The presenter was Ivy Weir, Youth Services Coordinator from the Kennet Public Library. This Philadelphia area library has had a lot of success bringing teens and tweens into the building for comic swaps, gaming, graphic novel discussions, and has even held an "Insta-Con" at the Library.
Ivy cited the importance of connecting with teens where they socialize (Twitter, FB etc). She also emphasized the need to pick quality materials for discussion, and create supplemental materials that lasts and keep interest levels up. This could be reading guides or other online resources for teens to access.
Ivy has several groups of loyal teens/tweens that meet for different programs. Interestingly, she mentioned that her many teens/tweens have fairly specific interests and there is not a lot of cross over. For example, her Magic The Gathering players are not likely to be part of other programs, but pride themselves on being their own "clique." As a result, she tries to cater to the specific cliques that come into the library, and felt that other librarians should carefully do their homework, create a format for play or sharing (league, arcade etc) and determine which games/comics are appropriate and of interest, and then try to identify and target specific interests to better serve the teen/tween demographic.
She also stressed the importance of keeping any comic club or gaming group fun and inclusive. She has a list of rules that includes no "nerd shaming" of others with less knowledge of a particular comic, game or graphic novel. There is also no gatekeeping, interrupting or insults, and everyone is expected to share with others and be kind.
Below are a couple slides that give simple advice for programming and creating your own "Insta-Con." These slides stress partnerships with local comic book retailers, the importance of a TAB, teen outreach, branding and vetting your guests.
I really loved this post and the information on the presentation. I especially found the notion of "no nerd shaming" interesting. I mean, it is interesting to see how pop culture has changed so much to include nerdy/comics/ gaming culture. I think it would be fabulous to have an ongoing inclusive table top game program for teens/tweens at RCPL.
ReplyDeleteFrom this post and the slide, I still not quite sure what "Insta-Con" is? Is it like Comic-Con but for books and teens?