This document discusses strategies for managing teen behavior in libraries. It explores how biological, psychological, social and cultural factors influence teen behavior. It recommends librarians understand teen development needs and set clear boundaries and consequences. Specific strategies are outlined, including targeting disruptive behaviors, following through on consequences, and fostering positive relationships with teens through programming and dedicated spaces.

1. PAIN IN THE BRAIN: TEEN LIBRARY(MIS) BEHAVIOR 101 Presented by Beth Gallaway for WMRLS, May 2009

2. Beth Gallaway: Contact & Slides Email: informationgoddess29@gmail.com Cell: 603.247.3196 Slides: http://slideshare.net/informationgoddess29/ Links: http://delicious.com/informationgoddess29/brain

3. Do you have Ephebiphobia?

4. Drawing Exercise Group 1: Draw a TEEN, from a LIBRARIAN pov Group 2: Draw a LIBRARIAN, from a TEEN pov Group 3: Draw a TEEN, from a TEEN pov Group 4: Draw a LIBRARIAN, from a LIBRARIAN pov

5. Library Behaviors Groups Blocking entrance or access Roaming Taking up space “ Courting” Behavior Backtalk and “disrespect” Eating & drinking Cell phone use

6. Library Behaviors Language Sex Vandalism Theft Violence Cyberbullying

7. Differentiate between the 2 Ds: Disruptive Normal Annoying Dangerous Abnormal Harmful to self & others Illegal

8. Why Do Teenagers Act That Way? They hate the library? They hate YOU (the librarian)? It’s a contest? Their hormones? The weather? Their age?

9. Influences on Teen Behavior Cultural Sociological Personal Psychological Biological

10. Cultural Who taught you how to behave in the library? How do patrons know how to behave in the library

11. Sociological Who do teens spend their time with?

12. Personal What are some personal issues teens face the might influence behavior?

13. Psychological What are teens going through during adolescence? What are the unique experiences that characterize them?

14. On Rules Create a behavior policy Same rules for everyone No rules set up to fail The less rules, the better Word rules in a positive way Leave rules open ended

15. Developmental Needs Positive Social Interaction with Adults & Peers Structure & Clear Limits Physical Activity Creative Expression Competence & Achievement Meaningful Participation Opportunities for Self-Definition Source: National Middle School Association (1996). Research Summary: Young Adolescent’s Developmental Needs, 2006

16. Developmental Needs Positive Social Interaction with Adults & Peers (seek attention, socialization) Structure & Clear Limits (push boundaries, challenge authority) Physical Activity (run from computer to computer, roam) Creative Expression (vandalism, MySpace Competence & Achievement (competitive behavior, Runescape obsession) Meaningful Participation (opininated, socialization) Opportunities for Self-Definition National Middle School Association (1996). Research Summary: Young Adolescent’s Developmental Needs, 2006

17. Biological The corpus callosum stopped developing around age 5 (grows through adolescence) The brain didn’t grow after age 10 (grows through adolescence) Myelination was complete before puberty (continues well into young adulthood)

18. Frontal Lobe Facilitates: Planning Decision-making Results in: Poor decisions Poor management Source: http://www.thecuriousmind.com/brain-cm.html

19. Myelin Sheath Facilitates: Intelligent response to gut reactions Learning new things Concrete to abstract thought Results in: Reacting Poor memory/recall Lack of focus and attention Poor organizational skills Bad impulse control Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/9682.jpg

20. Dopamine Controls: Smooth motor skills Pleasure center Results in: Risk-taking, novelty seeking Excitability, loudness Source: http://www.3dchem.com/imagesofmolecules/Dopamine.jpg

21. Serotonin Controls: Temperature Mood Appetite Emotion Results in: Moodiness

22. Melatonin Controls: Sleep/wake cycles Biological clock Results: Brain development REM sleep has been linked to learning ability

23. Behavioral Strategies Boundary setting is extremely important Address behavior in terms of actions and consequences in a matter of fact, non-threatening manner

24. Set Boundaries State unacceptable behavior Optional: explain why it’s unacceptable State consequence of continued unacceptable behavior Ask patron to make a choice

25. Examples “ John, it’s too noisy over here, and some people are trying to study. If you continue to be disruptive, I will need to ask you to leave. You can choose to lower the volume level and stay or you can choose to leave. Mary, your computer time is up, we have someone waiting. If you continue to violate the time limit, I will have to suspend your computer privileges. You can choose to log off now and get more time tomorrow, or lose your computer access for 2 days.”

26. Keep in Mind… “ Librarians do not kick teens out of the library. Teens get themselves kicked out of the library, because of their behavior.” ~ Nick Buron, NYPL, Queens Branch

27. Correcting Behavior 3 Strikes & You’re Out! Target the Group Leader Good Cop, Bad Cop Invade Personal Space

28. Follow Through Welcome back Introduce Discuss behavior incident Reinforce consequences of actions Start with a clean slate

29. Nip Undesirable Behavior in the Bud! Create raving fans of the library Develop personal relationships Give them a space of their own Program them to death Deliver excellent reference & reader’s advisory, and practice excellent customer service

30. Create Raving Fans Meaningful participation Foster ownership of the library and teen space Evaluate!

31. Develop Personal Relationships Talk to teens when they do something RIGHT Introduce yourself, repeatedly Greet patrons by name Get out from behind the desk Get out of the library

32. Give Them a Room of Their Own More than just a shelf and a poster Convert a meeting room to a homework center or program room a few days a week Designate a staff person to serve teens

33. Program Them to Death Engage them in meaningful participation Give teens positive ways to expend their energy Offer after school activities Cultivate a volunteer program

34. Be an Excellent Librarian! Customer Service Reference Reader’s Advisory

35. Reminders for Librarians Stay calm It’s not personal Teens are job security Learn to RAP

36. Moment of Truth R emember A ccept P roject

37. Thank You! Slides: http://infogdss.wordpress.com Email: informationgoddess29@gmail.com 603.247.3196