Online Board Meeting 4/19: Designing Youth Spaces White Paper
We have established a quorum and schedule for this meeting at http://connect.ala.org/node/265807
This topic is the Designing Youth Spaces White Paper, which was presented at our Executive Committee Meeting on 4/17, in Document R.
As introduced in the document, it has been some time since our last white paper. Our Executive Director noted a particular request that revealed the need for guidelines on children's spaces in libraries (perhaps similar to YALSA guidelines for teen spaces). I and others on the EC have noted the same need, and feel this is timely, coming on the heels of Past-President Andrew Medlar's presidents' program at Annual conference. The Executive Committee supports this proposal, noting that such a paper should present flexibility for all sizes of libraries, and for all budgets.
The budget requirements for the proposal as presented in Document R will be presented in the FY18 budget for approval at Annual, as that is the year in which the majority of the costs would fall. However, the EC recommends authorizing staff to move forward on the proposal immediately, in order to engage consultants.
This topic is open for preliminary discussion.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Doc r Designing Youth Spaces White Paper.pdf | 205.81 KB |
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Discussion
I'm grateful to the Executive Committee for starting to consider the proposal for a Designing Youth Spaces White Paper. I concur that the paper would make a strong contribution to the literature, and potentially best practices, of our members as well as the wider profession with regard to ensuring that library spaces intended to serve youth and their families are the best they can be. While the EC did note the alternate, less expensive option of a task force, I am in favor of really investing in a white paper so that the final product clearly stands on its own as a clear viewpoint of the role library spaces play in serving youth. Additionally, the literature review that would be included in a white paper would itself be a tremendous contribution for members and the wider profession. Finally, I believe that the creation of a Designing Youth Spaces White Paper is in many ways a natural extension of the great work done in updating the Core Competencies in 2015--it would allow the ideas in the competencies with regard to library spaces to take a more concrete form.
Re: [ALA Connect] ALSC Board of Directors - Online Board Meeting
I concur with much of what Amy has said. This will add to the literature and potentially give youth services managers a much needed voice (with data to back up that voice) in planning spaces for youth. It directly impacts our constituents and their communities and has the potential to save libraries money that would be later spent in redesigning poorly thought-out spaces.
I also would prefer to see a consultant (the proposed budget is not that great)--or a team with multiple perspectives--to enable that this initiative can be completed in a timely fashion.
O
Kay Weisman
White Paper Discussion
I concur with much of what Amy has said. This will add to the literature and potentially give youth services managers a much needed voice (with data to back up that voice) in planning spaces for youth. It directly impacts our constituents and their communities and has the potential to save libraries money that would be later spent in redesigning poorly thought-out spaces.
I also would prefer to see a consultant (the proposed budget is not that great)--or a team with multiple perspectives--to enable that this initiative can be completed in a timely fashion.
Kay Weisman
Projects
If possible, Kay can you expand your thoughts on the budgeted amount?
I interpreted Kay's comment
I interpreted Kay's comment as saying the budget for the white paper is not excessive--using the word "great" as in "a large amount." Is this perhaps correct, Kay?
Re: [ALA Connect] ALSC Board of Directors - Online Board Meeting
Thank you, Amy.I am not a budget person, but yes, my thought was that this is a small amount of money--certainly less than the amount being considered for the logo/rebranding. I think there are advantages sometimes to making a small investment and achieving an end result in a more timely fashion.
Kay
Kay Weisman
I agree that investing in a
I agree that investing in a budget to move this effort forward will be a timely, tangible step in moving our strategic plan forward. It has been 7 years since Designing Space for Children and Teens in Libraries and Public Spaces by Sandra Feinberg and James Keller was published by ALA and times and needs have changed. Assisting librarians in the process of developing and creating welcoming places for families to develop community in a safe and friendly place is increasingly important.
Doris Gebel
White Paper
I just want to chime in quickly to say that I totally agree that we should really invest in this white paper, which is timely and really needed.
White Paper
I just want to chime in quickly to say that I totally agree that we should really invest in this white paper, which is timely and really needed.
Return to Main Thread
Thank you for these preliminary thoughts. This item has been moved and seconded, and is now open for final discussion before a vote, at: http://connect.ala.org/node/265807
Nina Lindsay
2017-18 ALSC President