Betwixt and Between

Faris, C. (2009). Betwixt and Between. Children & Libraries, 7(1), 43-45.

Tweens are quickly becoming a boon for advertisers, spending as much as 10 billion annually. This article discusses how tweens are an undeserved group in some areas such as publishing and libraries, certainly not with advertisers. The discussion of exactly what age group is a tween is a tricky one. It seems no one can agree and rightfully so. This age group is diverse and complex emotionally and physically, a one size fits all mentality will not work.

Libraries are woefully unprepared for this segment of our population. Without understanding a tween, how can relevant programming be a reality? In the public library where I work we had some very disruptive tweens using the library in the winter, specifically, the Internet. They would yell, run, curse and act like they were on the play ground. After rounding them up and kicking them out for a week, things have settled down, but unfortunately now staff looks with a wary eye when many of the tween boys come in. The author is correct when she states that more best practices and training are needed.

Maybe we need to take a page from the advertisers who are so successful in getting tweens to spend money. The advertisers invest time and resources taking surveys and testing products. The library already has the product, we just need to make the connection with the tween. A partnership with the local public or private school is a great place to start. Offer a book club, or some sort of after school programming. Needs and interests will differ among groups, but as librarians we need to get out from behind our desks and go to where the tweens are.