Thinking Outside the Book: Non-print Collection Development for Teens

1. Thinking Outside the Book: Non-print Collection Development for Teens Susan Person & Robyn Lupa Jefferson County Public Library

2. Outline • See types of media for teen collections • Learn how to tap into teen interests & keep abreast of trends • Find out about selection tools • Gain hints on attractive displays • Hear audience input on successful ideas or experiences

3. Generation TechSchool Library Journal, March 2004 • 71% of students used the net for their last big project • 78% of teens use the web to help with schoolwork • 83% of teens say that the loss of internet access would have a negative effect on their schoolwork • Top computer uses are email (43%), playing games (31%) & listening to or downloading music (17%) • 65% of kids say their parents ask them to surf the net for info about products or services

4. Teens are multi-taskers…

5. Non-print materials are valid…

6. Libraries compete with retailers… What's Hot??

7. Libraries bridge the have/have-not gap…

8. Libraries…cool??

9. Tapping Into Teen Interests & Trends • Read newspaper & magazine reviews of movies & music • Observe websites in use • Check circulation, reserve statistics and return carts • Have the TAB make selection decisions • Stash comment cards near A/V sections • Ask for suggestions during outreach • Purchase books on tape/disc from school reading lists

10. Non-Traditional Collection Development • Popularity is more relevant than reviews • Monitoring the movement of the collection will be just as important as using review sources

11. Video/DVD Collections • Informational • Educational • Entertainment

12. Informational • Colleges & vocations • Transportation • Social concerns • Life skills

13. Educational • Academic subjects – science, history, social studies • School & life experiences • Literature curriculum ties

14. Entertainment • Music videos • Concerts • Biographies • Anime

15. Hollywood Films – Maybe? • Compete with Blockbuster • Only classics or literary adaptations • Purchase from “best of lists: National Film Registry American Film Institute Academy Awards Sundance

16. Feature Films – Yes! Attract teens to the library Boost circulation Never on the shelf!

17. Considerations… R-rated films? Video vs. DVD? Multiple copies?

18. Video Librarian www.videolibrarian.com Library Video Company www.libraryvideocompany.com VOYA Teen Screen: Video Reviews Internet Movie Database www.imdb.com Screen-It www.screenit.com YALSA Selected DVDs and Videos list Video/DVD Selection Tools

19. Video/DVD Sites Anime www.rightstuf.comwww.animenmore.comwww.abcb.com In the Mix www.pbs.org/inthemix Awards www.loc.gov/film/filmnfr.html (National Film Institute) www.afi.com (American Film Institute) www.oscars.com (Academy Awards) www.sundance.org (Sundance)

20. Music Collections • Watch MTV, VH-1, BET, CMT • Flip channels on the radio • Watch artists on Letterman, Leno, SNL • Browse store displays • Ask teenage patrons/library staff • Listen to music in stores that cater to teens • Read Rolling Stone, Spin, The Source, Vibe • Surf the net

21. Popular Music • Selection tools are different - not mainstream • Appeal/popularity vs. critical acclaim

22. What to Purchase? Relevant & in demand now Classics Compilations & soundtracks

23. Rolling Stone www.rollingstone.com Billboard www.billboard.com Spin www.spin.com Blender www.blender.com VH-1 www.sonicnet.com Media Play www.mediaplay.com Amazon www.amazon.com CDNOW www.cdnow.com All-Music Guide www.allmusic.com Artist Direct www.artistdirect.com Music Selection Tools

24. Computer Software • Educational, informational, recreational • Digital divide – computer knowledge is an expectation • Offer free communication stations in the library

25. Gaming Software Online reviews www.happypuppy.com www.gamespot.com www.gamezilla.com www.pcgameworld.com www.allgame.com www.gamezone.com • Arcade style, simulation scenarios, tycoon adventures, TV tie-ins, board game spin-offs • Rating considerations • Magazine reviews: PC Gamer – www.pcgamer.com Nintendo Power – www.nintendo.com Electronic Gaming Monthly –www.gamers.com • Individual gaming systems: Xbox - www.xbox.com Playstation 2 - www.usplaystation.com Game Cube - www.gamecube.com

26. Take a risk on games!

27. Recorded Books • Caters to auditory learners • Valuable for reluctant readers • Convenient for busy teens • YA fiction for leisure listening • Abridged, unabridged or both?

28. Cassettes vs. CDs? • Cassette tapes are phasing out • CDs get scratched; tapes get mangled • Convenient 3-minute tracks on CDs • Better sound quality on CDs • New vehicles have CD players • Teens own portable CD players

29. Selection Tools • Obtain school reading lists – many “classics” will already be found on adult shelves • Check circulation statistics of YA fiction • YALSA’s annual list of selected recorded books • Audiofile: www.audiofilemagazine.com • Kliatt: http://hometown.aol.com/kliatt/index.html • Vendors – Recorded Books & Books on Tape www.recordedbooks.comwww.booksontape.com

30. Advertising Non-Print Materials • Group together diverse formats • Shelve non-print materials with YA books • Make the teen area busy – create a dynamic environment • Designate teen items with a YA shelf code and/or label • Establish a clear juvenile vs. YA age differentiation • Randomly shelve CDs – allow teens to browse • Purchase simple display racks to advertise new stuff

31. Why Collect Non-Print Materials…? In a typical week, 23% of public library patronage is teens Teens are interested in more than just books Today’s teens are tomorrow’s voters…and potential library supporters!

32. In Conclusion… Music Film Computer Software Recorded Books Are valid and legitimate areas of collection development http://info.jefferson.lib.co.us/2004presentations/