friendly” attitude at library staff meeting
- Talk to the kids like they are “regular people”
- Know their names and material interests and get stuff for them

How are you effectively marketing to teens?
- Get to know them-learn their names - makes them feel welcome
- Teen surveys are available in Teen Corner for kids to fill out
- Shifting programs more to what teens are interested in
- More volunteering and added an anime club and book groups
- Attend programs in community and get to know their parents and siblings

What creative space ideas have you implemented?
- Moved the Graphic Novel collection to Teen Corner
- Received a sizeable memorial donation. Kim Bolan did a complete plan to create an inviting area
- Separated teen area from children’s and circulation desk (some privacy as a result)
- Eagle Scout Project for re-design/re-painting of Children and Teen Areas

New Building News

2008-08-25T22:22:00.001-04:00

The Marshalltown (IA) Public Library had a great post on their blog today. As part of their "New Building News" they included photos of the design boards for both their youth and teen spaces. What a great way to keep their community informed and excited about their project. Thanks for the great example, Marshalltown!

2008 YALSA President's Program - Between Home & School: The Teen Third Space

2008-07-10T08:50:00.006-04:00

I was so happy to be a part of YALSA's President's Program at the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA on June 30. Thanks to Paula Brehm-Heeger, Sarah Debraski, and Carrie Bryniak for having the program idea and asking me to participate. I was honored.

I also was quite moved by Sarah's speech at the beginning of the program. I feel very fortunate to be part of a group of people who are so inspired by teens.

As I mentioned in my presentation, strong teen service (including the creation of teen third space) is critical to the success of 21st century public and school libraries. As data and success stories related to teen space and service throughout the U.S. and abroad are revealed, it is evident that teen service is transitioning (and has already transitioned in many cases) from being ignored and inconsequential to being essential, inspirational, and a model to other areas of library service.

As promised, here is the link to my presentation. It can also be found on the ALA Conference Materials Archive. Kelly Tyler has also blogged about it on the YALSA blog.

The additional resources listed at the end of the presentation include:

- PPS – Project for Public Spaces

- My new book Teen Spaces (2nd ed.) - ALA Editions, Fall 2008

- The Innovation Center - Youth in Decision-Making: A Study on the Impacts of Youth on Adults and Organizations

Additional information on London (Ontario, Canada) Public Library's LOLLYPOP (Learning, Literacy and Leadership for our Youth POPulation) program will be available in a separate post.

Book Rental Service????

2008-06-05T15:18:00.001-04:00

A friend and colleague just forwared me this posting. It's from failblog.org.

"Was just thinking. my sister does -alot- of reading, and spends like $1000 a year on just books alone. Most of them she reads once then never looks at again. Is there any kind of like…video rental store but for books? Would make things alot cheaper, plus once one person had read one the next person can get enjoyment from it etc."

It's called a library and this is why librarians need to A) market and B) get out of their libraries and into their communities!

Spring Teen Spaces Workshop

2008-04-24T14:34:00.003-04:00

As promised, here is a copy of my full-day teen spaces workshop for Spring 2008. It includes text slides and vendor images. Due to permissions restrictions, all of the model library photos from the presentation will only be available on the companion website of the 2nd edition of my Teen Spaces book (due to be published by ALA Editions in late summer/early fall 2008).

Teen Spaces - Spring 2008

High Touch with Customer Care

2008-04-07T08:43:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended High Touch with Customer Care at the 2008 Computers in Libraries conference on March 7, 2008. Here is the .pdf of the presentation:

High Touch with Customer Care

Remember that automating processes and services means more personal interaction and better service, not less.

PLA 2008

2008-04-04T16:21:00.006-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended my PLA sessions (21st Century Library Design and Talking without Jargon). Also, thanks to everyone for their warm wedding wishes. It was a crazy ride going from a busy PLA week in Minneapolis straight on to our wedding in Aurora, NY on March 29. It was an absolutely beautiful day! Stay tuned for more photos.

As promised, here are copies of both presentations. Feel free to email me at bolan_kimberly@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

21st Century Library Design - PLA Conference - March 27, 2008

Talking without Jargon: Improving Library & IT Relations - PLA Conference - March 27, 2008

Kim's Presentation Schedule (January - June 2008)

2008-03-14T11:03:00.008-04:00

January 2008
24th - Southwest Georgia RESA (Pelham, GA) - Teen Spaces

February 2008
28th - Seymour Public Library (Auburn, NY) - Customer Service Made Simple

March 2008
27th (10:30 a.m.) - PLA (Minneapolis, MN) - 21st Century Library Design
27th (4 p.m.) - PLA (Minneapolis, MN) - Technology Made Simple

April 2008
7th - Computers in Libraries Conference (Arlington, VA) - High Touch With Customer Care
21st - Lincoln Trail Libraries System (IL) - Teen Spaces
28th - Central Massachusetts Regional Library System - Teen Spaces

May 2008
5th - Prairie Area Library System (IL) - Teen Spaces

June 2008
28th and 29th (3 p.m.)- ALA (Anaheim, CA) - Q & A on the 2nd edition of Teen Spaces (due out in fall 2008) and Technology Made Simple

30th (1:30 p.m.) - ALA (Anaheim, CA) - YALSA President's Program - Between Home & School: The Teen Third Space

More to come...

Borders opens bookshelves to digital services

2008-02-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

Interesting article from USA Today. Talks about Borders' newest retail strategy: a digital center where you can download music or books, burn CDs, research family histories, print pictures and order leather-bound books crammed with family photos — with help from clerks who know how to do those sorts of things and won't embarrass you if you don't.

Borders opens bookshelves to digital services

Ms. Dewey

2008-02-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

Check this out...

Hours of entertainment (well, maybe minutes)...

Ms. Dewey

Get Blended

2008-02-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

I am so impressed by this Zine project. It's one of the best examples of teen participation and teen/adult collaboration I've seen to date. Not only did these teens write their own proposal for this project, they prepared a marketing plan and presented their idea directly to ConocoPhillips. They received a $17,000 grant as a result. And, equally impressive, they produced this publication by themselves. Minimal adults involved!

Find out more Blended by reading about it in their local paper.
Get blended : Area young people publish literary magazine for teens

Click here for a sneak peak

Congratulations to them!

2006 - 2007 Teen Focus Group Summary

2008-01-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

Between October 2006 and January 2008, I held a series of teen focus groups and conducted two online surveys in communities across the United States. Over 800 teens responded. They were asked what they would like to see in libraries. The top fifteen common responses were:

• More space for teens
• Separate, distinct teen area
• Comfortable furniture
• Warm, welcoming environment
• More technology such as computers, TVs, listening stations, sound domes, gaming equipment
• Teen-only computers (like in the children’s room)
• Areas for talking and socializing as well as quiet study
• More nature light and better, “cooler” artificial light
• More up-to-date materials such as graphic novels, music, DVDs, popular books, magazines, and video games
• Good signs that look nice and make it easy to find things
• Color (no white walls)
• Food and drink options (e.g. vending machines or a library café)
• Better advertising of services and programs
• Cleaner, better organized library
• Helpful staff and good customer service

Over 75% of online survey respondents said having a space just for teens that is comfortable and welcoming where they could hang out would make them want to use the library more. Other top responses to increase teen library use included having a café (68%), bringing in more technologies such as listening stations, TVs, etc. (58%), adding music and DVDs (56%), adding more books (55%), and adding more computers (51%).

For more information see my new book on teen space and teen services coming in 2008 (published by ALA Editions).

Tech-savvy Gen Y also loves libraries

2008-01-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

The new PEW study on library use seems to confirm what I've been saying for years... progressive technology, services, and youth-oriented policies by libraries creates more demand for those libraries.

I must say, it's all quite interesting and definitely food for thought. I do hear some of the same comments they reported in my focus groups, in particular from the older teens 16 - 19 year olds. What I really liked, and what I really feel is a widespread key point, is a quote that comes from StevenB on the ACRLog about libraries improving the overall user experience -- "I think it would help if the library, especially on our campuses, was a place people wanted to go—a destination—rather than a place they have to go."

See the following articles for more details:

Generation Y biggest user of U.S. libraries - survey

Where People Turn When They Need Information

Pew: Internet satiates but also creates "information hunger"

Young use library most despite the Net

See additional comments at: Ypulse

Teen Space Makeover Contest

2007-12-20T09:11:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library and donations from DEMCO and E*vanced Solutions, Annette Birdsall, Finger Lakes (NY)Library System's Youth Services Consultant, and I were able to hold a workshop and teen spaces makeover contest for the libraries in the Finger Lakes, New York area on December 13.

Even though a winter snow storm hindered our attendance, several teen advocates still managed to trudge through the snow to hear 3 hours of teen spaces planning and design tips. Thanks to all of you who attended! For all of you who could not make the session, we hope to have something else in store for you during better weather.

The three winners were:

2nd prize - Southworth Library Association (Dryden, NY)
They won a Califone Spirit Stereo Listening Center from DEMCO and oversized decorative letters from Creative Arts that spell out R E A D.

1st prize - Tompkins County Public Library (Ithaca, NY)
They won a 1-year subscription to E•vanced Solutions Summer Re•ader software

Grand prize - Weedsport Free Library (Weedsport, NY)
• $500 in reimbursements for their teen space courtesy of The Friends of
Tompkins County Public LIbrary
• $500 in DEMCO products
• Design layout & support from Demco Library Interiors (DLI)
• 1-year subscription to E•vanced Solutions Summer Re•ader software

Congratulations everyone and thanks for involving me!

Mentoring Matters

2007-10-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

Zahra and I want to thank everyone who attended our Mentoring Matters session at this year's New York Library Association conference in Buffalo, NY. Here is a copy of our presentation. Enjoy!

Mentoring Matters: Pathways to Career Building (.pdf)

More Teen Spaces - Be a Model Library!

2007-09-28T10:30:00.000-04:00

If you're still interested in being a model space in my new teen spaces book, there's still time. I have extended the deadline to November 1, 2007.

Also, in the interest of time, I've created a shortened submission form. I'd rather have you participate than not participate due to the paperwork.

More Teen Spaces Model Library Shortened Submission Form (.doc)

If you have a space that's in process and you won't be finished until December 2007 or January 2008, let me know. We can work something out.

Please don't hesitate to give me a call or send me an email to bolan_kimberly@yahoo.com if you have questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

The Pennsylvania Tour - Teen Spaces Planning & Design (9/17 - 9/19/07)

2007-09-24T20:13:00.001-04:00

Here I am talking to a great crowd of librarians in King of Prussia (PA) on Monday, 9/17. I also presented in Wilkes-Barre and Clarion. You guys were terrific! Thanks to Susan Pannebaker and everyone who participated in the workshops. I had a great visit.

Color in Education

2007-09-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

For those of you who attended my series of teen space planning and design workshops in Pennsylvania last week (and for anyone else who's interested in the topic of color in libraries), see "Color in Education" by Sheri Thompson. This is a great starting point if you're researching color ideas for your facility, whether school or public library.

Library Cafe Report

2007-09-24T19:53:00.000-04:00

A 60-page Survey of Library Cafes report was recently released by the Primary Research Group in July 2007. It presents useful data for planning and managing a library cafe including data from more than forty academic and
public libraries about their cafes and other food service operations. Sales volume, best selling products, impact on library maintenance costs, reasons for starting a cafe, affect on library traffic and many other issues regarding the decision to start and manage a library cafe are included.

For an overview of this report see: Survey of Library Cafes

Note: that there is a fee if you want to order the full report. This would be a good purchase for a system or consortium for libraries to share.

Teen Furniture, Misleading Advertising & Getting Patron Input

2007-08-17T11:15:00.000-04:00

In the August 16 edition of E-Product News from American Libraries, I was a bit frustrated to see the following as the lead item: Teens Love the New Big Cozy Books Booths.

As someone who has extensively researched teen space design as well as talked to thousands of teenagers about library furnishings and design concepts, I have yet to come across a teen (grades 7 - 12) who positively responds to Big Cozy Books (BCB) booths. Don’t get me wrong, BCB products can be a good option for children’s spaces, but not necessarily for teenagers (especially in their existing format). And…I definitely wouldn’t go as far as saying that teens “love” BCB booths. In reality, when I show teens these the booths side-by-side with other booth options, they hands-down choose the other options.

If teens were presented with hard, traditional, wooden library furniture vs. the BCB booths, then, yes, maybe they would choose BCB. Anything is better than traditional, hard, wooden library furniture. Even adults that I talk to in my focus groups would go for anything over the uncomfortable, traditional options.

When it comes to furniture and design selection and “true” likes and dislikes of library patrons, this is why I am so adamant with library staff (whether dealing with teens or adults) about working directly with patrons, showing them all the options, and getting their direct input.

Tip #1: Work with your patrons, show them all the options (and make the options comparable), give them a choice and a chance to give their direct input. Research ALL the options so you can provide a good sampling. And…don’t sway their decision by only showing them one option, options that aren’t comparable, or options that are solely based on library staff likes and dislikes. In this case, I think perhaps librarians love the BCB booths, not teenagers.

My concern about this advertisement for BCB is that they are misleading people. Have they actually done any market research that suggests that teens prefer BCB booths over more traditional or modern booths? I don’t see any teen references or quotes or data suggesting as much.

Tip #2: When looking at any ad, ask yourself the above questions first and then go out and ask your customers before making any purchases. Don’t make assumptions!

Let me know if you need assistance with finding options. There are certainly a lot out there. See the vendor list on my blog to get a good start.

Managing Team Conflict

2007-08-07T08:23:00.000-04:00

There is a great white paper posted on TechRepublic dealing with the topic of managers and effective management of team conflict. This skill should be a core competency for all managers. Discussion includes recognizing team conflict symptoms, determining how to address team conflict, and improving a manager's ability to build teams that can deal effectively with both healthy and unhealthy conflict.

Rob Cullin and I will also be addressing some of this in Talking without Jargon to be presented at the PLA 2008 National Conference in Minneapolis, March 25-29, 2008.

For the complete article, see Effectively Managing Team Conflict

More Shining Stars

2007-07-12T15:37:00.000-04:00

At ALA Annual the PLA Small and Medium-Sized Libraries Committee sponsored a program entitled More Shining Stars: Award-Winning Programs from Small and Medium-Sized Public Libraries . The program featured a panel of award winners from small and medium-sized public libraries. These libraries show a remarkable range of creativity in developing services and programs that can be replicated by other libraries. The award winners that were showcased have had success in developing collaboration with other libraries and partnerships with schools or other agencies and they have raised their visibility as community centers by developing award-winning programs which will be shared with attendees.

Speakers included Peggy Carlson, Adult Services Dept. Head, Bloomingdale (IL) Public Library; Abby Williams, Librarian, Bloomingdale (IL) Public Library; Linda Yoder, Director, Nappanee (IN) Public Library; Laurel Best, Director, Linebaugh (TN) Public Library.

As the new chair of the Small and Medium-Size Library Committee, I have been asked to post some of the presentations and handouts to share.

Nappanee Presentation

Bloomingdale Presentation

Bloomingdale Handout #1

Bloomingdale Handout #2

Summer Reader Drawing

2007-07-03T12:31:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to April Winters and the Durham County Library (NC)! They are the winners of the E*vanced Solutions' Summer Re*ader software drawing from the ALA presentation, "Using Technology to Market to Young Adults".

Using Technology to Market to Young Adults

2007-06-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who attended "Using Technology to Market to Young Adults" with me and Michael Stephens at ALA in D.C. on Sunday. Below is a copy of my PowerPoint presentation as well as the great handout compiled by YALSA's Technology for Young Adults committee.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

And...don't forget to register for the drawing for free software. See my 6/15 posting below to enter.

Kim’s Presentation

YALSA's Technology for Teens Committee Handout

Look for more marketing ideas coming soon...

Developing Outstanding Customer Experiences

2007-06-18T14:23:00.000-04:00

For a while now I’ve been reading a blog by David Armano called Logic + Emotion. David has some terrific information and insight into marketing and creating outstanding customer experiences.

One article entitled “What a Stones Show Can Teach Us About Marketing” has really stuck with me. In the article David talks about how we can learn a lot about marketing just from watching a Rolling Stones concert. Key tips include:

• Provide Value
• Transcend Generations
• Embrace Your Audience
• Show Your Humanity
• Deliver A Memorable Brand Experience
• Leave A Lasting Impression

My challenge to libraries:
Develop a marketing initiative and make it your library’s mission to do 2 – 3 of the above items well!

For a full copy of this article visit
Logic + Emotion

ALA Drawing - Using Technology to Market to Young Adults

2007-06-15T12:27:00.000-04:00

If you attended Michael Stephens' and my presentation "Using Technology to Market to Young Adults" at ALA 2007 click HERE to enter for a chance to win a FREE 1-year subscription to E•vanced Solutions' Online Summer Reading Program software.

Enter now through June 30, 2007. A winner will be announced July 2, 2007!

Thanks to E•vanced Solutions for their generous software donation and to YALSA’s Teens & Technology Committee for working with E•vanced to secure this giveaway.

Handouts still to come...

Listening / Sound Domes

2007-06-06T13:03:00.000-04:00

In my May 25th YALSA Podcast with Linda Braun on Teen Space (Podcast #21) I said I would post some information on listening domes. Here it is!

A few libraries that have installed listening domes include Waupaca Public Library (WI), Spartanburg County Public Libraries (SC), and Schaumburg Township District Library (IL).

For additional information visit Brown Innovations at www.browninnovations.com or Sound Domes.com at www.sounddomes.com

Online Summer Reading - Kids and Teens

2007-05-23T18:21:00.001-04:00

More and more libraries are getting on board and rolling out online summer reading for kids and teens. Not only is this a great way to draw in young customers and promote your library's website and online resources, it is also a terrific way to market to new participants and increase active participation of all involved through online registration, online logging, individual home pages, automated prize alerts, review and information sharing, and more. Remember Prince William County's success last year (See the Sept. 2006 posting)?

Automating summer reading is a huge draw for busy families. It is also a smart library management move as it streamlines tasks and saves countless staff and volunteer hours. No more counting cards, counting logs, tearing up slips of paper for drawings! Check out what some libraries across the nation are doing:

Great times in Massachusetts!

2007-04-06T22:36:00.003-04:00

Thanks to all the wonderful people in Massachusetts for the warm welcome and wonderful stay during my week-long workshop tour. Special thanks to all the workshop participants, Carolyn Markuson, Rolf Erikson, Beth Gallaway, and Vickie Beene-Beavers.

As promised, here are copies of the notes from my teen spaces workshops as well as my alternative collection development for adults and teens.

SEMLS and Metrowest Presentations:
Young Adult Standards: Facilities (Teen Spaces, Cool Places Teen Spaces)
If You Buy It & Market It, They Will Come: Alternative Collections for Libraries

New England Educational Media Association (NEEMA) Presentation:
Teen Participation in Facilities Design
The Ideal Teen Environment: What Teens Need and Want

Beth Gallaway has also posted to the Metrowest blog - Metrowest News

Be a Model Library - More Teen Spaces

2007-04-06T22:04:00.002-04:00

Does your library have a model teen space? I'm looking for model sites to be featured in the 2nd edition of Teen Spaces. It doesn't matter if you're small, medium or large, school or public, big budget or small.

Download one of the forms listed below and return the completed form to me by November 1, 2007 [*NOTE: The deadline has been moved.]. If you need more time let me know. In the interest of time, feel free to use the shortened form. I'd rather have you participate than not participate due to the paperwork. Feel free to email or call me!

Have questions? Give me a call or send an email to bolan_kimberly@yahoo.com.

More Teen Spaces Model Library Full Submission Form (.doc)

More Teen Spaces Model Library Shortened Submission Form (.doc)

Last revised: 9/28/2007

2007 Presentations

2007-03-13T12:47:00.000-04:00

Februrary 23, 2007 (Juneau, AK) Talking Without Jargon: Improving Library / IT Relations - Kim Bolan and Rob Cullin

February 24, 2007 (Juneau, AK) Putting Free Public Wi-Fi Into Action at Your Small or Medium Library - Kim Bolan and Rob Cullin

February 26 and 27, 2007 (Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK) Technology Troubleshooting & Customer Service Made Simple - Kim Bolan and Rob Cullin

March 27, 2007 (SEMLS - Lakeville, MA) Teen Spaces...Cool Spaces, 10 - 5

March 29, 2007 (Boston, MA) NEEMA Symposium - Make Room for Teens: Designing Library Spaces for the Net-Generation

March 30, 2007 (Norwood, MA) Teen Standards & Facilities Design: Teen Spaces, Cool Places, 9:30 - 1:30

March 30, 2007 (Norwood, MA) If You Buy It & Market It, They Will Come: Alternative Collections for Libraries (all ages), 2 - 4:30

June 24, 2007 (ALA Annual - Washington, DC) Using Technology to Market to Young Adults, 8-10am - Michael Stephens and Kimberly Bolan will discuss using newest technologies to market library service and programs to teens.

Kevin King is Huge (in Alaska)

2007-03-07T19:02:00.004-05:00

My friend and colleague Kevin King recently presented two terrific workshops at the Alaska State Library Conference. During "The four S's of Teen Services" Kevin spoke about effective and quality services to teens based on the four "S's" - Support, Staff, Space, and a Stash of cash. I unfortunately could not hear this talk as I was presenting on wireless technology at the same time with Rob Cullin in the room next door. Kevin told his audience that all the "cool" people were at his presentation, pointing out that I was in the next room doing a computer geeky thing. Although...he did proceed to give me and Teen Spaces a nice plug. What a comedian he is!

I was lucky enough to attend Kevin's second session, Comics and
Graphic Novels in the Library. It was excellent!

In case you don't know Kevin, he is Lead Librarian in Teen Services at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Kevin also writes a monthly column for VOYA about teen programming called "Get with the Program."

Adventures in Alaska

2007-03-07T18:32:00.004-05:00

Rob Cullin and I just returned from a 1-week adventure in Alaska. On February 23 and 24 we presented two workshops at the Alaska Library Association's Conference related to our new book Technology Made Simple (ALA, 2007). Our sessions included Talking without Jargon: Improving Library & IT Relations and Putting Public Wi-Fi into Action. After AKLA, we continued on to Anchorage and Fairbanks where we presented four, 3-hour workshops entitled Technology Troubleshooting & Customer Service Made Simple. We had great audiences at all the presentations and hope that our participants will keep in touch to tell us about all the great things they are doing.

Click here to access a copy of our presentation for Technology Troubleshooting & Customer Service Made Simple

What an experience overall! We met tons of great people and made lots of new friends, saw beautiful landscapes (and a glacier), ate some good sushi with our friends Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum (they did their fantastic Unshelved keynote), hung out with our buddy Kevin King who was there presenting on teen services and graphic novels (*See the separate posting on Kevin), and made it through -30 temperatures.

Thanks to all our friends in Alaska for inviting us and making us feel right at home, especially Nina Malyshev, Carol Race, Mari Ogimachi, Greg Hill, and Mary Ellen Baker.

Great Teen Stuff at Abington Community Library

2007-03-07T18:30:00.002-05:00

The Abington Community Library (PA) is doing some terrific things in regard to teen space and participation. Recently, one of their staff members, Gisela Butera, attended a workshop of mine in Pennsylvania. She has reported to me that they took many of my suggestions and words of advice and ran with them. Gisela and I have been keeping in touch and I’m very excited to report some great news.

Their state senator, Bob Mellow, approved $5,000 toward their teen space project. They also have a $500.00 Wal-Mart grant that was given to the Young Adult area in June of 2006. In addition, Lowe's donated all the materials (down to the glue) to build a teen computer workstation. They had their carpenters put it together and they report that it looks fantastic. They also put two teen computers are in their 2007 budget! They are very pleased with the contributions of Lowe's, Wal-Mart and State Senator Mellow and how they came through in supporting the Library’s goal to create a young adult area for their teen customers.

Gisela told me that they took my advice to actively involve customers when designing a space and planning for change. In addition to getting general teen input on design, Leah Rudolph, Library Director, organized a contest with their Teen Board to help decide on the name of the teen area. “The teens loved the idea of a contest. It also brought them on-board in planning for the young adult area,” reports Gisela Butera.

Another tip they took from my workshop was working with a local furniture store. They contacted Julie Leslie from BMC Desks Etc in Scranton, PA and she helped them select teen furniture, lamps, and tables...at a great price.

And, last but not least, Gisela said that one important lesson she learned from me is to "just ask". You may be surprised by the response!

Congratulations to the Abington Community Library on all their accomplishments!

For more information contact:
Gisela Butera
Abington Community Library
1200 West Grove Street
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
(570)587-3440
gbutera@albright.org
http://www.lclshome.org/abington/index.php

Cleveland Heights - University Heights: A 21st Century Library Model

2007-03-07T18:18:00.003-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit the newly revamped Cleveland Heights – University Heights (OH) Library. Associate Director, Cathy Hakala-Ausperk gave the grand tour around their progressive and customer-friendly facility. Here are just a few of the terrific things they are doing:

self-check center – fairly small footprint, very customer service oriented, no barriers between staff and customers
self-serve holds pick-up behind self-check
new retail model of roaming reference – no reference desks within the facility only reference “rover” stations; reference staff are cross-trained and do not do other library work on the floor
reference staff are cross-trained and do not do other library work on the floor
staff wear large lanyards that say “May I Help You?” so customers can easily identify them
good signage – appropriate scale, user-friendly wording, simple and attractive design, and it gets the customers where they want to go
all furniture was purchased with portability and flexibility in mind, including the shelving in the children’s area
terrific teen area (designed with direct teen input) including vibrant colors, durable flooring and furnishings with unique design elements, portable and durable furnishings including soft seating, computers designated for teens only, a homework/gaming counter, effective merchandising space, portable wall to create flexibility for programming
healthy vending throughout public side of facility
forward thinking staff area with vending, comfortable seating, and a separate quiet room
nice use of indirect lighting throughout the facility
creative design element used on the walls of the story room in the children’s area
use of direct customer feedback in design of space
integration of digital signage that automatically pulls from their events and room reserve software from Evanced Solutions
community collaborations

See CHUH Library for more information.

Staff Space Revamps

2007-01-25T16:00:00.002-05:00

I've recently had several inquiries asking for my ideas on staff spaces and quick revamps. Here are a few thoughts:

- Paint walls with a fresh, warm coat of paint and paint trim to brighten and add a sense of style to the room

- Add new cabinets and/or storage units

- Install new carpet or laminate wood flooring (and possibly an area rug)

- Replace table(s) and chairs with a new setting

- If space allows, add comfortable seating (i.e. soft seating) that coordinates with the new room

- Add curtains or other interesting window treatments

- Keep mechanical units (e.g. air conditioning and heating units) hidden from sight
- Add artwork to add to the comfortable feeling and avoid that institutional look and feel

- Make sure your wireless network extend into the staff area. Is there a computer for staff personal use?

- Purchase a small stereo or iPod docking station with speakers for staff to share and listen to music (under $100)

Web, Library, and Teen Services 2.0 by Kimberly Bolan, Meg Canada, and Rob Cullin

2007-01-25T15:54:00.000-05:00

It seems like you can’t go anywhere these days without someone throwing around the 2.0 moniker around. Some argue it’s the future of libraries and others maintain it’s hype. The truth is, it is somewhere in between the two. Library 2.0 was significant enough to merit a multiple-week staff training for ALA leaders, but what does it mean for everyone else? How does 2.0 apply to those working in teen services and why does it matter? And, more specifically, how does 2.0 apply to the teenagers in our schools and communities? In simplest terms, 2.0 is a new way of thinking about libraries. First and foremost, it follows one underlying golden rule: dynamically interact with and listen to your users to create more user-centered services, both physical and technology-related. Fundamentally, 2.0 is the willingness to enhance library services through user collaboration....

Read the entire article in the Winter 2007 Issue of YALS.

Looks Like Teen Spirit

2006-12-13T02:31:00.001-05:00

I recently wrote an article for School Library Journal titled, "Looks Like Teen Spirit." It provides information on creating warm, welcoming library spaces for teens. Actually, many of the ideas and tips included are universal to 21st Century Library Design for all ages, not just teens. In particular, many of the concepts apply to library facilities design for adults as well as children under 13.

View a copy of the article - Looks Like Teen Spirit. See the full article in the November 2006 issue of School Library Journal.

Stay tuned for some more 21st Century Library Design postings on my blog, including information on the new Cleveland Heights - University Heights Public Library (OH).

21st Century Library Design - Teen-Friendly Vendors and More

2006-12-13T01:55:00.001-05:00

I've had many requests lately for vendor information in regard to 21st Century Library Design. In particular, people have asked me for "Teen-friendly" resources. Please see the "Teen Vendor" sheet listed under Kimberly Bolan & Associates to the right. In addition, here are a few purchasing tips:

Don’t make assumptions. Ask customers what they like & want before making purchases.
Work with vendors who consider customer needs and likes.
Work with architects and designers who don’t assume they know what your customers and staff want. Choose someone who is open to working with internal and external customers and listening to their ideas and input.
Buy furniture, fixtures & accessories that incorporate color, comfort, flexibility, and unique design elements.
Remember that a library’s design “character” comes in many shapes and sizes.
When talking to vendors at library conferences, tell them what you’re looking for and if vendors don’t have what you want or they present the same old ideas, give them direction and tell them your needs and ideas. Give them input!

Rules for Brainstorming

2006-11-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

No matter whether you're working to build staff relations and communications (e.g. Library/IT relationships) or conducting focus groups with the public, brainstorming is a great tool for improving communication and increasing collaboration. Sound easy? Not always. Brainstorming sessions can often turn into chaotic messes or unproductive shouting matches if not handled correctly. Below are a few tips for keeping things on the right track for communicating in an open, positive, and effective way.

1. Choose a topic
2. Assign someone to take notes
3. Go around the room – 1 idea per person
4. Think quantity, not quality
5. Say “pass” if no idea
6. Do not criticize or discuss ideas
7. Good natured laughter is okay
8. Exaggeration is encouraged!
9. Spend 20 – 30 minutes brainstorming

When you’re done brainstorming, move on to discussing the ideas that stood out during the brainstorming session. What ideas really work? What don’t? Decide what ideas to “act” on - the key word being "act."

Talking Without Jargon

2006-11-26T15:06:00.003-05:00

At the 2006 NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs, Rob Cullin and I presented a presentation called "Talking Without Jargon." Rob and I talked about developing successful Library / IT relationships. We discussed what is needed for a good working reltationship and how that relationship can improve library service. Our talk was based on the concepts presented in our book Technology Made Simple (ALA, 2007).

For additional information and comments visit NYLA-SMART (New York Library Association - Section on Management of Information Resources and Technology).

What Teens Think of Digital Libraries

2006-11-16T10:56:00.001-05:00

At the Michigan Library Association's Annual Conference I happened upon Christine Ayar, Dean of Students at the Academy of The Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Christine was presenting a poster session as she is also working on earning her MLIS at Wayne State University where she is part of the 21st Century Librarian Program.

Christine has been researching high school students and what they think of digital libraries. She's polled 26 high school students who rated six websites over a span of three weeks. The students also completed a Technology Usage survey in order to help the researcher better understand their backgrounds with technology. Christine's goals included:

1. Determining if teens are aware of the variety of tools available to them on sites they use everyday, such as Google and Yahoo!
2. Understand if digital libraries meant to research a wide array of users are resonating with teenagers.
3. Gauge satisfaction (or lack thereof) for digital libraries meant specifically for teens.

Interesting results included:
Teens liked Google Options the best due to the brief descriptions. http://www.google.com/options/

They also like Everything Yahoo! http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/family/more/

They were insulted by North State Cooperative Library System's Teen Scene (in particular the reference to "rad reads"). http://www.teenlibrary.org/

They didn't like the Smithsonian Institution Libraries Digital Collection as they didn't understand its purpose. http://www.sil.si.edu/digitalcollections/

2006 New York State Annual Conference

2006-11-16T10:55:00.002-05:00

As the 2006 NYLA Conference Chair, I am happy to report that this year's conference in Saratoga Spring was a huge success! Diane Ravitch, author of The Language Police, opened the conference with an inspirational keynote address and

Bill Barnes & Gene Ambaum, of the comic strip Unshelved http://www.overduemedia.com/, provided a very entertaining farewell luncheon (more people than we've seen in years for the closing session). From the excellent selection of programs to the wide array of vendors to the DJ and dancing at the Inaugural Banquet, this http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1278">conference will definitely be one to remember.

Community Involvement - Teen Library Board Members

2006-10-02T14:47:00.001-04:00

I've been talking a lot lately about new approaches for public libraries, especially in relation to community involvement. It's no secret that I am a huge proponent of getting feedback and input from the community in regard to library decision making. Many libraries have shown their openness to involving adult patrons (users and non-users) in this way using fairly traditional approaches such as conducting surveys, holding focus groups and/or information sessions, and/or including patrons on committees.

The next jump in library evolution includes active and ongoing teen participation and partnerships. Over the past 10 years, Teen Advisory Boards (TABs) have grown in popularity and number, in both public and school environments. This has been a big step in teen involvement. Over the past couple years, a few libraries have stepped up to the plate to include young adults in focus groups and committee work. What's really exciting is the forward leap that libraries like Multnomah County Library (OR) are taking -- they are changing the "rules" to include teen members on their Library Board.

Ellen Fader, Multnomah’s Youth Services Coordinator, felt it was an idea whose time had come and the director and chair of the Library Advisory Board (LAB) agreed. The LAB proposed changes to county code under which they were established. The Library Advisory Board proposes the following changes to Multnomah County Code:

Increase the number of board members in (A) from "15" to "17"
Add the following subsection: (D) Two of the board members shall be youth representatives. a) Youth board members shall be appointed by the County Chair, subject to Board approval, and shall be between the ages of 13 and 17 at the time of their appointment. Youth board members shall be users of the Multnomah County Library and be available to serve the entire tenure of his or her term. b) Youth board members shall serve for a term of two years, without the possibility of reappointment. The terms of the two youth board members shall be staggered by one year. To facilitate the staggering of terms, the initial appointment of a youth board member shall be for the term of one year. c) Other than the limitations placed herein, youth commissioners shall share equally in all other powers and responsibilities afforded members of the library board.

The motion passed unanimously! I am a big fan of Ellen, the Multnomah staff, their Director, and the chair of the Library Advisory Board (LAB). I applaud them for their willingness to move forward and include teenagers in decision-making for “their” library.

Visit Multnomah County Library at www.multcolib.org.

Hasbro Information & Jackson (MO) Jr. High

2006-09-27T15:13:00.002-04:00

Many have been inquiring about the Hasbro games and Monopoly tournament that I mentioned in my Fall workshops. Mary Pensel, the truly creative librarian at Jackson (MO) Junior High School, was kind enough to share her information with me so I could share it with others.

If you go directly to the Monopoly website there is a downloadable "Tournament Guide" that will give you the scoop. For further inquiries try contacting Hasbro. I have additional contact information from Mary if you need it. Let me know. Thanks, Mary!

Fall Workshops

2006-09-08T21:06:00.001-04:00

Look out Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin! I'm setting out on Sunday for two weeks of teen services workshops. I'm looking forward to meeting hundreds of new librarians, hearing about their experiences, and spreading the word about teen participation, space planning and design, "alternative" collections, technology, customer service and marketing. I'm even going to meet a few of the people behind two wonderful teen spaces:

Julia Jorgensen, the Librarian at Cape Central High School (MO). This school is officially my favorite high school to date. Julia and the Cape Central administrators do fabulous things at their HS library. Active teen participation is their key ingredient! Julia says, “It’s about what the students want, not about what a middle-aged librarian wants.” Mike Cowan, Principal of Cape Central frequently hosts alumni tours of their campus. He beams with pride as his guests enter the student-designed, student-friendly facility declaring, “My friends, this is not your father’s library.”

Peg Burington, Assistant Director/Young Adult Coordinator, Waupaca Area Public Library (WI). In 2002, Peg brought together a group of students that eventually became the Student Library Advisory Group, SLAG. This group was essential in creating The New Improved Best Cellar, a 1400 sq. ft. teen area, launched in March 2006. The first Best Cellar came to life in 1998.

Stop back to hear more about my adventures.

A few things I've been working on...

2006-09-08T20:09:00.001-04:00

Technology Made Simple: An Improvement Guide for Small and Medium Libraries to be published by ALA Editions in Sept. 2006. See http://www.alastore.ala.org
Technology Planning for WebJunction http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=391
"Bridging the Gap: Proactive Approaches for Adults Working with Teens" (YALS, Summer 2006)
If You Buy It & Market It, They Will Come (Presentation for NJLA - April 2006) http://blog.njla.org/archives/2006/04/if_you_buy_it_m.html
"Library Design Tips for the 21st Century" (March 2006)http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=13018
"Putting Free Public Wi-Fi Access into Action at Your Small or Medium Sized Public Library" (July 2005) http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=11036

Stay tuned for more...

Newark (NY) Public Library

2006-09-08T19:40:00.001-04:00

The Newark Public Library (NY) understands the true meaning of teen involvement in library services. Their teen area opened three years ago due to the collaborative efforts of the Director (Elly Dawson), Youth Services Librarian (Chris McGinty), and several local teens.

A once underutilized staff area located in the Library's basement is now a thriving teen area thanks to forward thinking librarians who welcome the input and ideas of teenagers in their community. Even more incredible...each year the Library has managed to expand and revamp the area to accommodate its growing popularity and keep it fresh and up-to-date. Now that's effective long-range planning!

Prince William Library System (VA)

2006-09-08T19:34:00.002-04:00

This past summer the Prince William Library System (VA) ventured into their first year of online summer reading for teens. They've reported tremendous success. "Staff loved the program and teens flocked to our Teen Summer Reading Program by the droves, said Cathy Chang, Assistant Director. "In just 2 days our teens submitted more than 150 reviews to us. It was truly wonderful to have a program so easy to set up, user-friendly, and attractive to teens." By the end of summer Chang reported that the Library was up to more than 2600 reviews. (Last year, teens submitted only 450.) They also increased to 68.5% active readers. (Last year, before Summer Reader, they only had 50%.)