Managing the Swarm: Teen Behavior in the Library and Strategies for Success

Date, Location

Thu, 04/19/2012 - 11:00am - 12:00pm

About the Event

When teens flood into the library, anything can happen. People often think of the library as a “safe space” but sometimes chaos reigns, rather than order! By setting the right tone with regulars, establishing appropriate boundaries, and equitably addressing problem behaviors, you can create a teen space that is consistently welcoming. Learn how to create a dialogue with patrons who engage in distracting or dangerous behavior in the library, address concerns of adult patrons, and create rewards for teens who improve or maintain a positive presence in your space.

Learning Outcomes

Following this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Learn tactics for creating a positive atmosphere in the teen space
• Articulate importance of consistency & context in dealing with behavior problems
• Learn strategies to distinguish between dangerous and annoying behavior, and address it effectively
• Identify and assist teens with special cultural, emotional, or social needs behind their behavior issues

This webinar will address YALSA Competencies Areas: Knowledge of Client Group, Knowledge of Materials, and Administration.

Who Should Attend

Young adult librarians, school librarians, teachers, administrators, and any literacy-focused professional who works directly with teens and tweens. Certificates of participation are available for webinar attendees who attend the entire 1 hour webinar.

Presented by: Erin Downey Howerton

Erin Downey Howerton, MA, MSLIS is a librarian and a youth advocate who has worked with young people for over a decade in library and school settings both large and small. She is an active member of YALSA, and has published various articles and book chapters about libraries and teens.

Cost: $29 for students, $39 for individual YALSA members, $49 for all other individuals, $195 for group registrations. YALSA’s group rate provides an institution with 10 individual logins

To Register:

Register online today!

Registration is also available with a purchase order or by mail. Please download this form and submit with a purchase order or check. Faxed or mailed registrations must be received by the Monday prior to the Thursday webinar.

Cancellations must be submitted in writing up to two weeks prior to the event. No phone cancellations will be accepted. A $5 processing fee will be deducted from the registration amount. Please mail registration cancellations to American Library Association, ATTN: MACS, Online CE Registration, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611; fax to 312-280-1538; or email to registration@ala.org. Refunds will be processed after the event. YALSA reserves the right to cancel a course or workshop for insufficient registration or other reasons.

Event Website

Managing the Swarm: Teen Behavior in the Library and Strategies for Success