Teens.Library: Developing Internet Services for Young Adults

With busy lives and overloaded schedules, teens have little discretionary time. To compete with other information and entertainment sources, libraries must meet and even exceed the high expectations of today's savvy young adults when it comes to library services. Because teenagers are Internet enthusiasts of the first order, one sure-fire way to do that is through teen-friendly online services and Websites.Children's and young adult specialist Linda Braun has studied the developmental needs and interests of young adults. With credible evidence supporting their love affair with the Internet, she shares proven and innovative strategies -- including getting teens involved in the process -- that you can use to harness that interest via Web-based services. By getting teens in the library to check out your Web services, you're halfway there in turning them into lifelong library users. In Teens.library, you'll find answers to key questions such as: -- Why do teenagers like the Internet?-- What do teenagers look for in a Website (e-mail service, games, homework help, shopping, chat rooms, book recommendations?)-- Are there ways to provide traditional library services with teen appeal via the Internet?-- What are the technical considerations for incorporating new technologies?With ready-to-use tools, you can hit the ground running with: -- 40 critical factors for young people's growth and development-- Examples of teen-driven library Websites (including NYPL's Word-smiths Website, a teen writing submission forum)-- Planning and project management advice-- Evaluation and statistics gathering information-- Site maintenance tipsLibrary Websites and services mustintegrate teen-friendly technology, content, and attitude or risk losing an entire generation of potential library customers. Every young adult specialist, youth services librarian, school library media specialist, and technLinda W. Braun is the author of 'Teens.Library: Developing Internet Services for Young Adults' with ISBN 9780838908242 and ISBN 0838908241.