What are tweens and why should we focus on them?

Older elementary and middle school-aged children, a.k.a. tweens (an amalgamation of teen and between) are underserved in the library.  Focused services for tweens can increase their participation in library services and programs into adulthood and provide many benefits along the way. Tweens are seeking independence and beginning to figure out who they are.  The library can give them an opportunity to gain independence from parents and to interact in a positive a social group environment.

Here are some reminders about why it is important for libraries to focus on this age group:

• “Less than one-third of 13-year-olds are daily readers, a 14% decline from 20 years earlier.” (2007 National Endowment for the Arts study) 

• Statistics show a connection to reading, advanced reading skills, and “personal, professional, and social advantages later in life”

• “Libraries play a unique role in youth development by ‘giving them opportunities for hands-on learning, support for social growth, and learning.’” (The Institute of Museum and Library Services)

• “Less than one-fifth of librarians currently offer technology programming for children under age 12” (2008 ALSC Children and Technology Committee Survey)

          (Crowley, DeJong-Boots, & Paladines)

image from: http://arapahoelibraries.org/programs-and-classes

Potential Roadblocks to Serving Tweens

• Tweens are interested in gaining independence, spending time with friends, clothes, electronics, and seeking their own entertainment.
• As they seek more independence, tweens tend to shirk adult recommendations
• Once children enter middle school have busier schedules: more homework and organized sports and activities.
• In most communities, they lack access to transportation to get to the library.
• A large majority of tweens are interested in interacting with friends, and reading is a solitary activity.
• Tweens who do love reading have access to inexpensive books at discount stores. 

          (Fasick 44-45)

Additional Readings on the Topic:

http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2012/12/tween-programming-its-all-about-them/

- This article discusses tweens’ needs.

http://courseweb.lis.illinois.edu/~crowley8/506tweens/Tween_Programming/Home.html

- This site explains the term "tween," provides research about the needs of tweens, programming ideas, funding ideas, and practical advice for libraries.

http://tscpl.org/tween/

- Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library’s Tween page has ideas for programming and other pertinent tween information.

Resources:

Crowley, Amanda, Dana DeJong-Boots, and Michele Paladines.  “Intro to Tween Services.” Nov. 2009. Word Document.  10 June 2013.  www.laconi.net/wp-content/.../04/Introduction-to-TweenServices.docx

Fasick, Adele M.  From Boardbook to Facebook.  Libraries Unlimited. Santa Barbara, CA, 2011. Print.