Clic presentation #4 Teen Advisory Group

This presentation was also facilitated by Beth Crist.
Advantages of having a TAG:
-gain teen perception
-gain good ideas that may not have been thought of
- word of mouth from teens to other teens
- possibly gain some volunteers
- assitance in improving the YA collection
- help staff think like patrons
- staff use the opportunity to promote the YA collection and up coming programs
- build community good will
- can shift the perception of the library to the idea that the library is a "cool" place to be

Advantages of being a TAG member:
- Community service or service learning hours
- gives teens buy in into the library
- looks good on applications and resumes and potentially gain a good reference
-teens gain skills that help with lifelong learning
-guidance from and adult who isn't their parents or teachers
- gain skills as leaders and working in groups

What makes trends cool to teens?:
- age appropriate
- unique to them
- edgy or dangerous
- if cool celebs are doing it/supporting it
- friends are doing it
- see it on social network sites
- makes them feel independent or older

What makes trends uncool?:
-if your parents approve
-if your younger siblings are into it
-gets too old "that's so five minutes ago!"

Make and Keep TAGs (and your library) Cool:
- keep it exclusive - apply or vote in members
- staff need to be approachable to teens and give guidance, but not be an authority figure
- patience
- locations
- seeing results, indicates that they are making a difference and people are listening to their ideas

Ways to promote TAG:
- facebook
-post meeting minutes online
- school newsletter
- advertise on Computers in YA area
-radio stations
- peer to peer advertisment
- school announcements
- staff promote to teens one on one
- promote at venues that teens frequent

A good website to check out is www.jervislibrary.org/yaweb/tags.html
This presentation also came with a handout that I would be happy to share if you shoot me an e-mail.