There is an on going discussion in the library that has taken a very strange, and to me disturbing, turn. Believe it or not a couple of libraries have decided to close between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30 because of the disruptive kids who come to the library after school. Here is a demographic we want to attract and we are providing all kinds of programs and resources to do just that. What a weird message to send.
Labels: Teens
posted by Doug @ 9:48 AM
3 Comments:
although you have to admit it would be a great way to recharge!
Some libraries have taken the other tack; providing structured after school programs for the 11-15 age range, focused on homework help (and often on strategies to increase language proficiency). Perhaps also some lessons learned from the ongoing clubs that we have (from the anime clubs that skew older to Rust's time travelers that skew younger) could be applied to the issue of unmanagable groups of young teens. Also, sharable net stations segregated for noise from the rest of the Internet and perhaps even game machines like those so popular at Friday Teen Center at Cascades.
Figuring ways to meet the user needs seems a better approach than banning users. Much less closing. Because the major reason for having a code of conduct is so the "misbehavers" don't make the library usable for those who don't misbehave. If you're closed, then it isn't usable whether you behave or not. Kind of a baby, bathwater thing.
You may be interested in a link to a blog that discusses the NJ case. It seems they have rescinded the decision to close...
Check my blog out for interesting info on Unattended Minors Policies etc...
http://wwwcatsmeow.blogspot.com
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