It’s been quite a nine months. Yes, just about nine months ago YALSA launched it’s IMLS funded project focusing on the future of library services to teens. At YALSA’s Board meetings during Annual Conference 2013 the Board was updated on the project and what’s coming up next.
The report to the Board included an overview of what’s transpired in the nine months since YALSA’s research on the future of library services to teens began. In that time the association:
- Hosted a national summit on libraries and teens that brought together library staff, educators, stakeholders, and others to brainstorm, listen, and plan what the future of teen services in libraries will look like.
- Sponsored three virtual town halls that gave a wide-range of people the opportunity to provide feedback on where library services for teens are headed. Topics covered included partnerships and collaborations and informal and formal learning spaces for teens.
Board members discussed what’s next on the project agenda:
- Analyzing the data collected during the summit, the virtual town halls, and other YALSA activities connected with the future of teen services.
- Writing a white paper on the future of library services to teens – the document will be written by a team of librarians, stakeholders, and academics.
- Seeking feedback on the draft of the white paper from YALSA members, library administrators, library staff serving teens, academics, stakeholders, and more.
- Revising the white paper based on feedback received.
- Disseminating the white paper.
- Developing YALSA initiatives and helping libraries develop initiatives that help move forward into the future.
It’s been an exciting nine months learning about what’s next in library services for and with teens. And, it’s going to be exciting to read the white paper that will chart the course for the future of teen library services. You have the chance to be a part of it. When the white paper draft is published take the opportunity to read and comment on it. And, when the final document is released, help to create the future by connecting key stakeholders in your community to the white paper and letting them know what it means to you and the teens that you serve.
If you would like to learn more about the National Forum on Libraries & Teens project, you can read previous blog posts.
