February 23, 2024: Program Planning

Supervisor:  Renee Kirchner

Friday:  9am-2pm

Today was split into databases and program planning.  I spent the morning with Beth Oliver as we discussed areas of interest specific to teens.  The first area of concern is the lack of foot traffic in the teen section.  It seems that our post pandemic world is a lot more self isolating than before.  This lack of interaction makes it difficult to stay on top of what interests teens, what they want to read, and how they interact with the collection.  People in general are slowly returning to the library but the teen population seems stubbornly recalcitrant. Next, teens rarely ask for help so they are often unaware of the information that can be found in the library’s databases.  Of particular interest is the Gale Database accessed through TexShare.  This database is a wonderful resource for kids looking for biographies, opposing viewpoints, or information on current topics.  Patrons are able to access the databases remotely, however, many may not know how to conduct an advanced search in a Gale Database.  Finally, teens (and adults) may be unaware of other useful databases available such as Consumer Reports, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Learning Express, and practices for the ACT, SAT, and the TX Driver’s Test.  One way to reach the teen patrons would be to increase social media outreach.  Unfortunately, LPL has no dedicated marketing position to maintain a high level of digital or in school outreach. 

The afternoon was spent with Renee discussing program planning.  LPL plans events seasonally rather than monthly.  The calendar is set well in advance of any actual event.  Renee is now planning for Summer events.  Specifically, she is brainstorming events for the afternoon, no more than 1 hour in length, able to be run by 1 staff member, suitable for 25 kids with no parental supervision, and within the budgetary limitation.  She asked me to come up with 2-3 (or more) ideas suitable for elementary age kids (6-8 years old) and Tweens (9-12 years old) and we will be discussing them on Monday. I did a search using Google to find interesting things for these age groups to do that fit the parameters of the summer events.  I have found several possibilities to present.  These suggestions will be presented to the planning committee (all youth librarians).