Libraries try to draw teens away from search engines

CENTERVILLE -- When's the last time your teen went to the libraryand checked out a book?

A 2005 survey report conducted by the Online Computer LibraryCenter in Dublin predicted teens will shun libraries for Internetsearch engines , said Sue Shay, programming director for theWashington-Centerville Public Library.

Some 42 percent of the 14- to 17-year-olds surveyed reported usinglibraries less since they began using the Internet. The age group isdubbed "screenagers" for the way they use screens and cell phones tocommunicate.

To help counteract this trend and to create a new generation oflibrary users, area librarians discovered they need to meet thechanging needs and interests of teens and redirect some of theirphysical library space, staff and resources to teens.

They called in teens and teenoriented librarians to generate newideas .

Besides using the library for study and research, "We want to getthem in the habit of using the library for personal enrichment," saidTim Kambitsch, executive director of the Dayton Metro Library.

Library adds instant

messaging with librarians

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