Library Invaded by Teens and Technology

by Christina Stoll, MLS

The Blue Island Public Library (http://www.blueislandlibrary.org) has been invaded by teens and technology, thanks in part to the creative talents of staff member Darren Thompson, IT Manager and Technology Programming, and his use of library 2.0 technologies to create a space for young adults within the library.  The Tech Annex also provides a wide range of services for all library patrons, including a recording studio, enclosed computer classroom, 3D Animation software, and video editing equipment.

The Perfect Community Partnership

The idea for creating the technology and teen space came from Thompson’s prior work experience in a school setting, where he witnessed student involvement with technology in the art, music and TV studio production departments.  His dream of creating a similar type space for student use in a public library setting took shape when he came to work for BIPL. 

Thompson approached teachers and staff at the Eisenhower High School District 218, and quickly discovered that his idea provided them with the perfect solution to a problem he wasn’t even aware existed.  Use of technology by Eisenhower students was limited by school hours and lack of staffing.  Coincidently, the school’s video editing studio had been recently been flooded.

But wait, the BlLP has space and staff available outside of schools hours.  Why not provide the same resources that support the school district’s curriculum, create an afterschool space for teens, and enhance the technology resources available to the entire community?  This was the proposal that Thompson presented to library administration and the board.

The Tech Annex is Born!

Originally used to house historical community artifacts, the Tech Annex is paving the way for the future achievements of its residents.  Intended to be a multi-purpose, advanced technology space, the room provides:

• A safe place for young adults to be creative and hang out.
• An enclosed computer classroom.
• A recording studio.
• Additional patron program and staff meeting and training space.

Some of the resources available in the Tech Annex include:

• 3D Modeling and Animation
• Audio Sound Recording
• Video & Image Editing
• Web Development Station
• 10.1 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera
• Sony Playstation 2
• Yamaha keyboard, microphones, mixers and headphones

Check out this slide show presentation of the Tech Annex at http://www.blueislandlibrary.org/library/6a.htm.

Teen Advisory Board

The Tech Annex space wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of the Teen Advisory Board.  As the Tech Annex grew in popularity among kids and teens, Thompson saw a need for structure around the use of the room and to ensure the entire community had access.  This led to the creation of the Teen Advisory Board or TAB.   TAB’s mission is to “strengthen relations between youth and the community by creating new programs and encouraging opportunities for youth to give back to the community.”  TAB meets monthly, focusing its efforts on

• Helping the library pick materials and create programs and services geared towards YAs.
• Creating an avenue for YAs to volunteer to help the Library and community.
• Creating a social network for YAs

For more information about TAB, check out their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/122318522.

What do these teens do in the Tech Annex?

• Record music, create podcasts, movies and artwork.
• Create 3D models and animate them.
• Compete in various contests.
• Digitize the history of Blue Island.

While initially a male-dominated space, girls are gaining an interest and contributing to the Tech Annex. Here, 16 year-old Sarah adds her own artistic touch by painting a mural on the Teen Annex wall.

When asked what impact has the Tech Annex and TAB had on the library, Thompson replied,

“Due to the TAB, the Library has seen an increase in the number of high school students coming in to use the library on a regular basis who wouldn’t otherwise come.  The library is better able to serve high school teens since TAB provides them an avenue to provide input and produce output.”

Technology for the Entire Community

The Tech Annex is not just for teenagers.  Patrons of all ages use the space for computer classes or personal computer usage.  One family is using the recording studio equipment to create their own personal experiences.  8 year-old Lena records readings from some of her favorite stories, while 12 year-old brother Ben creates book discussion podcasts.  Even mom is getting into the technology by learning how to run the editing software.  The library is hoping similar uses of the Tech Annex will become popular with other families in the community.

Blue Island’s City Planning Department has also used the Tech Annex when it needed a place to develop maps for future city planning.  By using ArcGIS mapping software and a projector, the Tech Annex provided the perfect space for this project. 

Creating Your Own Space

Factors to consider if you’d like to create a similar space in your library:

• Get administration, library board and staff buy-in.
• Select a good location within the library, asr noise can be a factor.   
• Make this a community-wide service, not just for teens. 
• Promote your space.
• Support the technology by either training staff, hiring an external consultant or tap into the knowledge and skills of the teens in your community. 

And the number one secret behind the success of the Tech Annex – provide pizza at all events!

By providing a space like the Tech Annex, Thompson says, “the BIPL has increased community awareness of the Library and what the Library has to offer the Community,” which is the real magic of this space. 

For additional information about the Blue Island Public Library’s Tech Annex, contact Darren Thompson at dthompson@blueislandlibrary.org.

Teens using the Tech Annex computers.

Musical instruments being played for a recoding in the Tech Annex.

A Guitar Hero (http://www.guitarherogame.com) Tournament.

Published June 6, 2007 in vol. 1, iss. 10 [View]