Get a pair of x-ray goggles that really work! While these may not see through a steel plate, they can see right through the Internet!

YALSA is pleased to host a demonstration of one of the Mozilla Foundation’s newest tools: the Hackasaurus web x-ray goggles. This javascript app gives teens – and anybody else – the tools to discover the rich world of code hiding just beneath the surface and gives them the ability to remix the web. (more…)

It’s time to get digital once again, as Teen Tech Week rolls around for 2011! This year’s theme is Mix and Match, encouraging teens to create content and share it with others across a broad network of users. It’s always an exciting time to encourage out of the box technology programming for teens, and a great opportunity to begin tech programs for teens if your library doesn’t have such programs set up.

First, let’s start with the basic Teen Tech Time. This is your opportunity to open up your library to computer based programs, with simple, self guided computer sessions. You reserve a bank of computers or laptops for a certain hour, and encourage teens to sign up with you. It’s important to note that these sessions are provided in addition to the teen’s regular internet appointment, rather than superseding it. Teens are able to use the additional time to hang out and mess around with the technology they are interested in, rather than having to choose to divide their single daily appointment between fun use and homework use. If you have have laptops and a programming space, Teen Tech Time can help you create a miniature teen space, one where they can be louder and more social around the computers than they could be on the main floor.
(more…)

Budget blues getting you down? Wondering how to get your voice heard? Want to stand up for libraries? Get ready for National Library Advocacy Day, this year’s re-imagined National Library Legislative Day on June 29^th, 2010, in conjunction with ALA’s Annual Convention in Washington, DC.

Thanks to the Friends of YALSA, funding has been provided for five YALSA members to receive up to $1,000 in travel stipends to attend the event. The deadline for applications is next Friday, April 30^th, so fill out your application (PDF) or (Word) today.

Applications and information on eligibility and selection criteria are available here.  You can also check out Stephanie Kuenn’s post for the complete list of instructions.

See you on Capitol Hill!

Some of your best program leaders may already be attending your programs. They’re sitting there, watching you struggle to cut the snow flake from the recycled printer paper, thinking the whole time about the really awesome program they want to run. Yes, one way to enhance your programming during lean times is to involve your teens as workshops leaders.

(more…)

After all the build-up and excitement of the 2009 American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago, it’s now over. Attendees are heading back to their respective positions to implement new new programs, develop new strategies, and apply new techniques to the field. And, of course, share all the exciting news with colleagues.

But what if you’ve forgotten that pithy quote, the moment of wit, the sharp phrase? Well, thanks to Twitter and hashtags, you can quickly search for your favorite ALA moments.
(more…)

Anti-Prom 2009: \”Vam-Prom,\” Episode 1

So, teens and fashion. They go together pretty well, right? Teens take clothes, modify them to suit their mood, personality, and taste. They share accessories (no matter what adults might say about hygiene), share shirts, and even swap pants in the middle of the day. Now, imagine pairing teens’ natural interest in fashion with the resources of a library. Still with me? Okay, now imagine that you can put together teens, fashion, and Tim Gunn. Now I’ve lost you, right? But this is exactly what we were able to do for Project Library, where fashion focused teens worked with Tim Gunn to sketch an outfit that could appear at the 5th Annual Anti-Prom : Vam-Prom at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of The New York Public Library.

I’m hoping you’ll keep reading and not write this off completely. I can see where it would be easy to dismiss as something that would never be possible for a library not in New York City, but bear with me. I have some ideas that you might be able to use. (more…)

Jump on board Twitter now and start following “America’s Next Top Booktalker” before the competition begins.

Hear new sample booktalks, get title suggestions, and more!

Check out ANTB1 on Twitter.

What are your Friday night plans in the Mile High City? Lisa, Beth, Erin, and I are all going to be at the YALSA Tech Playground, showing off all sorts of applications, gadgets, and programs that you could use to connect with your teens. But beyond gizmos, we’re also going to be having a little challenge!

It’s time to break out your inner competitor for a chance to win the title of America’s Next Top Booktalker! Pick your favorite title, hop up on stage, and show off your booktalking prowess. See tips and tricks, feedback and suggestions come in via Twitter.

(more…)

So, you’re working hard to connect teens with poetry. You’ve tried the Dickens and the Frost and the Angelou and the entire 811 section. The teens are sitting there looking at you bored out of their mind.

Well, have you tried the Beat poets? They’re all about rebellion and individualism, two themes towards which teens will feel a natural affinity. Working with Urban Word NYC and the Precision Poetry Drill Team, The New York Public Library sponsored “Bring the Beat back” at the Bronx Library Center. Performing works from such an influential movement in literature, the members of the Precision Poetry Drill Team inspired several teens to get up and present their own creations at the end of the session. One of the most memorable moments was their adaptation of Alan Ginsberg’s famous “Howl,” which the group decided to perform on top of one of the tables in the Teen Center. If you check out the video link, you can see the opening lines from “Howl” on the scrolling marquee as well. Check out that video (and more):

(more…)