Secrets of Successful Teen Programming
Format: Online
Fee: $75 for those in the California library community and Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others.
(An Infopeople Online Learning Course)
February 2, 2010 - March 1, 2010
Do you want to explore new ideas for teen programs at your library? Develop technology-based programs, such as online author chats, as well as more traditional book-related programs? Move your existing programs from good to great? In this course, expert programmer Beth Gallaway will show you how successful teen programming starts with teen involvement. Teen participation in the process generates new ideas and builds ownership for your library's programming efforts.
Whether you are new or not-so-new to teen programming, this course will help you:
- Develop programs using a five-step approach
- Create programs that build the "developmental assets" that teens need to mature and thrive.
- Involve teens themselves in program planning and delivery
- Create programs on a shoestring budget for maximum impact.
- Embrace the idea of all teen programs as "beta tests" for future improvement.
Additionally, you will be able to use outcome-based evaluation that truly measures the impact of a program – not just how many attended or whether the teens liked it. In short, you'll learn all the secrets of successful teen programming!
Course Description: In this four-week online course, you will examine best practices for traditional and technology-based programs for teens, as well as teen participation at your library, including volunteer tasks and teen advisory groups. You'll be encouraged to develop your own program ideas and share resources with one another. Interactions during the course include: online discussion forums; a teleconference with Library Journal Mover and Shaker Julie Scordato, teen services librarian at Columbus Metropolitan Library; and an online chat session with an author. You will be able to explore program ideas using Meebo, Facebook, Face Your Manga, Game Creator, and Wordle.
Preliminary Course Outline: Using your web browser and your Internet connection, you will log in to the Infopeople online learning site and complete the following learning modules:
- Week 1: Developing a Framework
- Why offer teen programs at your library?
- Creating a framework for teen programs
- Five steps to successful teen programs
- Week 2: Meaningful Participation
- Why is teen input vital to programming success?
- How to facilitate a teen advisory group (TAG)
- How to implement a volunteer program
- Week 3: Traditional Programs: Narrative and Arts
- Connecting traditional programs to collections
- Program examples: arts and craft activities, book discussions and book-related programs, creative writing, storytelling and summer reading programs
- Programming on a budget
- Writing outcome-based evaluations
- Week 4: Technology-Based Programs
- Connecting technology programs to collections
- Program examples: online author chats, game design, interactive teen portals, podcasting, content creation contests and online summer reading programs
- Programming with community partners
Time required:To complete this course, you can expect to spend 3½ to 4 hours per week. You can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night. However, it is recommended that you complete each week's assignments within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
Who Should Take This Course: Youth services librarians, school librarians, and library staff who are responsible for young adult programs. This course is also appropriate for managers and others interested in knowing more about the larger framework of young adult services and how programming fits in. Because many programming concepts apply across wide age ranges, adult services staff interested in enhancing programs for 18-30 year-olds will also benefit.
Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at
http://www.infopeople.org/training/learning_details.html.
To be successful in this course, you should also be comfortable enough with technology to try a variety of Web 2.0 applications. Please ensure that your computer, Web browser and filtering software will support Meebo (www.meebo.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com), Face Your Manga (www.faceyourmanga.com), Game Creator (www.cartoonnetwork.com), and Wordle (wordle.net)
Course Start: This 4-week-long online learning course starts on February 2, 2010.
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