ALA is always super fun and inspiring for me. There are tons of teen librarians there sharing ideas and pushing boundaries.

My favorite session was on Using Technology to Market to Teens, presented by teen expert Kimberly Bolan Taney and Library 2.0 expert Michael Stephens.

Kimberly's presentation is here, as a PDF.

For me, her key point is to see that technology is both a product that the library can promote AND a tool for providing that promotion. The roles are separate, but related

She also shared 5 steps of successful marketing to teens:

#1: Marketing is an ongoing process

#2: One size does not fit all

#3: Use low tech to promote high tech, and vice versa

#4: Develop active and ongoing teen participation

#5: Use partnerships to reach out to your community

She also noted that teens DETEST cheesiness (ie: naming your YA space Teen Territory). So, be careful to keep it real. 

Michael Stephen's presentation was a complete mindblower. Funnily enough, he began his presentation with a treatise on signage. 

Bad Negative Signage = No cell phones allowed or  Take your calls outside or  Please reserve this table for two hours by speaking with a librarian.  

Good Positive Signage = Teen Computers; Gamers Welcome.

The BEST Signage = Respect Others, Respect Yourself, Respect the Space. These are the house rules at PLCMC's Library Loft.

He also shared 4 steps of using Web 2.0 to market to teens:

#1: Break Down Barriers

#2: Play

#3: Be human

#4: Share yourself

Here are some libraries that are following those guidelines:

Los Angeles Public Library teenpage with a very cool interface

Kankakee Public Library isn't afraid to play with new technology. It's not perfect, but it is dynamic.  

Denver Public Library's eVolver  space is ridiculously cool. 

They have nearly 1500 teen reviews online!!  

Check out the staff avatars on Nashville Public Library's Teen Page! I LOVE THEM. They are built with the Meez avatar generator. Also, they link out to very simple, non-intrusive staff pages.  I love their de.li.cious links as well. SO MODERN!

One last nugget of joy -- FD's Flickr Toys lets you take your digital photos and make hilarious things.

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