Guided by the connected learning framework for research and design, this report dives into both the challenges and opportunities for public libraries in serving diverse teens in socially and culturally connected ways, including concrete recommendations for public library leaders.
A three-year project funded by IMLS, the Transforming Teen Services for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (TS4EDI) project investigated the challenges library staff face and the support they need for designing and sustaining connected teen learning experiences, including in rural and small libraries. Researchers engaged in:
- A review of published literature and materials from IMLS funded initiatives
- Partnership with 9 libraries representing a mix of rural and urban settings.
- Interviews with 13 partner library staff and 12 additional library staff to understand their experiences with connected learning in teen services.
The project produced reports tailored to public library leadership and teen services staff, with key findings and recommendations, as well as checklists for how to put connected learning in practice. These publications, and related resources for library leaders, staff, and researchers can be found on the Connected Learning through Libraries resource page of the Connected Learning Alliance.
This project was funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant, Award Number LG-250020-OLS-21.
Featured
Guided by the connected learning framework for research and design, this report dives into both the challenges and opportunities for public libraries in serving diverse teens in socially and culturally connected ways, including concrete recommendations for public library staff.
Publications
Transformative Outcomes Through Community Engagement: How Public Library Leaders Foster Connected Learning Teen Services
Guided by the connected learning framework for research and design, this report dives into both the challenges and opportunities for public libraries in serving diverse teens in socially and culturally connected ways, including concrete recommendations for public library leaders.
Transformative Outcomes Through Community Engagement: How Public Library Staff Foster Connected Learning Teen Services
Guided by the connected learning framework for research and design, this report dives into both the challenges and opportunities for public libraries in serving diverse teens in socially and culturally connected ways, including concrete recommendations for public library staff.
Checklist for Putting Recommendations into Practice For Library Leaders
A supporting resource for the report Transformative Outcomes through Community Engagement: How Public Library Leaders Foster Connected Teen Learning Services
Checklist for Putting Recommendations into Practice For Library Staff
A supporting resource for the report Transformative Outcomes through Community Engagement: How Public Library Staff Foster Connected Teen Learning Services
Blog Posts
Fostering Teen Engagement in Public Libraries Through Connected Learning: New Reports Released
Two new reports offer insights & recommendations for public libraries to foster teen engagement through connected learning.
Connected Learning Through Libraries: Pickle Autopsies, Dungeons and Dragons, and Restaurant Trivia Events: Supporting Diverse Youth Interests and Community Partnerships at Coventry (RI) Public Library
This post describes how Coventry Public Library has put connected learning into practice.
Connected Learning Through Libraries: Indie Memphis Youth Film Festival and the Memphis Public Library Unite
This post describes how the Memphis (TN) Public Library has put connected learning into practice.
Connected Learning Through Libraries: Upper Skagit (WA) Library’s Commitment to Ongoing Learning, Relationships, and Partnerships
This post describes how the Upper Skagit (WA) Library has put connected learning into practice.
Connected Learning Through Libraries: East Providence (RI) Public Library: Welcoming Teens in Library Spaces
This post describes how the East Providence Public Library has put connected learning into practice.
