Reading Summary - Nichols (2002)

Nichols, M. (2002). Promoting the YA Collection: Other Ideas. In Merchandising Library Materials to Young Adults (pp. 101-118). Greenwood Village, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

This book is mainly about ways to display materials and promote collections to teen library patrons. Chapter 8 specifically focuses on other ways, including websites and other online resources. As early as 2002, pervasive computing was very influential in libraries. The conclusion is that the same things that are important to young adult patrons in physical space are important online as well. Teens need to be able to interact with each other and with librarians, and they need to have online access to library materials for more than just homework help and pleasure reading.

This chapter also states that only half of the librarians polled reported that young adult patrons were involved with the creation of online resources and choice of content. As far back as 2002, many librarians were already considering involving teens in the development of their own online space, and this idea has carried on into the present with the opening of Teen Centers like the one about to be opened at MCPL here in Bloomington.

Important information to include on an interactive website for teens:

1)      Book reviews, and the ability to write reviews of their own.

2)      Links to useful content online – encyclopedias, textbooks, coding manuals, etc.

3)      Resource lists – by subject. Where to go to find things.

4)      Program information – what programs, for whom, and where? With the ability for teens to ask and participate online. Announcements on a library Facebook or Twitter account.

5)      Information on library services – what can the library do for you, and how do you go about getting the things you need.