Developing Principles for Working with Young People in Libraries

Client:

ASCEL (The Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians)

ASCEL are the national network of senior managers in Children’s Public and Schools Library Services. ASCEL wished to identify a set of principles for working with young people that will underpin ASCEL’s Children’s Promise and shape the way in which libraries work with young people.  With funding secured from Paul Hamlyn ASCEL commissioned Evidence Base and Manchester Metropolitan University to develop a set of principles for working with young people in the library sector.

As part of the research process an online survey was circulated to young people followed up by a focus group with a handful of young people. In addition interviews were conducted with adults experienced at working with young people either in a library setting or in a youth organisation.

Links to project outputs

Based on responses from the online survey, focus group and interviews, seven principles for working with young people in libraries were created. The Developing Principles for Working with Young People in Libraries Report can be found at the link below:

View the Developing Principles for Working with Young People in Libraries Report

Benefits

Developing a set of principles for working with young people will give libraries guidance to reach out to young people and strengthen the relationship between library staff and young people.