Standards for Public Library Services to Children in Massachusetts
Please send your comments on this standard to: Kathy Moran-Wallace at kathymoranwallace@yahoo.com

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PROGRAMS

Programming for children and those who work with children is an essential service that responds the cultural, educational, recreational and informational needs of the community.  As program administrators, youth services librarians develop comprehensive program plans to meet the developmentally appropriate needs of the communityŐs youth.  These programs serve as a catalyst to stimulate a childŐs investment in lifelong learning by promoting literature, literacy, and information, encouraging library use and highlighting the library as a vital community resource.  Free programs shall be considered a basic part of library service to youth regardless of library size.

 Types of programming may be varied and may include:  storytimes for various ages, craft programs, programs for parents and other adults, films, special performances in puppetry, theatre, magic, music, dance, etc., storytelling, summer reading programs, book discussion groups, library orientation and tours, programs related to library skills, visits to schools, outreach programs, lectures and demonstrations.

1.0 The following PRINCIPLES shall govern the development of programs for children:

 1.1. Programs shall be planned on a regular basis for children of all ages, including  those with special needs.  Programming for adults such as parents, child care providers, teachers, and/or community workers who are involved with youth as well as programming for adults and children together may also be provided.

 1.2 The Youth Services Department Policy will include a written programming  policy putting philosophy, goals and objectives.  The programming policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis and revised as necessary.

1.3 The librarian shall consider family and community needs, literacy  benchmarks, and opinions and requests of children when planning programs.

1.4 The librarian shall consider schedules, and resources as well as physical accessibility when planning the location, quantity, time, and variety of programs.

1.5  Programs shall include activities both within and outside the library, and should include activities co-sponsored with other community groups.  Important ongoing activities are:

  • Communication between the public library and schools, nursery schools, daycare centers ,family daycare providers, and homeschoolers to ensure all children may experience the benefits of public library services.
  • Communication, cooperation and interaction with a variety of community agencies to help provide for the education, enrichment and   well-being of the children in the community.

1.6   Publicity must be integrated into a well-planned marketing approach to ensure program success.

1.7 Programs shall be evaluated, to identify areas of success and the need for improvement and to gain support for future programming.  Program evaluation methods may include statistics, surveys, benchmarks, focus groups, written anecdotes, asset-based outcomes, and audiovisual documentation.

2.0   ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS of Programs:

 2.1 Organization and management of programs shall be under the direct    supervision of the person responsible for children's services.  It is essential that paid library time be scheduled for the preparation, publicity, execution, and evaluation of programs.  Volunteers with special skills may assist with  programming.  The librarian shall see that volunteers are adequately trained, prepared and supervised.

 2.2   A specific budget should be allocated for childrenŐs programming which  reflects community needs.  The budget should be sufficient to plan, present, and publicize programs throughout the community.

 2.3   Facilities shall be designed to accommodate the presentation of programs as   well as the safety and special needs of participants.  Programs must be  located with consideration for the convenience of other library users.

 At times as a result of collaboration, programs may take place virtually and  off-site.

 2.4   Program marketing shall include promotional tools both within and outside the library.  These tools will include but are not limited to displays, press releases, contests, radio, television, websites, newsletters, listservs, e-mail distribution and postcards.

2.5   Program evaluation assists the librarian in determining success in:

  • Meeting the libraryŐs program goals
  • Advocating for sufficient staff and funds
  • Reaching the target audience and meeting community needs
  • Relating current programming to future planning and budget preparations

 2.6   The regional library systems shall regularly provide to local libraries continuing education programs, in-service training, program idea packages,  publicity materials, and individual consultation regarding the principles and characteristics of programs.

 2.7   Compilation and evaluation of statistics provide justification for program support, such as staffing, scheduling and budget requirements to library and  community administrators, library trustees and the public.

 Statistics should be kept regarding:

  • number of programs
  • program attendance
  • preparation time per program
  • cost
  • staff required
  • actual program time
  • target audience and actual audience.