Children as a User Group

A comparison study of information needs of children and organization of school and public libraries

Process:
Goal: Make generalizations about layout and organization for libraries Literature review Organization of school and public libraries Library visits/interviews Formation of guidelines

Children: Birth to 12 years

Erik Erikson's Stages of Development: Infancy (Birth-18 months) Early Childhood (18 months-3 years) Play Age (3-5 years) School Age (6-12 years) Adolescence (12-18 years)

Infancy (Birth-18 months)

Milestones: Basic trust and mistrust Facial expression as communication Tone of voice to express themselves Imitate word sounds Understand the 5 senses Exploration of objects Library Implications: Toys Board Books Sensory books/materials Storytime- bonding time

Early Childhood (18 months- 3 years)

Milestones: Walk, talk, fine motor skills Learn right from wrong Recognize names of people, object, body parts Follow simple instructions Form simple phrases Vulnerability Library Implications: Nurture a positive experience Board books Easy readers

Play Age (3-5 years)

Milestones: Basic rules of grammar Develop speech skills Basic colors and numbers Fantasy play Copy geometric patterns Draw people Independence & social skills Library Implications: Stationary and involvement

School Age (6-12 years)

Milestones: 3 Cs- calculation, consolidation, cooperation Academic independence Complex reasoning Order objects in logical sequence Advances in research & study skills Increased organization & self-discipline Library Implications: Internet users Transition Independent study zones

School Libraries

School Library Media Center Mission "Ensure that students and staff become effective users of information. The school library media specialist (SLMS) empowers students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information." --AASL Empowering Learners: Guidelines for school library media programs, p. 8.

Understanding the organization of information

Haphazard approach to retrieving information Browsing "Google It!" Wikipedia School Library Media Specialist Provide overview of Collection User of OPAC Subscription Databases Website Evaluation

School Library Standards

1. Inquire, think critically and gain knowledge 2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge. 3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society. 4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.
From AASL's Standards for the 21st-Century Learner in Action

Cataloging Systems
Help to support the development Critical Thinking Research Skills Dewey-less Maricopa County Public Libraries Bookstore Approach Pros of traditional cataloging system Uniformity Collocation Tied to Western Academic Divisions

Navigation and Visual Clues

Signs Text Pictures Correlation Book Spine Signs OPAC

Color Coding and Teddy Bears

Yellow = Easy Book Collection Blue = Primary Non-fiction Red = Easy to Read Fiction

International Children's Digital Library

http://en.childrenslibrary.org/

image from dclab.com

Navigation and Sub-Collections

Displays

Reading Levels

Pathfinders
Created by Tracy Jeffcott

Image from http://www.historyglobe.com/ot/maps/otmapmodern.gif

http://www.wix.com/msjeffcott/rpesoregontrail

Special Collections
Archive Project at DC Middle School

School Library Websites

Mini Collections Website Evaluations Citing Sources Access 24/7 http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/churchillhs/

Layout Guidelines
Support Curriculum and activities in Library Media Center Reference Instructional Area Storytime Area Access to Technology Casual Reading Section Study Carrels and Tables

School Libraries
Geared to Specific Ages of Children Tailored to Specific Population Teaching a Main Tool of Library Mission

The School Library should be the heart of the school and an integral part of the school culture.

Public Libraries
"I Recieved the fundamentals of my education in school,
but that was not enough. My real education, thesuperstructure, the details, the true architecture, I got out of the public library. For an impoverised child whose family could not afford to buy books,the library was the open door to wonder and achievement. And I can never be sufficiently grateful that I had the wit to charge theough that door and make the most of it.

~Isaac Asimov

The Childrens Section in Public Librarys

The Layout and Physical Design The Materials and Books The Services Provided

The Layout and Design

"Children have a sense of proprietorship and pride in a room which is set aside for them." ~Leonard Harrod

Room of their own Isolation Placement/Facilities Arrangement

Materials and Books

Displays Computers Books Furniture Tables Chairs Shelves

Services Reference Summer Reading Programs Entertainment

Puppet shows Story Times Movies