The Office of Commonwealth Libraries is offering Transforming Teen Services, a professional development framework focusing on youth development for youth ages 8-18, an initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) in partnership with Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These module workshops are open to all school and public library staff and volunteers who provide service to youth, tweens, and teens.
Library teen services enhance civic and culture engagement, facilitate lifelong learning, promote digital inclusion, and support economic vitality. Staff who participate in these module workshops will gain sills in articulating the value of work they do for and with teens, building equity in teen services, and understanding the needs of teens in their local communities.
Four module workshops are available to Pennsylvania library staff. All module workshops will have both synchronous and asynchronous components with information and resources provided via engaging discussion and curriculum content in the Pennsylvania Library Staff Academy. Participants may attend any or all workshops. These virtual sessions will take place via the Microsoft Teams meeting platform.
Ages and Stages of Youth Development, Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
In order to work effectively with youth, library staff need a basic understanding of how youth develop, their needs and their assets. This module workshop series summarizes key child and youth development research and focuses on how to create programs that are appropriate for youth.
- February 7, 2024
- February 14, 2024
- February 21, 2024
- February 28, 2024
- March 6, 2024
- March 13, 2024
Pursuit of Educational Equity, Tuesdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This module workshop series helps learners develop an individual foundation toward an equity mindset to support understanding of the Transforming Teen Services framework.
- March 5, 2024
- March 12, 2024
- March 19, 2024
- March 26, 2024
- April 2, 2024
- April 9, 2024
Computational Thinking, Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Participants engage in hands-on experiences and discussions on what computational thinking is and how it can be integrated into teen activities. Breaking down problems, looking for patterns, and identifying solutions are all essential critical thinking skills for youth and can be supported with library programs and services.
- March 7, 2024
- March 14, 2024
- March 21, 2024
- March 28, 2024
- April 4, 2024
- April 11, 2024
Connected Learning, Wednesdays, Wednesdays, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Participants explore principles of connected learning and how to put theory into practice. Through understanding tween and teen interest, asset mapping, and making connections, library staff can support youth development and college and career readiness skills.
- April 10, 2024
- April 17, 2024
- April 24, 2024
- May 1, 2024
- May 8, 2024
To register for any or all modules, please complete this form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Transforming Teen Services
Why should I participate in a Transforming Teen Services training?
The Transforming Teen Services curriculum has deep impact on individual library staff, library services, and tween and teen youth. Participants develop knowledge about how to work with teens, develop a positive mindset about teen interactions, and engage in discussions about issues of equity impacting their community and teens. For more information on the impact of this opportunity, view the 2023 Evaluation Summary on this YALSA and COSLA sponsored and IMLS-funded project.
Who can participate in these conversations?
Participation is open to all individuals committed to library service for children ages 8-18. This includes children’s, youth services, and tween/teen/young adult staff from public libraries, volunteers, library directors, school librarians, and library school students concerned with all aspects of library service to young children.
How will the conversations benefit participants?
The conversations are designed to be dynamic information exchange sessions, facilitating the sharing of best practices, innovative ideas, and successful strategies for tween and teen services in libraries. Participants will build valuable professional connections with colleagues across the state, collaborate with peers to address common challenges and explore innovative solutions, and develop understanding and confidence about engaging with tween and teens in their communities.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, the sessions will not be recorded. We encourage active participation and engagement during the live sessions to foster dynamic discussions and knowledge sharing among participants.
Can I participate in more than one session?
Yes, participants are invited to engage in any or all module workshops. While attendees have the flexibility to choose any or all module workshops, we highly encourage you to attend all dates within the selected module workshop, as each session is designed to progressively build on the previous, providing a comprehensive and enriching conversation.
Can I get a Continuing Education Certificate for attending?
Participants will receive a Transforming Teen Services certificate of completion for all modules attended.
For more information, please contact Corri Hines, School Age Services Advisor for the Bureau of Library Development.
This project is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.