Shut up and Read: What teens really think about Libraries Tyler Wilkey and Leondra Capers

1. Shut up and Read: What teens really think about Libraries Tyler Wilkey and Leondra Capers Colleton County Memorial Library Young Adult Interns Summaries of Study Significance of Teen’s Perceptions of Libraries and Usage Introduction Results Most teens said they occasionally or never use the library to study. The purpose of this poster is to determine teens’ perceptions and use of Colleton County Memorial Library. This study involved teen interns who designed the survey and conducted the study. In rural settings, libraries are the often the only place teens can go to hang out and for internet access. Most of the teens say the occasionally read for fun. Most teens said they asked the Library worker for help when needed, by answering often and very often. This poster presents data on our teens’ perceptions and uses of our library and teen space. This research also provides insight into how teens perceive library workers and examines the writings on the role of libraries in the daily information seeking behavior of teens in a rural setting. The teens conducted took part in designing survey questions and administering the survey to other teens. Study Facts 22 participants 13 male, 9 female Most of the teens say the occasionally read for fun. Most teens said they asked the Library worker for help when needed. Consistent with the literature, teens are decreasing their use of the library as a study center. This is due to teen departments’ focus on programming, and spaces that have been designed as an interactive commons, learning labs, or makerspaces. More teen Librarians are now embracing this idea of “connected learning” beyond the book. Background • Teen interns began the summer by brainstorming ideas as to why teens may have positive or negative perceptions of the library by asking the following questions. They also thought of unique ways to bring in different social groups of their peers. • What are some barriers that keep teens from visiting the library? • Transportation seems to be one of them. • Teens are heavily involved in sports, church, or other groups. • Teens may not be aware of our programs. • Essential Questions • Who is using our library? • What are teens’ perceptions of our library? • What are teens’ perceptions of our teen space? Occasionally often Very often Nerver Occasionally Occasionally Nerver Very often Very often often Nerver often • Myths and Factors affecting teens’ perception and use of libraries • You have to be quiet all the time. (We have a large meeting room space for teen programs and hanging out.) • There is no excitement at the library. (We host a variety of teen events – art contests, music, fashion, gaming.) • There is no one who understands me at the library anyway. ( Be more open minded to meeting teens outside of your circle.) Acknowledgements Contact Aleck Williams, Jr. 843-549-5621 ext. 3 Aleck_w@hotmail.com