The Importance of Physical Space

Providing a separate section in the public library for YAs shows both acknowledgement and respect.  If that means a shelf or two reserved specifically for YA materials that is fine, but it is better if you can provide space for a comfortable seating area, computers and/or a listening station as well as a specialized collection.

Choosing the location is important.  There are a great many criteria, many as conflicting as YA behavior itself.  You would need to find:

• An area in the building where the YAs can be themselves without feeling as if they are bothering others. 
• A quiet place or study carrels.  Unbelievably, YAs often desire a quiet place to study.  
• An area not within nor located next to the children’s department.  This is an issue of identity; YAs do not wish to be perceived as children.
• A cozy, comfortable, and private space.  Yet one that retains a clear line of staff vision.

In public or school, libraries creating the right environment or “feel” are also important.  YAs are classic “browsers” and they are very trendy.  Ideally, the YA space should have a bookstore atmosphere.  Have as many materials face-out (cover of the item showing, rather than the spine) as possible.  If there is any area in the library that should be organized purely by genre or general subject heading, this is it.  YAs will be drawn to an area that has a computer or two, a listening station, chess and other games available for use, and any other furnishings or accessories that allow for creative or social interaction. 

The YA area should have verve (energy).  Lively, trendy READ posters, attractive topical posters, or bulletin/wipe boards should adorn wall space.  Displays and featured collections should be changed regularly and should not follow the same patterns as children’s displays.  Books and other materials should scream from the shelves, tabletops, or floor to be checked-out (in either sense of the word).  This is one area of the library where you can play “designer”.  Be creative, innovative, and even a bit odd.  If one thing does not work, try, try again, and build upon successes.

Copyright American Library Association
Used by Permission www.alastore.ala.org

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