Archived

This content is available here for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping.

Abstract

Part 1 of this article synthesized the literature on civic engagement, art, libraries, and teen services to demonstrate how public libraries can transform the lives of their patrons and the communities they serve. This case study responds to the top-down view of this topic generated by adult researchers by creating a bottom-up, teen-validated grounded theory. In my thirteen years as a teen librarian, it seemed that something special was occurring in the art programs I hosted or observed in public libraries. Teens were not simply creating steampunk sculptures, they were also appeared to be connecting with one another in interesting ways and talking about serious social issues while playing with glue. Yet I remained aware of my own biases: Did I simply want to believe my work had an impact on the teens I served? I decided to ask the teens.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2012

Funding Information

Frances Henne/VOYA research grant

Related Content

Graffiti, Poetry, Dance: How Public Library Art Programs Affect Teens Part 1: Introduction & Literature Review

Share

COinS