Teen Library (Mis) Behavior 101

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Thank you YALSA! “If you work in a library, you know this scenario: You can hear them coming before they actually hit the door. They travel in duos or groups - perhaps better called packs – and they bring their noise and chatter with them. Once inside the library, they are a challenge to all. At the reference desk, they ask demanding questions that require constant follow-up. They have very specific needs, as though there is only one answer to their question and it is some kind of test for you to find it. Even worse are those who ask the same simple questions requiring repeatedly the same sources, year after year. Some are adept at computers and microfilm, but most are not. They may also dress funny and behave oddly. Disorganization rules as they spread out their mounds of paper until they’ve buried an entire table (or tables). They rarely say “Thank you.” To the nonreference staff they are pestering – needing change for the r, wanting special favors because they are “regulars” and often leaving a mess of crumpled paper and food crumbs behind them. Because of this pestering, and also because they are loud, disorganized, messy and difficult, most staff consider them obnoxious and are happy to see them go away or find a specialist to help them. They are a difficult user group indeed.” (Patrick Jones, Connecting Young Adults and Libraries, second edition 2000 p 71)Thank goodness I work with teenagers, and not with genealogists…

“If you work in a library, you know this scenario: You can hear them coming before they actually hit the door. They travel in duos or groups - perhaps better called packs – and they bring their noise and chatter with them. Once inside the library, they are a challenge to all. At the reference desk, they ask demanding questions that require constant follow-up. They have very specific needs, as though there is only one answer to their question and it is some kind of test for you to find it. Even worse are those who ask the same simple questions requiring repeatedly the same sources, year after year. Some are adept at computers and microfilm, but most are not. They may also dress funny and behave oddly. Disorganization rules as they spread out their mounds of paper until they’ve buried an entire table (or tables). They rarely say “Thank you.” To the nonreference staff they are pestering – needing change for the copies, wanting special favors because they are “regulars” and often leaving a mess of crumpled paper and food crumbs behind them. Because of this pestering, and also because they are loud disorganized, messy and difficult, most staff consider them obnoxious and are happy to see them go away or find a specialist to help them. They are a difficult user group indeed.” (Patrick Jones, Connecting Young Adults and Libraries, second edition 2000 p 71)Thank goodness I work with teenagers, and not with genealogists…

�Teens rebel when they have something to rebel against. Increase their responsibilities and freedom of choice, and they have nothing to rebel against, and can use their energy for other purposes.

Strive to offer quality service to all patrons. Take an interest in teen culture and activities. Get out from behind the desk. Be enthusiastic and respectful.Involve students as often as possible – volunteer opportunities, creating displays, tailoring your website to reflect current assignments, showcasing student work, etc…

1976-1996