Some Common YA Behaviors

Library staff need to be aware of the difference between common, healthy behaviors and destructive ones, and must react appropriately in order to maintain both library safety and a good relationship with area YA - library user and non-user alike.  Common sense and a calm demeanor can resolve many issues, but above all, staff must follow library policy and there are of course definite areas where law enforcement response is necessary.

Most YA behaviors are perfectly normal and do not pose a threat to staff or other library users.  These include:

• Loud or rowdy behavior
• “Hogging” the internet
• Skateboarding

Behaviors like these have reasonable explanations. 

• YAs tend to travel in groups, and inevitably, groups of any size are loud – remember last week’s neighborhood association meeting or last month’s book club? 
   
• YAs have a great amount of nervous energy that must be released somewhere.  Often it is released wherever they go, the library is no exception.
   
• Behaviors like these often occur because the YA has few opportunities to safely gather and even fewer venues for pursuing their interests.  
   
• Setting clear guidelines, explaining proper library behavior, and enforcing existing library policy should resolve situations like these.

Uncommon behaviors that are detrimental and dangerous to both the YA and others include:

• Smoking
• Vandalism and/or theft
• Abusive behavior – verbal and/or physical
• Violence and drug use

While smoking is an issue that can be handled through policy enforcement and verbal warning, the next two issues, depending upon the degree of severity may require calling the authorities.  Incidents of violence, drug use, or any other illegal activity on library premises must be reported to law enforcement immediately.

Patrick Jones provides library staff with 5 Rs to remember when serving YAs.

Reactions:

• have realistic expectations of their behaviors
• be fair firm and consistent
• let them know what is expected and proper library behavior
• keep your cool and lighten up

Relationships:

• build them
• get to know young adults' names and use them

Rules:

• unwritten (although many are actually written in policy form); if behavior disrupts others or is against the law proper action must be taken

Responsibilities:

• every staff member must handle situations correctly

Respect:

• just as every person deserves

Remember, any response to young adult behavior must be equal to that for adult (all) patrons.

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