Young People What should young people expect library services to offer? A coalition of organisations, the National Youth Libraries Board, has identified what young people should be able to expect their local library service to offer. You can read more about the work of the Youth Libraries Board on a dedicated page on this website. Public Libraries - Destination Unknown?  A major report commissioned by the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) and funded by MLA (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council) and the Laser Foundation was launched on 19th June 2006 in central London. This report looks in great detail at 14 to 35 year-olds and their views, perceptions and attitudes to public libraries. If we want to plan the future of the public library sector, indeed if we are to have a future, we cannot ignore this report and its findings.  A research study of 14-35 year olds for the future development of public libraries (PDF 1.6 MB)
Two of the presentations from the launch event are available below. The Define presentation outlines the key findings of the research, while the presentation from Nike demonstrates their approach to marketing and draws some parallels for public libraries. Define presentation (416 KB) Nike presentation (3.7 MB) Fulfilling their Potential This report about reconnecting with teenagers and helping them develop their role in society through reading, was commissioned by Framework for the Future and produced by The Reading Agency. You can download it here:  Fulfilling their Potential, September 2004 (PDF 754KB)
 Fulfilling their Potential, August 2004 (Word 1.2MB )
Approaches to taking forward the report are being piloted in a number of ways. The Reading Agency has already worked with the Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians and the South West Museums, Libraries and Archives Council to develop an approach to a strand of Fulfilling their Potential in the region. Their proposal has won funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Other work Arts Council England hosted the first meeting of the new forum to develop public library - youth work partnerships in February 2005. The Forum is convened by the National Youth Agency in response to Fulfilling Their Potential and will examine strategies for mainstreaming initiatives such as YouthBoox.
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