Jen Gage

MLIS student at Queens College. Don't Panic.

[SchoolLibraryJournal @sljournal]

Wired for Stories: Reading, watching movies, and storytelling are all critical to how our minds operate. Here's why. https://t.co/6BTlMIcQsP

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Boundaries and consistency are both really important when working with teens. It's a hard line to be both friendly but not a friend. #gslis777

[Yesenia Escobar @YeseniaEscoMo]

#Gslis777 T5: setting boundaries is a consistent issue in these discussions this past semester. It should always be repeated. Be friendly not bffs. Don’t be cruel but be firm. Do not be a door mat to these teens. We still have a job to do.

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

It is frustrating. Reading the timeline of the youth services was frustrating because it seems to be the same battle over and over. Trying to look on the bright side,I think that it is improving. 20 years ago it was rare to have a ya room, but it's a lot more common now #gslis777

[i.irish @iirish7]

#gslis777 Jensen: it sucks that teen specialist have to put teen services on the back burner because children or adult services are the priority. Im not sure if its because its one of the latest age groups added to library services but its unfortunate.

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

The why is definitely important. Just because something has always been done, doesn't mean it should be. And conversely, just because something has never been done doesn't mean it shouldn't be. How is it fulfilling a need, even if the need is fun #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Absolutely! The librarian is an extension of the library when outside (and inside) of the library. It's important to create a personal connection, especially with teens. #gslis777

[Regina Sammis @ReginaSammis]

Final takeaway 4 #gslis777 The library is a place but the librarian is a person who can bring the library into the community. Outreach is incredibly important to reach patrons and show them what the library has to offer them.

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

@Ellebrarian I agree with this! I loved being able to talk to different librarians and see how they were handling different things.

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

One of the things I've come away with after this course is that I need to pursue continued education and professional development after graduation for new ideas, methods, and encouragement to keep things dynamic. I don't have to be flashy to be innovative. #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Takeaways from #gslis777s4m2
A semester of reflections. I mean, reflections of the semester
#gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Whether it is the space, the collection, or the programming, teens need to know that it is theirs and they are welcome in it. #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

I think this is a great idea. To add on to this, helping plan the program with the teens (that they then lead) is a great program as well. #gslis777

[Margaret Kaczorowski @margaret_kaczo]

@MusaJatta16 I actually like the idea of giving teens the chance to co-lead or lead a program. Maybe start with book discussion or a game program? Our lecture this week explores this idea #777f2017

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Expectations and self-fulfilling prophecies are key! Teens will rise (or fall) to the occasion. Tell them they are the worst, they will act the worst. Tell them they are awesome and trustworthy, they will act that way. #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

It's amazing how many problems can be avoided with communication. Consistency, clear expectations...These aren't just things for working with teens, but principles for working with everyone! #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Teens don't need to be readers to be library users! Of course we want to encourage reading, but as @smocktown says, we can't force it. #gslis777

[𝔸𝕕𝕕𝕚𝕖 𝕊𝕞𝕠𝕔𝕜🦉 @smocktown]

Takeaway 4
Librarians are not teachers. We should never dictate what or how much (or even if!) a teen reads.

The librarians are there with RA galore and we hope to help kids find a love of reading, but we can’t force it.

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Exactly. Providing a space that teens can call their own gives a sense of stability and ownership, both important during this (and really any) stage of life. #gslis777

[Tammy M @tmanor1]

I agree. Many teens feel like they are lost in the shuffle. They're in that in between stage and they're trying to find themselves. Giving them a space of their own can help them tremedously. #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

In Love With Teen Lit: Remembering The 'Paperback Crush' Of The '80s And '90s https://t.co/qTBBquQri2

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

I knew that there were a lot of testing days, I was surprised while reading about collaborations between school and public librarians that there were 54 scheduled testing days (in that district). That’s 30% of the school year! #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Takeaways from #gslis777m4s1 #gslis777

[Jen Gage @JenniferSGage]

Connecting this to the youth empowerment/leadership article, you don’t necessarily need experience working with teens to work well with them. You just need skills to work with people. Teens=people (3/3) #gslis777