Children and Reference Service

Beginning on May 1, we are conducting a brief survey of children about our reference service to children. The question in some minds might be: why bother? We did a survey of adults, including parents, didn't we? Well, yes, we did, but here's the thing.

Children and teenagers view the world very, very differently from their elders. They experience schools and assignments differently. They use technology differently. They have very different informational priorities. There are many things that kids do not know yet, and many things about which they are far wiser than adults. -And not least, children experience time differently.

There's a lot we can learn from kids.

So...PLEASE...take the time to talk with the children and teens in your branches. Help the younger ones with the survey. Note down what they actually think and say, not what you wish they'd said. Hand out loolipops freely and get to know the young people and their opinions.

There's a lot we can learn from kids.

Liz