Teens 13–18

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Teens need easy access to quality library resources and trained library professionals in order to master the critical literacy and technology skills they need in order to lead successful careers and personal lives. Free access to books, the Internet, information technologies and other library resources that reflect a wide range of topics and opinions also helps prepare teens to become informed, active participants in a democratic society.

  1. The most dangerous time of the day is from 3 PM to 6 PM. Public libraries provide teens with a constructive place to go during these hours, where teens can organize and participate in supervised recreational and educational activities. | more
  2. Teens rely on the library because it’s a place to explore and expand their interests, and benefit from having resources and staff targeted to their needs. Thanks to public library staff, they learn how to use the tools and resources they need to pursue school-related studies and research projects, and expand their reading interests through the availability of targeted materials, such as graphic novels, periodicals, interactive learning tools and more. | more
  3. The library provides a place for teens that encourages and values open communication and the sharing of ideas. The public library is a place where they can be and express themselves among peers, foster supportive relationships with peers and adults through library-sponsored programs, and interact with library staff, thus gaining confidence as they seek the help of adults with their projects. | more
  4. Teens depend on the public library as an access point to critical technology, networking and connectivity. The public library offers teens the space to utilize the interactive capabilities of the Internet; they use library computers to build writing and literacy skills through online journals, web pages and story parlors, and learn how to communicate with family and friends via social networking tools available through the public library’s free Internet access computers, such as blogs, online chat and other Web 2.0 applications. | more
  5. The public library provides much needed college- and career-focused research tools, programs and events: they enroll in programs that provide SAT, PSAT and ACT testing strategies and career advice; interact one-on-one with recruiters at library-sponsored college and career days; and take advantage of the public library-sponsored job and career readiness workshops, outreach opportunities, and entrepreneurship trainings. | more
  6. The US Census reports that 68.7% of households have Internet access. This means millions of teens, mostly from low socioeconomic households, must rely on school and public libraries for computers and access to the Internet. From library computers teens do more than just complete homework assignments. They investigate college and career opportunities. They connect with potential employers, apply for jobs, find internships, create and post resumes, connect with mentors and gain hands-on computer skills training. Teens also build communication skills as they use library computers to stay in touch with friends and family through web 2.0 tools. | more
  7. Libraries provide teens with leadership opportunities through activities such as service on Teen Advisory Boards and employment as library pages or tutors for children who struggle with reading or seniors who need assistance using the latest computer technologies. Through these opportunities, teens also enhance their professional competencies; improve their research and communication skills; gain a stronger work ethic; learn the importance of self-motivation; learn about project management and working with others; and come to understand and value the importance of independent time management. | more

Students whose librarians played [an instructional] role—either by identifying materials to be used with teacher-planned instructional units or by collaborating with teachers in planning instructional units—tend to achieve higher average test score.

  1. Students learn 21st century learning skills through state-of-the-art school library programs. | more
  2. The school library program plays an important role in helping students get an overall conception of the information seeking process with all the different steps it contains. | more
  3. Interactions with a school librarian aid children and teens in becoming confident, competent, and independent learners. | more
  4. Students achieve more academically when their teachers and school librarians plan and deliver instruction collaboratively. | more
  5. Students are more likely to be successful academically if they have the benefit of library program led by a state-certified school librarian. | more
  6. Students’ academic success is fostered by a well-funded school library program. | more
  7. Students are more successful academically when their teachers benefit from professional development opportunities offered by their librarian colleagues. | more
  8. Disadvantaged students have a better chance of succeeding academically when they attend schools with strong library programs. | more
  9. Students learn how to evaluate and use information—not just how to find and access it—from school librarians. | more
  10. Students and their teachers make more effective use of the Internet and other digital resources after learning about them from school librarians. | more