Download Teen Tool Box

TEEN TOOL BOX
Build, Maintain & Fix Teen Programs
ULA CSRT/YART Think Outside the Book Conference
August 14-15, Cedar City, Utah
BUILD
Simple and Cheap Program Ideas for Teens at Your Library
Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Youth Services Librarian
Salt Lake County Library System, Kearns Branch, 801.944.7611
[email protected]
BUILD / MAIINTAIN
Tried-&-True Programs for Teens; Marketing
Deborah Smith, Youth Services Librarian
Weber County Library System, North Ogden Branch, 801.337.2650
[email protected]
BUILD
/
MAINTAIN
/
FIX
Teen Gaming; How to Do A Battle of the Bands
Mary Anne Heider, Youth Services Librarian
Salt Lake City Public Library System, Main Branch, 801.322.8133
[email protected]
Simple and Cheap Program Ideas for Teens at Your Library
Presenter: Carrie Rogers-Whitehead
It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be a good program.
Craft/Recreational Programs

Cut out pictures and paste them in hard-to-find areas of the library and
have the teens search for them. You can also have one item and have the teens
search for it. Provide small prizes for the treasure hunters.

Recyclable Jewelry: Provide paperclips, safety pins, fishing wire, and
beads and have the teens make their own jewelry with them. They could also
decorate the jewelry with markers or paint.

Teens can make key chains and other colorful and fun things with pony
beads. Get a book of designs or find them off the internet and provide the beads
and string.

Make collages on spiral notebooks or regular paper. Cut out pictures or
words from old discarded magazines or comic books.

In nicer weather have a paper-airplane making contest. Bring out books
on how to make paper-airplanes, provide the paper and see which teen's airplane
can go the farthest or the highest.

Also, if it's nice weather outside the teens can make kites. All that is
needed is butcher cord, wooden dowels or straight sticks, strong large sheets of
paper like butcher paper, scotch tape or glue, and markers, paints or crayons to
decorate the kites with. The teens can see whose kite can fly the highest or who
can decorate theirs the best.

Start a display of teen art, it will encourage more teens to make art. Have
materials on hand, paper, pencils, etc for the teens to add to the display.

Shoot a library promotional video with the teens. They love to get behind
the camera and you can post the video on your library's MySpace account if you
have one. If you have no need for this, provide some space for the teens to act out
made-up plays and skits. If there is a camera involved, they will be more
encouraged.

Set out some origami books and paper and have an impromptu origami
program. Learn a few folds to teach the teens.

Sidewalk chalk can be fun for all ages.

Popping bubble wrap can be a cheap, albeit loud (you might want to set it
up in a separate room or outside), short activity for the teens to blow off some
steam.

You can also use bubble wrap to make cool designs in paint. Find other
items, bottle caps, sponges etc to dip in paint to make beautiful works of art.

Have a YouTube mini-movie night. Set up a projector and have the teens
pick out their favorite videos to show a larger group. They can even show their
own videos to the group. Be sure to make rules beforehand about what kind of
videos are allowed in the movie night and be at the computer to stop videos that
break those rules. You can provide popcorn for the movie night.
Charitable/Volunteer Programs

Have the teens make cards for children in the hospital or seniors in a
center with any cardstock, glue, markers or any other craft items you have around.
They don't need to be elaborate, it is the thought that counts. You can have a teen
volunteer distribute the cards or if that does not work be sure to take pictures of
the recipients of the cards. You could also have the teens make cards to give away
on Mother's Day, Father's Day etc.

The teens could also knit or crochet items for people in need or as gifts
to others. There are numerous books you can check out to teach you how to do
this and most likely there are teens already skilled in this craft. This could be the
beginning of a club.

The teens can help you or someone else with storytime. They can make
copies, help you pick out the books, help make flannel boards, set up, cut out
things you need, and make examples of crafts you might be making.

Have the teens do a mini-storytime for the children. In the summer or the
evenings try to gather a small group of children and let the teens read them a
story. Help the teens pick out the best books for these mini-storytimes.

If you are putting up a new display, let the teens help. Listen to their
suggestions. Ask them what displays would be best. Help them pick out books for
the display.

Let the teens be involved. You can set up as many councils as you have
time for: a gaming council, teen advisory council, gay and lesbian council etc.
Just make sure the teens feel that the council actually has a say in things.

Have the teens do some of the marketing for you. Set up a group of
creative teens that can make up posters for your library or other places in town
and have them put them up for you. They could be a marketing/advertising
council that could help be responsible for spreading the word about teen
programs.

Have the teens compile a list of their favorite websites and good websites
for children. They can also compile lists of their favorite books to recommend to
teens. You can recommend and print up these websites and books for parents and
other teens coming in the library.

Recruit the teens as greeters. Post them at the entrances of your library
and have them greet people as they enter the building. If there's a program going
on you can have them pass out flyers. It might surprise some people.

Since its voting season, encourage the teens to write letters to the
politicians running about the issues they care about. Provide names, addresses,
and e-mails of everyone running. You can run a fake mini-election in your library
and let teens vote for who they think should win. Just set up a box and let the
teens put their "ballot" in the box. Announce the winner before the election
finishes.

Some small chores around the library that teens can do: face out books,
wipe down tables, pick up trash, wipe off computer screens, pick up children's
books, and wipe down any children's toys.

If you have library pets, let the teens assist in taking care of them. They
can help clean out cages and feed them. If you don't have pets and are thinking of
getting them the teens can be recruited for helping you pick out the best animal.
Tried and True Programs for Teens
Presenter: Deborah Smith
1.
Anime Club
2.
Gaming tournaments. The YALSA wiki is a great resource with why's and how's
of gaming tournaments (http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index click on Technology and
then Gaming Lists & Activities).
3.
Chess Club
4.
Jr. High Survival
5.
Summer Reading
6.
Junk Art
7.
Board Games
Marketing Teen Programs
1.
Posters/Fliers
2.
Email list
3.
Call list
4.
Web site
5.
Schools
6.
Word of mouth
7.
Press release
8.
Local organizations
9.
Teen Council
10.
Schedule carefully
11.
Regularity
12.
Prizes
13
Outreach
14.
Advertise at library programs
Gaming at Your Library:
How to Start
A Successful Program
Presenter: Mary Anne Heider
Background/Overview
The Salt Lake City Public Library System was fortunate to have the support of
then-director Nancy Tessman in the implementation of a system-wide teen
gaming program. Ms. Tessman visited the Teen Services Committee in August,
2006, giving the committee the charge of proposing the concept and
specifications to the library’s Management Team and, following its approval,
implementing gaming at all branches by Spring, 2007.
I was the Chair of the Teen Services Committee during the aforementioned year,
and spear-headed implementation of the Library’s system-wide gaming program.
This presentation is designed to help librarians start gaming programs at their
libraries, based on the Salt Lake City Public Library’s model.
Why Teen Gaming?

Teens Like It and They Will Come to the Library to Play
Need we say more? Of course we do….

Promotes Teen Literacy
Studies have shown that video games are acceptable in moderate doses:
playing often improves hand-eye coordination, visual perception and
problem-solving skills.

Good Community and Family Activity
Parents and siblings also often participate.

Emphasize Communal, Party Games such as:
Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero III, Rock Band or
Dance Dance Revolution
These games are designed to be played in pairs with others
watching and supporting the players. This is not solitary online
gaming, or single-player video games.
Convincing Management of Gaming’s Importance to Teen
Services
Write a Proposal to submit to your Manager, your Management Team and/or
your Administration outlining why teen gaming is important and how it supports
the mission of your library with regards to teen services. Stumped? Get input
from other teen services librarians, your teen/youth services committee and/or
your teen advisory board.
Include in Your Proposal:

Why Teen Gaming?
See above. Include a few key, library-related articles to support your
proposal.

System-wide or a Single Branch?
Do you want to implement a gaming program at each branch or at a single
branch? Perhaps trying a gaming program at one branch is a good way to
start your gaming program. Also, you can also share/rotate equipment to
other branches in case budget constraints don’t allow for multiple
equipment purchases.

Proposed days you would like to implement the program. Example:
The Salt Lake City Public Library System Main Branch alternates between
Guitar Hero II and Dance Dance Revolution (Rock Band will be added in
the fall of 2008), the first Saturday of every month beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Teens are welcome to play until 5:00 p.m. if there is interest. Teens come
and go during this time, so there is ample opportunity for all to test their
skills. After school gaming might also be a great choice.

Games You Propose to Play (see above) and Ratings
Look for games that are rated T for Teens or F for Family. Some M for
Mature are also appropriate such as the popular Halo games, though
these should be promoted for mature teens only; release forms from
parents or caregivers may be advisable when playing M games at the
library.

Equipment Needs and Costs (see below)
If budget is a concern, consider buying one basic gaming package and
sharing it with all branches.
Auxilliary Support to the Program
 Include gaming-related booklists at your program.


Include gaming-related books at your program.
Provide board or card games or a craft table for teens who are waiting
their turn.
Address Potential Management Concerns Such as:

Staffing Impact. Once you know how to set up the games (which usually
takes about ten minutes) they essentially run themselves. Teens are very
savvy about how games work and can easily “go with the flow.” If a
separate room is used, someone (an aide or assistant) will need to be
present to keep an eye on things and make sure people take turns (we
have found that teens are really quite good about letting people have their
turns). A librarian can drop in once in a while to check on things. Staffing
impact is minimal. If you set the games up in the teen area of your library,
whoever is staffing the teen desk can assist. It takes about 10 minutes to
set up the games.

Noise
Volume on the games can be adjusted and kept relatively low; we have
had no patron complaints about noise coming from our teen area, which
was a chief concern to management.

Numbers of Participants
Address Management concerns that the library will be “mobbed” with
teens on gaming days. The most teens we have had at our large, urban
library on gaming days has been about 20 maximum; they come and go
during the course of the program afternoons. Most want to try the games
for a turn or two. No more than 5-10 teens are in the area at any one
time. Some bring siblings and parents to play. Likewise, our branches
have not had problems with “mobs” of teens.
If numbers are a potential concern, arrange for a separate room and give
waiting teens board or card games to play or set-up a craft table.

Emphasize Low Impact
Remember, your program is only once a month or once a quarter, not
every day. Impact to other patrons, if any, is minimal. If gaming can help
“tame wild teens” after school on a once per week basis, so be it. The
choice is yours.
Training
 Know Your Equipment and How to Set it Up
Once you get your games, take them home, learn how to set them up and
play a little bit so you understand how they work and how to trouble shoot
if necessary.

Clueless? Find a tech-savvy teen or staff member to show you how to
set up equipment so that you can independently set up and run your
programs.

Train All Staff Who Will be Assisting or Running the Programs
You may not be able to attend every gaming program that the library
hosts. So, train staff on setting up and running the games so they know
what to do. If there is a “computer person” or persons at your branch,
include them in the training and discussions.
Basic Gaming Equipment/What You’ll Need

PlayStation 2 Game Console
A good, basic “work horse” console. Many games are configured
for this console and it is not likely to go away for some time. For
those with more money, the new Wii gaming console is by far the
popular choice. Xbox 360s are also popular but more expensive
and not as universal as the PlayStation 2.

TV set with proper connectors
Most modern tvs have gaming connections built-in.

Two Guitar Hero II Bundles, Two of the New Guitar Hero III Bundles.
A bundle consists of 1 Guitar and 1 copy of the Guitar Hero game
software. Two bundles allow for two players at one time which makes the
game more fun and competitive. The extra copy of the game
software in the second bundle can be kept in case the original wears out
or is damaged. Rock Band consists of a lead guitar, microphone and
drums; a bass guitar can be purchased separately.

Memory Cards
Each game you purchase must have a memory card, usually a
minimum of 8MB which is purchased separately. Games activate new
songs as the game progresses; this information is stored in the memory
card for future games.

Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2 or Dance Dance Revolution
SuperNova 2 game software. These are the latest update of the game
which teens prefer.

2 Konami Dance Pads for Dance Dance Revolution.
These pads are needed to successfully play Dance Dance Revolution.
Pads are set up side-by-side so two can play/compete at one time. Note:
get the Konami brand, which is highly rated. There is another dance pad
spin-off, but it has received poor reviews from those who have tried it.
Costs for a “Basic Gaming Package” – Costs Current as of 08/01/2008
PlayStation 2 console
WalMart
Circuit City
Target
$129.00
$129.00
$129.00
Guitar Hero II bundle
(includes game and
guitar controller) for
PlayStation 2
76.82
79.99
N/A
Guitar Hero III bundle
For PlayStation 2
79.92
89.99
109.99
Dance Dance Revolution
Supernova 2 for PlayStation 2
49.82
39.99
39.99
Dance Dance Revolution
Supernova 2 for PlayStation 2
With dance pad
N/A
59.99
N/A
Dance Dance Revolution
Extreme 2 for PlayStation 2
39.82
N/A
N/A
Konami Dance Pad for
PlayStation 2* (buy 2)
19.82
N/A
N/A
Wii Console
249.24
249.99
N/A
Guitar Hero III for Wii
Wireless bundle
Xbox 360 console
Guitar Hero III bundle
For Xbox 360
89.92
89.99
89.99
279.92
279.99
399.99
99.92
99.99
99.99
Rock Band Special Edition Bundle
For PlayStation 2
159.56
139.99
149.99
Rock Band Special Edition Bundle
For PlayStation 3
147.62
149.99
169.99
Rock Band Special Edition Bundle
For XBOX 360
147.62
149.99
169.99
20.00
20.00
20.00
Memory Cards (8MB)
*Konami is the preferred brand. Other “universal” dance pads or pads
configured for other consoles are not well reviewed.
Bibliography
Levine, Jenny. Gaming and Libraries: Intersection of Services. Chicago, IL:
ALA TechSource, c2006.
Gallaway, Beth. Game On: Gaming at the Library. Not Yet Published. Neal
Schuman publishers, 2008.
Gallaway, Beth. Get Your Game On: What Makes a Good Game, Anyway?
Voya (Aug. 2006): p226(2).
Gallaway, Beth and Alissa Lauzon: I Can’t Dance without Arrows: Getting
Active @ Your Library with Video Game Programs. Young Adult
Library Services (Summer 2006): p20(5).
Gallaway, Beth. Get Your Game On! Voya (Dec. 2006): p414(2).
Johnson, Steven. Everything Bad is Good for You: How Today’s Popular
Culture is Actually Making us Smarter. New York: Riverhead Books,
2005. Levine, Jenny.
Phillips, Amy and Becky Spilver. Console Video Games: Spotlight On
Library Programming. School Library Journal (Oct. 2006): p80(3).
Gaming tournaments. The YALSA wiki is a great resource with why's and how's
of gaming tournaments (http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index click on Technology and
then Gaming Lists & Activities).
How to Do A Teen Battle of the Bands at Your Library
Pre-planning (at least 6 months before the event)
1. Determine Budget. Consider school auditoriums, gyms or rec centers to cut costs.
2. Select a date, time and venue (outdoors or inside). Keep in mind the following:
Outside concerts will need:
 Portable Stage
 Lights
 Sound engineers to set up and run sound
 Permit application fees if any (parks and public areas require this)
Inside concerts will need:
 Large venue with enough seating/stage lights
 Sound engineers to set up and run sound
Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners (cash, equipment, other?)
Inside or Outside:
 Rent a drum kit. This saves each band bringing and setting up their drums
which takes too long. A full drum kit can be rented for about $100.00.
Delivery charges are more so if someone has a van and is willing, they
need to pick it up and return it.
 At least two security personnel.
 Bathroom and water access.
3. Secure permits from city/county authorities if event is going to be outdoors on
public property.
3-4 months before the event:
 Arrange for sound engineers to run the sound, stage people to set up the
stage and light people to run the lights.
 Solicit for bands. Give them 6-8 weeks to deliver a demo cd to the library
planners who will determine who will play at the event.
 Create Posters/flyers: “Teen Bands Wanted” which explain the solicitation
period and what to provide. Distribute to all libraries, area jr. and sr. high
schools.
 Approach local radio stations to promote the event if they are willing.
 Create Band Application Form for all library branches. Form should include all
contact information for the band – a representative band member should provide
name, address, phone numbers and email. Make sure all band members are under
age 19. Provide a space where names are followed by age.
 After demo cds are received, immediately convene your planners, listen to the
demos and determine which bands you want to have play (6-8 bands maximum).
 Contact the chosen bands. Call and congratulate them and follow-up with a
letter with your battle’s rules. Typically, this will include how much time they
will have total to set up, sing and tear down, normally 20 minutes total which
includes 5 minutes to set up, 5 minutes to tear down and 10 minutes to sing 2-3
songs. If you are concerned about lyric content (while respecting artistic
license and 1st Amendment issues) specify that songs should be for a general
audience.




Non-chosen bands: return their cd with a polite rejection letter and invite them
to the event.
Immediately create posters about the event and distribute. Posters should
include the names of the bands that will play.
Determine who will be the judges (staff who are knowledgeable about popular
music, local radio or other celebrities).
Devise judging sheet: most bands are judged on originality, musicianship, and
showmanship, and whether they adhere to strict time constraints (usually 20
minutes total, including 5 minutes to set-up, 5 minutes to tear down and 10
minutes to sing 2-3 songs).
1-2 weeks prior to the event:
 Remind all bands about the times they will be performing. Remind them of the
strict time constraints. Suggest they come early and support all the bands who
will be performing. Encourage them to bring friends.
 Remind all judges about the date and time. Create judging sheets. Usually 10
points for each category (originality, musicianship, showmanship)
 Double check with sound, light and stage people to make sure everything is a
“go.”
 Arrange for a couple of buffet tables for the judges to sit and a canopy if heat
is expected.
Day of the event:
 If outside, stage, lights and sound set-up.
 Table and canopy set-up for judges.
 Judging sheets copied and ready to go.
 All staff involved should be at the event one hour prior.
 After all bands have played, have judges quickly tally their votes. Announce
winners within 10 minutes.
 If you are giving cash prizes, tell the winning bands that they can come to the
library within a certain time period to pick up their checks. Checks need to be
made out to one person who is responsible for the band.
Misc. things to keep in mind:
 Remember if 8 bands play, this will take nearly 3 hours. Be sure you start
promptly at 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. especially if you are outside in a public place. Most
parks require everyone to be gone by 10:00 p.m. except those who will be taking
down the stage, lights and sound. Alternately, consider an afternoon event.

Have at least 5-8 judges in case a couple of them forget or can’t come at the
last minute. Local celebs can be notorious for disappearing at the last minute.

Inclement Weather: if outside, can you easily move inside somewhere or
simply state in publicity materials: “event will be rescheduled in case of
inclement weather”.

Evaluate Program: Successful or Not? Annual or Bi-Annual event. Know
when event has “run out of steam” or when it needs to morph into something else
(American Idol Style? An Acoustic Only, “Unplugged” Event. Other?)