Children's Library Service 2 by Renee Hobbs

THE LEGACY OF CHILDREN'S LIBRARY SERVICE

hobbs — 2014-02-13 20:49:11 UTC

Let's analyze 2 of the core values of children's library service by our frank and candid assessment of what may be ACCURATE and INACCURATE about each.

THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD IS THE PRIMARY USER OF CHILDREN'S LIBRARY SERVICE

hobbs — 2014-02-13 20:50:16 UTC

THE CHILDREN'S ROOM IS AN INTEGRAL ELEMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICE FOR CHILDREN

hobbs — 2014-02-13 20:50:52 UTC

This one really bugs me

hobbs — 2014-02-20 01:50:17 UTC

Seems like moms and dads

should be a key target audience

for children's librarians

Ariel/ Friends are influencers

2014-02-20 01:51:07 UTC

I often find that kids do much with one another. It is true that reading a book can be done individualy however sharing a book is so much better together.

Kaylen/Another "gap"

kshimoda — 2014-02-20 01:51:08 UTC

We've been discussing the access gap, but what about the "latchkey" children? Where is the balance between children love it and who don't?

Lucy- "the library children's room was intended to send a

2014-02-20 01:51:22 UTC

clear message to children: this is your place."

Systems thinker or shortsighted?

2014-02-20 01:52:14 UTC

If Walter is using a systems level approach, she's correct that children should be at the center of the conversation because they are the "users". However, they way shes frames her comments seem to neglect the other necessary stakeholders (i.e., parents, teachers).

Jennie/I like this. . .

jennifer_grant — 2014-02-20 01:52:34 UTC

I think because it puts the focus on the child--that is why

they are coming to the library--to get books and information

from the librarian

Heather

2014-02-21 04:26:54 UTC

I tend to think that parents and guardians are the primary users of the children's section of the library.

At this age, children's choices are guided by their parents.

Heather

2014-02-21 04:28:57 UTC

I agree- the children's room should be a place that children can take ownership of.

While the parents are actually the primary users of the children's section, the children's room is designed for the children. They need to feel at home if they are going to be lifelong users of it.

Linda/Libraries are a place to share

2014-02-22 18:28:46 UTC

Parents who take their child(ren) to

the libraries for story-time, taking out books or other activities are the primary users and the children are the secondary users. Children are influenced by their parents. As the children get older and attend to the library on their own, then

they will become the primary user.

Linda

2014-02-22 18:45:03 UTC

I agree as it is a place for children

to roam and browse the shelves. To

feel independent about books that

they wish to read.

RebeccaOtt

beckstar33 — 2014-02-23 18:25:17 UTC

I think that it's important to recognize children as the primary user

While at the same time recognizing that there are groups that

benefit from service. Children benefit from the librarian serving

Their parents/guardians/caretakers

Sara/Parental role at library

saboo97 — 2014-02-23 23:45:43 UTC

how do we (as parents)nurture emergent literacy skills?

Christy/ Children's rooms can be magical

2014-02-24 01:23:13 UTC

A well-designed children's room can spark a child's imagination and make them excited to come to the library again and again!

Stephanie V./I get it but...

sviens510 — 2014-02-25 17:21:38 UTC

I think children's library service can cater to social groups of children as well as an individual child - kids learn a lot through peer interactions. And while children may be primary, I also wonder where parents fit as "users" of children's library service.

Stephanie V./I like this idea but rooms have walls!

sviens510 — 2014-02-25 17:23:40 UTC

I agree with this value but also feel there should be an effort to emphasize that the activites and learning that occur within the "the children's room" should be transferrable to other places and contexts.

Sarah Kopka

sefreel1 — 2014-02-26 14:50:08 UTC

I agree with RebeccaOtt with the fact that it is important to RECOGNIZE children as primary users. Parents should play a key role in encouraging the use of library services. Children do not always know the "how to's". Although they think they may understand, they might not fully grasp a concept or purpose of something, in this instance a children's library service. I'm not sure if parents and adults would be characterized as primary users or as primary encouragers/promoters to children of children's library services.

Sarah Kopka

sefreel1 — 2014-02-26 14:54:46 UTC

I agree with many of the points here. A children's room evokes feelings of independence, ownership, and domain. The children's room is definitely an integral element, although should not be the most important. Thinking outside of the box and having activities outside of a room further develops those feelings of responsibility and freedom.

Goetz- Parents or Children?

stephanie_goetz — 2014-03-02 17:02:49 UTC

Who really are the primary users?

Children are greatly influenced by their

parent's decisions. However, at the same

rate, children do know what they want most

of the time! I always accessed the library on

my own as a child, my mother would merely

bring me their and let me decide.

Goetz- I LOVE THE CHILDREN'S ROOM

stephanie_goetz — 2014-03-02 17:05:07 UTC

I feel this is definitely integral. It gives children a safe haven, a place to feel comfortable and to feel comfortable to explore and learn as they wish. It also offers a lot of educational opportunities such as when the children's librarians help a child or offer a story telling session.