Study: Don't Underestimate Youth Programs

Libraries impart valuable life skills to teens, says University of Chicago study

By Kathy Ishizuka -- School Library Journal, 3/1/2005

Communities should take a closer look at the role that public libraries play in fostering the life skills of teenagers. That's the suggestion of a recent study by the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago highlighting the benefits of youth programming to both teens and libraries, particularly in low-income communities.

The four-year study, commissioned by the Wallace Foundation, examined youth programs at nine sites across the country that participated in Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development, a Wallace Foundation initiative. The teens surveyed said they learned about technology, developed such qualities as patience, perseverance, confidence, and responsibility, and increased their knowledge about the library—all by attending library programs. Many also said the library's enrichment and career development activities altered their view of libraries and librarians. In turn, the researchers found that working closely with teens helped library staffers view them more positively.

"With growing concern about how young people spend their out-of-school time, libraries should not be underestimated in their ability to offer constructive opportunities for teenagers and provide valuable services to the community," says Julie Spielberger, a senior researcher at Chapin Hall and the study's primary author.

However, realizing the benefits of library programming isn't without challenges. Researchers found that these initiatives require substantial funds for personnel and training. Moreover, recruiting teens not typically served by public libraries can be a difficult task.

The complete study is available at www.chapinhall.org.