Contentment Towards the Municipal Library
In a recent study conducted between May and September 2024, Iris Schulz, the director of SENTOBIB, drew four conclusions aimed at enhancing the usage of Lake City's public library. The survey, which involved nearly 400 participants, revealed a general satisfaction with the professional competence, friendliness, helpfulness, and accessibility of the staff. However, it also highlighted some areas for improvement, particularly among teenagers aged 13 and above.
One of the key findings was the need to better promote the library's offers and services. With 85.25 percent of patrons preferring printed books due to the e-book offer being largely unknown, intensifying advertising for e-books is a priority.
Another conclusion was to extend the opening hours, as nearly 15 percent of the surveyed patrons expressed dissatisfaction with the current hours. The study also revealed that the reasons given by non-customers for not using the public library are "preference for purchase over loan" and "opening hours do not fit."
To engage teenagers more effectively, the study suggested several strategies. The first conclusion was to establish Teen Advisory Boards (TABs), a practice seen in libraries like those in Palm Beach County, Florida. These boards allow teens to participate in decision-making processes regarding library activities and collections, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
Creative programs and activities tailored to teens, such as STEM kits, book clubs, and creative workshops, were also highlighted as effective strategies. Such activities attract teens by offering relevant and engaging content.
Engaging with teens through community events and outreach programs can also help increase library usage. Having a community engagement coordinator interact with teens, as seen in Seattle, can build interest and trust in library services.
Utilizing social media and online platforms to promote library resources and events can effectively reach teenagers. Libraries can also offer special access to digital resources that align with teens' interests.
Partnering with local schools and community organizations to offer joint programs or services can enhance library usage among teens. This collaboration can help integrate library activities into the broader community fabric.
The city library team is pleased that children find the library "cozy" and "fun." In an effort to further improve, the fourth conclusion was to strengthen the Kaldenkirchen location. The team is also considering extending the opening hours.
The survey results were presented to the Culture and City Partnerships Committee, marking a significant step towards implementing these strategies and making the library more accessible and appealing to teenagers. The challenge, according to Iris Schulz, is to reach the target group aged 13 and above. By adopting similar approaches, libraries like Lake City's can potentially increase their usage among this demographic.
References: 1. Teen Advisory Boards (TABs) 2. Engaging Teens in Your Library 3. Community Engagement 4. Seattle Public Library's Teen Services
In light of the study's findings, it is essential to extend the library's promotion efforts to home-and-garden media, particularly focusing on the benefits of e-books and the library's various services to engage more teenagers.
To persistently appeal to teenagers and foster a sense of community, the library should follow the example of libraries in Palm Beach County, Florida, and establish Teen Advisory Boards (TABs).
