Running head: MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE

Meeting Them in the Middle: Satisfying Teen Needs in the Public Library Team 2 Diana Learned, Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, and Sue Koenig July 12, 2012 LI 810 Research in Library and Information Science

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Research Design Research Purpose The goal of this research is to determine what services and programs Kansas public libraries are currently offering teens ages 12 to 18, as well as what services Kansas public libraries should offer teens to entice them to use public library services. These services may include library collections, teen space, teen programming, reference, and customer service. The research questions to be examined in this study are as follows: What perceptions do teens have of the public library? Why do teens visit the public library? Why dont teens visit the public library? How do public libraries build teen awareness? What services does the public library currently have for teens? What, if any, barriers do teens face in using the public library? What services do teens want public libraries to offer?

Research Paradigm This research project has a practical aim: to improve library services for teenagers. For that reason, the approach to this research design will be pragmatic, as this projects epistemological and ontological assumptions will demonstrate. Epistemological assumptions. This research project utilizes two surveys, which have many quantitative elements (e.g., the Likert scales used for some questions). Because this project aims to provide solutions to some problems related to library services for teens rather than to contribute to the theories used by library and information science researchers, the thought process behind it is neither strongly positivist nor strongly interpretivist. Because there is nothing in this study that requires a critical examination and rejection of traditional methods of data collection in the social sciences, one would be hard-pressed to say that the philosophy of this research is interpretivist. Likewise, although the scientific method is important and useful within the social sciences, this particular research does not require its rigorous application; this means that the research paradigm is not strongly positivist. However, it would be accurate to say that the philosophy behind this study is more positivist than interpretivist. Although our research does not explicitly assert that data must be measureable (see Bryman, 2012, p. 28), it also does not refute that assumption. Additionally, this study attempts to be objective, and it will gather data with the aim of providing generalized recommendations to libraries; these are both characteristics of the positivist approach (Bryman, 2012, p. 28). Ontological assumptions. Like this studys epistemology, its ontology does not fall squarely in a single camp. Although this research will attempt to discover an objective reality (what resources teens want and need), Brymans definition of objectivism an ontological position that implies that social phenomena confront us as external facts that are beyond our reach or influence (2012, p. 32) is partially incompatible with this studys aims. The literature

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review portion of this research found that library services for teens are frequently inadequate, and one of the goals of this research is to contribute to librarians efforts to change teen services for the better; this seems to go against the objectivist view that culture is an immutable external factor in peoples lives. Although our study will not challenge any established theories, it is probably more constructionist than objectivist. While the research philosophy of this study does not espouse a postmodern point of view, it does seek ways to change the status quo for service to teens at public libraries. Research Design Overview. This research project will use two surveys to determine what gap, if any, exists between library services to teens as they currently exist and what teens need from public libraries. The project will select four public libraries according to the population they serve and then interview a staff member at each library to determine what services for teens currently exist. After the libraries have been selected, the project team members will find the public middle and high school closest to each selected library. Team members will then distribute 75 surveys to each school (600 surveys total). Sampling procedure. To determine the strata from which the samples will be drawn, the team obtained a 2010 report from the Kansas State Library detailing the populations served by Kansas public libraries (Kansas State Library, 2010). The team then divided the libraries into strata according to multiples of 1,000 people in the area served by the library (999 or fewer; 1,000 to 9,999; 10,000 to 999,999; 100,000 or more) (see Appendix E). This was done to correct for the odd stratum sizes that resulted from the standard practice of dividing population areas according to the same interval (e.g., 5,000 or 10,000). The method used to determine the strata also had the desired effect of grouping urban, smaller urban/suburban, rural, and extremely rural libraries together, which the team anticipates will make the results of the survey more generalizable. To determine which libraries will be surveyed, the team will assign a number to each library according to how many libraries are in its stratum (i.e., Stratum #1 will be 1 to 5, Stratum #2 will be 1 to 28, etc.). The team will then use the random number generator found at random.org to determine which library from each stratum will be surveyed. After one library in each stratum has been selected, the team will find the corresponding school district and identify the public middle school and high school that are geographically located closest to the library. For the two strata with the highest populations, this may require randomly selecting the schools from the school district served by the library, since the public library systems in Wichita, Johnson County, and the other areas with the highest concentration of residents serve students who attend multiple public schools. The team will then request that the school allow students to complete a survey for this study. This method of selecting teens to participate in the study was chosen to ensure that results from teens and librarians could be compared, as well as to make sure that teens who do not visit the library on a regular basis were also included in the survey. The team considered this sampling scheme preferable to a convenience sample taken inside the selected libraries, since such a sample would ignore teens that do not currently use the public library. Research instrument. To attempt to answer the research questions posed by this project, the team will conduct two surveys. The first survey will be a structured interview by telephone that will ask librarians or other staff members at each selected library several questions about that particular librarys services to teens (see Appendix B). The questions are primarily yes-or-

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no, but there are follow-up questions to help gauge the level of service each library provides for teens. There are two primary reasons for doing a structured interview for this portion of the study. First, the team decided that more accurate information could be obtained from a library employee than from a library website, since the websites might be outdated, might not include information about specific teen services, or might not even exist, in the case of rural libraries serving very small populations. Second, the team felt that a phone call is more difficult to ignore than an unsolicited survey, and because the sample size for this portion is four library employees, whose responses will be compared with data collected from area teens, it is critical that a response is receive from each of the selected libraries. The second survey, which will be conducted on paper by mail after the structured interviews with library employees are completed, will ask teens (people ages 12 to 18) from the area the library serves a series of questions about whether and how they use their public library, what services they would like to see offered, and whether or not their library serves their needs adequately (see Appendix A). Because the team is interested in finding out about the needs of Kansas teens in general, it was decided that a survey would be the most effective way to collect data. Structured interviews would take too long, given the number of teens the team hopes to survey, and a qualitative method of data collection such as participant observation would be too limited in scope to yield the generalizable data needed for this study. Both of these surveys were created by the research team. The structured interview for librarians was fairly simple to design, since the team only needs to know what services each library offers for teens. The teen survey was created after team members read studies for the literature review portion of this proposal; based on the results of the literature review, team members brainstormed questions to include on the survey to try to get an accurate picture of how teens use the library and whether or not they are underserved. To ensure that the research instruments are understandable to participants and will therefore give valid results, the team will use a convenience sample in a public library to test the surveys. Two of the team members are currently employed in public libraries (the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and the Newton Public Library). The team will ask one of these libraries for permission to interview a few staff members and to give the teen survey to a convenience sample of young adults. The library selected for a test of this studys research instruments will not be included in the strata used to select a sample of libraries for the final study. Data collection. As stated in the previous section, the structured interviews with librarians will be conducted via telephone. The team will use a form (see Appendix B) with a script and the questions to be asked to ensure that employees from each of the four libraries are given the same interview. For the survey of teens, the team will select two schools for each area as described in this research designs sampling procedure section. The team will then send out a packet to each school selected containing a cover letter, 75 consent forms, 75 copies of the survey, and a selfaddressed manila envelope with sufficient postage to ensure that the school can send back the completed surveys at no cost to itself. The cover letter to principals (see Appendix E) will ask that the surveys be distributed to English teachers in each grade. Although there will not be enough surveys for every student in the school to complete one, the team anticipates that as long as at least one English class in each grade is surveyed, the results will give a reasonable picture of what Kansas teens need from the public library.

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As an incentive for teens to complete the survey, the team would like to use part of the funding obtained for this study to purchase a Kindle e-reader to give to a randomly selected research participant. Although funding for this research has not yet been obtained, and it is therefore uncertain whether or not a Kindle can be included in the budget, the team feels that the completion rate for the survey might be higher if an incentive is offered. Permission required. The library employees interviewed for the first portion of the study should be able to give permission for their library to participate. Because this study is designed to help improve library services, the team anticipates that employees at the libraries selected will be willing to participate. However, if any of them are not willing to participate, the team will need to randomly select another library from the same stratum to ensure that the study is conducted as designed. In order to survey teens at the selected schools, permission will be needed from two sources. First, the school administration must allow the team to conduct the survey. The requirements of the survey will be explained in a letter included in the packet sent to each school (see Appendix E). Second, students must obtain permission from their parents (see Appendix D), unless they are 18; in that case, a consent form is still required, but since 18-year-old students are no longer minors, their own consent to participate in the survey will be sufficient. Although the risks involved in participating in the survey are negligible, because the group targeted by the research is primarily comprised of minors, the team felt that it was necessary to err on the side of caution by obtaining parental permission. Parameters and scope. This study is intended to measure the needs of Kansas teens for library services. To that end, the survey is not targeted at any specific group of teens (e.g., girls or 9th-graders); it is intended to be completed by teens of varying age, socioeconomic background, and race. The study is also not intended to be generalizable to the rest of the United States. Because Kansas is a primarily rural, agrarian state, the results may not be useful to librarians in states that have large metropolitan centers (e.g., Illinois, New York). Additionally, while this research is intended to find out teens habits related to libraries, it will not delve into general questions related to teens use of information; because the aim of the research is to improve library services for teens, the team will not attempt to find out how teens consume information. The team will also not attempt to discover what teens information needs are, as that is outside the scope of this study. Although the everyday life information needs of teens are important, this research project is focused on the broader trends of library use by teens. Ethical Considerations Because this research includes human participants, Emporia State University requires that approval for research be authorized by the Institutional Review Board for Treatment of Human Subjects. Since this research project requires human subjects, the team will go through the proper procedures by reviewing the Institutional Review Board (IRB) training module and taking the Human Subjects Training Quiz. A score of 80% is required before approval can be given. A completed application for research containing the description of the research, what the team will do with the information, and who is responsible can be viewed in Appendix C. Once research is complete, a report will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board for Treatment of Human Subjects.

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Informed consent. Participants will include students from ages 12 to 18. All students who participate and parents of minors must completely understand the purpose of this research; they must also understand that they can stop participating at any time by not completing the survey or returning it. Should they choose not to respond, there will be no reprimand. Each participant must have a signed consent form. Their age will be confirmed by the English teacher passing out the forms. Participation is completely voluntary. Consent forms will be maintained for a period of three years before disposal. No covert methods will be utilized in this study Data and confidentiality. The information provided by the students will be used for research purposes only and will not be given away. It will be stored in a way that will not allow identification. Names for the Kindle drawing will be torn off the bottom of the survey upon receipt and stored in a separate file. Only information that is absolutely necessary will be acquired. At the end of the study, anonymous research data will be stored in the archives of the Library and Information Science Graduate School in order to make it available to other researchers in line with current data-sharing practices.

Harm to participants. Research requires that no harm is done physically or otherwise to subjects. The research team does not anticipate any harm to participants in this quantitative research. However, acts of hacking or vandalism are beyond the teams control. The team will pay careful attention and take steps to safeguard all personal information. All records that contain participants personal information will be confidential and viewed only by the researchers and Dr. Singh, the supervisor. Limitations As discussed through the research design, much effort has been put into the task of addressing potential limitations within the research study, but as biases are inherent within any design, this issue must be addressed. Foremost, there is much potential for design limitations within the data collection process. By creating a structured interview and anonymous survey, researchers hope to eliminate questions of reliability and validity from the data presented. First, the structured interview distributed to Kansas librarians asks neutral questions pertaining to current young adult library services. The information obtained is purely factual and should lack bias of any kind short of outright dishonesty on the part of the respondent. As this data will be used to establish an understanding of current available services, data will be presented objectively without regard to the beliefs or opinions of the researchers. Second, an anonymous survey will be distributed to students ages 12 to 18 in the local communities selected. Surveys will be distributed in local schools to collect data from both current library users and potential patrons who have not yet discovered their local public library. By collecting data from schools, the bias of a convenience sample collected from the local library will hopefully be eliminated. This survey will be distributed by a neutral third party, in this case local English teachers, allowing data to be collected without the effect of the researchers potential bias. Furthermore, using the survey method to collect data allows respondents to reply with their honest and natural opinions at their leisure. Survey questions have been designed to prevent confusion among respondents and ensure credible responses. As is the case with any research involving human participants, there is the potential that some data collected could be erroneous or misdirected, but as 600 surveys will

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE be distributed, these potential responses should not detract from the overall trend of teen preferences in the public library.

While data collected should be reliable, study findings must also be generalizable to make an impact within the library science field. Although this study focuses on libraries and young adults within the state of Kansas, a mostly rural state, Kansas libraries were divided into four population strata and selected randomly from within these divisions in an effort to collect an even distribution of data from the varied communities within the state. While teen perspectives should be generally similar throughout the country, it should be noted that Kansas is primarily a rural state, and a large portion of the libraries considered for this study serve rural populations. Therefore, while data should be fairly generalizable throughout the country, this information may be less applicable in larger population centers. Beyond the generalizability of the population researched, some issues of long-term dependability and generalizability are inherent within the research design. Because this study focuses on the wants and needs of teens, a population segment shown to be particularly interested in using the newest resources and technology available, the data collected may become quickly dated as resources evolve and become accessible to the public. As observed in the accompanying literature review, many similar studies have been conducted over the past decade, and while research shows some consistency in the needs and wants of teen patrons, much of this literature has already become outdated and at least partially obsolete. Moreover, library services offered to teen patrons will ideally evolve over time as well. While data collected in this study will be an excellent benchmark to examine current library services and teen needs, the data will become outdated, but will hopefully be replaced by more current examinations of this subject.

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE References Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (12th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Kansas State Library. (2010). Public services. Retrieved from http://www.kslib.info/Documents/statistics/2010%2014%20%20PublicServ%5B1%5D.pdf

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendices A. Quantitative Survey - Teens B. Quantitative Survey - Librarians C. Application for Approval to Use Human Subjects D. Informed Consent Document E. Cover Letter to Schools F. Population Strata

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix A: Quantitative Survey Teens

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We are students from Emporia State University doing a research project on how to satisfy the needs of teens in the public library. Your school has been selected to participate in an important study about the use of the public library by teens from ages 12 to 18. We respect your privacy and time. All your answers will be kept confidential, and your name will not be associated with your answers. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may stop at any time. This survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Because we value your time, after you complete the survey, you can choose to be entered into a random drawing for a Kindle e-reader. Once you complete the survey, please return it to your English teacher. If you have any questions, you may reach us (Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, Sue Koenig, or Diana Learned) at 620-584-3487 or at researchteam2@emporia.edu. Please choose all answers that represent your views by placing a checkmark in the appropriate boxes. 1. What is your grade level? 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 2. Are you Male Female Other ___________________________ Prefer not to say

3. In your opinion, how well is the public library satisfying your needs? They are doing a very good job They are doing a good job They are doing OK, but not great They are doing a poor job They are doing a very poor job 4. In the past year, how many times have you visited the public library? 0 1-5 6-10 11 or more 5. In the past year, what activities have you done at the public library? (Check all that apply.) Checked out books, movies, and/or music Used reference materials Participated in summer reading program Did homework Attended library programs Used computers Volunteered Socialized Hung out Other ____________________ N/A I didnt visit the public library in the past year 6. In the past year, how often have you used the public computers at your local public library? 0 1-5 6-10 11 or more

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE 7. In the past year, what activities have you done on the librarys computers? (Check all that apply.) Homework Email Games Watched movies Social networking sites Other __________________________ N/A I havent used the computers at the public library in the past year

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8. Which, if any, reference materials have you used at your public library within the past year? (Check all that apply.) Sports College or scholarship search Pre-SAT/SAT/ACT preparation materials Maps or atlas Art/graphic design Computers/math/science Dictionary/encyclopedia Other __________________________ 9. How often have you visited the library website within the last year? 0 1-5 6-10 11 or more 9a. If you didnt visit the library website in the past year, why not? Didnt know about it No access to a computer Other __________________ N/A

10. In the past year, what did you use the library website for? (Check all that apply.) Checked for new books, DVDs, or CDs Searched databases Got information about library events Used the catalog Checked out e-books/digital audiobooks Looked for hours, address, phone number Looked for the librarys policies Other __________________________ N/A I did not visit the librarys website in the past year 11. What would make you want to visit the library more often? (Check all that apply.) Teen book club Space for teens only Librarian just for teens Library open later hours No fines on late books Friends who go to the library Better transportation Game night Icebreaker to meet other library patrons my age Other __________________________ N/A I would not want to visit the library more often 12. What, if anything, limits your use of the public library? (Check all that apply.) Dont think about going Too much homework Involved in after school activities No transportation Dont like to read No programs that I like Unfriendly staff Other __________________________ N/A I have gone to the library during the past year, and I am satisfied with how often I went. 13. How satisfied are you with your librarys selection of books for teens?

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied Somewhat unsatisfied Very unsatisfied

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13a. If you are unsatisfied with your librarys teen collection, what types of books would you like your library to have? (Examples include, but are not limited to, graphic novels, paranormal romance, mystery, and contemporary Christian.) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for completing this survey! Would you like to be included in the random drawing for a Kindle e-reader? Yes No If yes, please provide your contact information. Your contact information will remain confidential; we will not use it for any purpose but the drawing. Your name and contact information will not be associated with your answers on this survey. Name: ___________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Email: ___________________________

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix B: Quantitative Survey Librarians LIBRARIAN TELEPHONE INTERVIEW FORM Date: _____________________________ Time: _____________________________ Library: ____________________________

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SCRIPT: My name is __________________, and Im from the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University. I am part of a group researching the needs of teen users of public libraries. Does your library have a teen librarian? [if yes] May I please speak to him/her? [if no] May I please speak to the person in charge of the teen/young adult collection? [Once you have the appropriate person on the line] - My name is __________________, and Im from the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University. I am part of a group researching the needs of teen users of public libraries. Would you be willing to answer a short survey about your librarys resources? It will take five to ten minutes. [if yes] [Ask questions below] [if no] Thank you for your time. 1. Do you have a teen librarian? _____ Yes If yes, is s/he: _____ Full-time _____ Part-time Does s/he have substantial duties besides teen services? _____ Yes If so, what? ____________________________________________________________ _____ No If no, do you have another library staff member whose primary responsibility is teen services? _____ Yes If yes, does s/he have substantial duties besides providing teen services? If so, what? ______________________________________________________ _____ No 2. Does your library have the following services for teens? Answer yes or no for each item. Dedicated teen space: _____ Yes _____ No Dedicated collection for teens: _____ Yes _____ No

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Programming for teens: _____ Yes _____ No

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3. Does your library offer services for teens aside from the ones we just listed? If so, what are they? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ AFTER THE SURVEY IS COMPLETED, thank the library staff member for his or her time.

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix C: Application for Approval to Use Human Subjects Information related to Emporia State Universitys IRB was obtained from http://www.emporia.edu/research/irb.htm.

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APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL TO USE HUMAN SUBJECTS For R&G Use Only Date approved Approved by Protocol No. ___________ Full Review Expedited Review ________

Exempted Review ________

This application should be submitted, along with the Informed Consent Document and supplemental material, to the Institutional Review Board for Treatment of Human Subjects, Research and Grants Center, Plumb Hall 313F, Campus Box 4003. Before approval can be given to use human subjects, applicants must review the Human Subjects Training Module and achieve at least 80% on the Human Subjects Training Quiz. Instructions for the Training Module and Quiz are available at http://www.emporia.edu/research/irb.htm. Human Subjects Training Quiz was taken on: Date Score (will be entered by Research and Grants Center): 1. Name of Principal Investigator(s) (Individual(s) administering the procedures): Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, Sue Koenig, Diana Learned 2. Departmental Affiliation: LIS-Library and Information Science

3. Person to whom notification should be sent: Dr. Rajesh Singh a. Mailing Address: Emporia State University, William Allen White Library Room 319E, 1200 Commercial St., Emporia, KS 66801 b. Telephone: 800-552-4770 4. Title of Project: Library Email address: rsingh1@emporia.edu

Meeting Them in the Middle: Satisfying Teen Needs in the Public

5. Funding Agency (if applicable): N/A 6. This is a: dissertation thesis class project X other research study

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7. Time period for which you are requesting approval (maximum one year): from August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2013. If the research project extends past the end date requested, you will need to submit a request for a time extension or an annual update. This form is available at www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.doc. 8. Project Purpose (please be specific): The goal of this research is to provide libraries with current information on the needs of teens in order to create programs and collections which will satisfy their needs and thereby create lifelong library users. 9. Describe the proposed subjects: (age, sex, race, expected number of participants, or other special characteristics, such as students in a specific class, etc.) There are two groups of subjects. The first group of subjects is students in middle schools and high schools in the state of Kansas who are in 7th through 12th grade between the ages of 12 and 18, inclusive. The second group of subjects is librarians and library staff employed in the areas where the first group of subjects go to school. We expect to survey 600 students and four librarians/library staff members. 10. Describe how the subjects are to be selected. If you are using archival information, you must submit documentation of authorization from applicable organization or entity. Subjects will be selected using a stratified sample of Kansas libraries. The libraries will be divided into four strata according to the population they serve. A library will be randomly selected from each stratum. We will interview a staff member at each of the four libraries. We will then identify one public middle school and one public high school in the areas served by the four libraries and send a letter to the principal at each school requesting permission to survey the students at the school. 11. Describe in detail the proposed procedures and benefit(s) of the project. This must be clear and detailed enough so that the IRB can assure that the University policy relative to research with human subjects is appropriately implemented. Any proposed experimental activities that are included in evaluation, research, development, demonstration, instruction, study, treatments, debriefing, questionnaires, and similar projects must be described here. Copies of questionnaires, survey instruments, or tests should be attached. (Use additional page if necessary.) This project will benefit both LIS scholarship and public library practice by experiencing a research project and satisfying a realistic need in an underserved demographic of the public library. The project will survey two populations: Kansas librarians and Kansas teens. We will conduct a survey of teens needs and perceptions of public libraries; this will be accomplished by sending the survey and letters of consent to four Kansas schools.

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We will also conduct a phone survey of librarians in the areas where the selected schools are in order to determine what services those libraries currently offer. The surveys are attached to this application. 12. Will questionnaires, tests, or related research instruments not explained in question #11 be used? Yes X No (If yes, attach a copy to this application.)

13. Will electrical or mechanical devices be applied to the subjects? Yes X No (If yes, attach a detailed description of the device(s) used and precautions and safeguards that will be taken.) 14. Do the benefits of the research outweigh the risks to human subjects? X Yes No (If no, this information should be outlined here.) 15. Are there any possible emergencies which might arise in utilization of human subjects in this project? Yes X No (If yes, details of these emergencies should be provided here.) 16. What provisions will you take for keeping research data private/secure? (Be specific refer to the section Safeguarding Information in the IRB Policies.) The questionnaires and other data gathering instruments have been designed so as to limit the personal information to be acquired so that only absolutely essential information to the project will be gathered. All names and addresses will be encoded. Codes will be kept in a secure place separate from the encoded data. Security of the transfer, storage, and handling of the data will be maintained. Contact information gathered for the random drawing for the Kindle eBook will be destroyed upon the selection of the winner. 17. Attach a copy of the informed consent document, as it will be used for your subjects. INVESTIGATORS ASSURANCE: I certify that the information provided in this request is complete and accurate. I understand that as Principal Investigator I have ultimate responsibility for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects and the ethical conduct of this research protocol. I agree to comply with all of ESUs policies and procedures, as well as with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding the protection of human subjects in research, including, but not limited to, the following: The project will be performed by qualified personnel according to the research protocol, I will maintain a copy of all questionnaires, survey instruments, interview questions, data collection instruments, and information sheets for human subjects, I will promptly request approval from ESUs IRB if any changes are made to the research protocol, I will report any adverse events that occur during the course of conducting the research to the IRB within 10 working days of the date of occurrence.

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, Sue Koenig, Diana Learned Signature of Principal Investigators July 12, 2012 Date

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FACULTY ADVISORS/INSTRUCTORS ASSURANCE: By my signature on this research application, I certify that the student investigator is knowledgeable about the regulations and policies governing research with human subjects and has sufficient training and experience to conduct this particular study in accord with the approved protocol. In addition, I agree to meet with the student investigator on a regular basis to monitor study progress. Should problems arise during the course of this study, I agree to be available, personally, to supervise the principal investigator in solving them, I understand that as the faculty advisor/instructor on this project, I will be responsible for the performance of this research project. Rajesh Singh Faculty advisor/instructor on project (if applicable) July 12, 2012 Date

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix D: Informed Consent Document

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The Department of Library and Information Science at Emporia State University supports the practice of protection for human subjects participating in research and related activities. The following information is provided so that you can decide whether you wish to participate in the present study. Purpose and Procedures: The goal of this research is to provide libraries with current information on the needs of teens in order to create programs and collections which will satisfy their needs and thereby create lifelong library users. If you agree to participate in this study, you will answer a questionnaire which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Voluntary Participation: Participation in this research is voluntary. You should be aware that even if you agree to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time, and that if you do withdraw from the study, you will not be subjected to reprimand or any other form of reproach. Risks: The only potential risk is theft of the information gathered. Benefits: Every participant involved with the study will have the option of being included in a random drawing for a Kindle e-reader. In addition, every participant will likely benefit from the results of the study in order to create better programs and collections for teens in their public library. Confidentiality: The questionnaires and other data gathering instruments have been designed so as to limit the personal information to be acquired so that only absolutely essential information to the project will be gathered. All names and addresses will be encoded. Codes will be kept in a secure place separate from the encoded data. Security of the transfer, storage, and handling of the data will be maintained. Contact information gathered for the random drawing for the Kindle eBook will be destroyed upon the selection of the winner. Contact Information: Questions concerning procedures about this study may be directed to the research team in charge of the study (Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, Sue Koenig, or Diana Learned) at 620-584-3487, researchteam2@emporia.edu, or to Dr. Rajesh Singh, the supervisor, at 800-552-4770, rsingh1@emporia.edu. Statement of Consent I have read and understand the above statements and procedures to be used in this research project. I understand that I can stop at any time. I consent to participate voluntarily. ____________________________________ Subject ____________________________ Parent or Guardian (if subject is a minor) ___________________________ Date ___________________________ Date

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix E: Cover Letter to Principals To Whom It May Concern:

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We are writing to you to request your schools participation in a research study examining how to best serve teens in the public library. As students of Emporia State Universitys School of Library and Information Management, we are performing research to assess the needs of teens in the public library by distributing a survey to students age 12 through 18. Information collected within this survey will be used to determine what teens currently want from their public library. A related survey is being conducted by phone with a selection of public libraries throughout the state in an effort to collect information about current teen services offered in libraries. Our ultimate goal is to compare the needs of teens with current library services and report an up-to-date analysis of the gap in young adult library services. In a conscious effort to avoid bias and collect a broad sampling of data, we have decided to distribute surveys within schools to collect data from those who frequent the library, those who have never entered the building, and everyone in between. By allowing your school to participate, you are agreeing to allow us to distribute surveys among your students. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. To give us the most representative data, we request that the surveys be distributed to at least one English/language arts teacher in each grade to give to their students. We have also included a consent form that students and their parents must sign. Your participation will help to further research in young adult library services ultimately resulting in better library programing and improved teen collections at your local public library. As an added incentive and thank you to participants, all students who return completed surveys will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle e-reader. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. All information will be kept confidential, and no individual information will be displayed in the final report. Responses will only be used in comparison to data collected from other institutions, and confidentiality will be protected if any information is published. We would greatly appreciate your participation in this research study. If your school will be participating, please explain to the teachers who distribute the surveys that they need to be returned in the enclosed self-addressed envelope by September 30, 2012. If your school does not wish to participate, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. Best Regards, Marcia Hannon, Ruth Harries, Sue Koenig, and Diana Learned School of Library and Information Management Emporia State University

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE Appendix E: Population Strata

Stratum #1 - 100,000 or more Johnson County Library Wichita Public Library Topeka And Shawnee County Public Library Kansas City, Kansas Public Library Olathe Public Library population 414097 372186 170378 135410 119993

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Stratum #2 - 10,000 to 99,999 Lawrence Public Library Manhattan Public Library Salina Public Library Finney County Public Library Hutchinson Public Library Leavenworth Public Library Emporia Public Library Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Dodge City Public Library Derby Public Library Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library Hays Public Library Liberal Memorial Library Pittsburg Public Library Newton Public Library Great Bend Public Library Independence Public Library Mcpherson Public Library Ottawa Library Bradford Memorial Library Winfield Public Library Arkansas City Public Library Parsons Public Library Lansing Community Library Atchison Library Haysville Community Library Andover Public Library Coffeyville Public Library

population 90520 52284 46483 40998 40889 34729 32228 31171 25689 22517 22468 20368 20074 19646 18133 15564 13540 13396 12850 12591 11497 11070 11065 10691 10402 10364 10328 10312

MEETING THEM IN THE MIDDLE

Stratum #3 - 1,000 to 9,999 Pratt Public Library Chanute Public Library Basehor Community Library, Dist #2, Lv. Co. Augusta Public Library Library District #1, Miami County Coffey County Library Fort Scott Public Library Park City Public Library Wellington Public Eudora Public Library Grant County Library Library District #1, Doniphan County Bonner Springs City Library Edna Buschow Memorial Library Abilene Public Library Jordaan Memorial Library Mulvane Public Library Iola Public Library Paola Free Library Frank Carlson Library Stevens County Library Colby/pioneer Memorial Library Scott County Library Osawatomie Public Library Clay Center Carnegie Library Goodland Public Library Wamego Public Library Baldwin City Library Tonganoxie Public Library Russell Public Library Kearny County Library Johnston Public Library Rose Hill Public Library Goddard Public Library Linwood Community Library District #1 Hesston Public Library Port Library Lyons Public Library Fredonia Public Library Beck-bookman Library Lindsborg Community Library 9411 8843 8730 8693 8500 8409 7941 7787 7735 7646 7395 7319 7152 6521 6400 6291 5866 5782 5351 5208 5056 4803 4577 4488 4442 4388 4312 4308 4305 4217 4159 4153 4034 3869 3840 3741 3640 3399 3393 3258 3245

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Garnett Public Library Columbus Public Library Hiawatha/morrill Public Library Marysville Public Library Galena Public Library Kingman Carnegie Library Elkhart/morton County Library Hoisington Public Library J.h. Robbins Memorial Library Osage City Public Library Meriden Community Library Girard Public Library Cheney Public Library Norton Public Library Hillsboro Public Library Neodesha/w.a. Rankin Memorial Hamilton County Public Library Douglass Public Library Graham County Public Library Eureka Public Library Kiowa County Library Sterling Free Public Library Sheridan County Public Library Atwood Public Library Mary Cotton Pubic Library Clearwater Public Library Herington Public Library Phillipsburg City Library Colwich Community Library Council Grove Public Library Cherryvale Public Library Anthony Public Library Rossville Community Library Stanton County Public Library Wichita County Library Oskaloosa Public Library Kismet Public Library Silver Lake Library Delaware Township Library Ellinwood School Community Library Seneca Free Library Linn County Library District #5 Linn County Library District #1 3222 3185 3169 3126 3126 2996 2978 2883 2858 2824 2726 2722 2703 2651 2638 2633 2631 2594 2592 2559 2541 2535 2510 2503 2482 2405 2400 2367 2350 2274 2253 2224 2212 2148 2148 2128 2121 2119 2046 2035 2013 2008 2004

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Cimarron City Library Oswego Public Minneapolis Public Caney City Library Ellis Public Library Lincoln Library Halstead Public Library Marion City Library Oakley Public Library Belleville Public Library Humboldt Public Library Plainville Memorial Library Haskell Township Library Horton Public Library Dighton/lane County Library Wellsville City Library Wakeeney Public Library Library District #2 , Linn County Sedgwick/lillian Tear Oberlin City Library Smith Center Public Library Moundridge Public Library Dudley Township Library Andale District Library Montezuma Township Library Meade Public Library Belle Plaine Public Library Arma City Library Americus Township Library Lyndon Carnegie Library Kinsley Harper Public Library Stockton Mound City/linn County Dist. #4 Carbondale City Library Yates Center Public Library Peabody Township Library Towanda Public Library Osborne Public Library Barnard Library Chapman Public Library Buhler Public Library Winchester Public Library 1989 1979 1978 1976 1952 1917 1890 1880 1844 1832 1832 1821 1816 1799 1743 1737 1716 1687 1667 1656 1644 1636 1622 1583 1542 1538 1528 1513 1511 1485 1449 1416 1402 1388 1378 1376 1359 1359 1354 1332 1332 1332 1282

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St. Francis Public Library Greeley County Public Library Ness City Public Library Chetopa City Library Spearville Township Library Coldwater-wilmore Regional Library Lincoln Carnegie Library Conway Springs City Library Inman Public Library Mt. Hope Public Library Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library Sedan Public Library Haven Public Library Erie City Public Library Caldwell Public Library Nickerson Public Library Washington Library Plains Community Library Solomon Public Library Oxford Public Library Cottonwood Falls/burnley Memorial Canton Township Altamont Public Library Nora E. Larabee Memorial Library Riley City Library Blue Rapids Public Library 1282 1266 1261 1234 1232 1223 1213 1193 1187 1184 1173 1168 1163 1160 1144 1144 1105 1095 1077 1068 1063 1053 1049 1028 1026 1018

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Stratum #4 - 999 or fewer Hartford/Elmendaro Township Nortonville Public Library Burlingame Community Library Pomona Community Library Graves Memorial Public Library Overbrook Public Library Kiowa Public Library Ruth Dole Memorial Library Downs Carnegie Library Wakefield Public Library Garden Plain Community Library Ashland Library Lyon County Library Dist. #1 964 961 958 945 939 928 908 896 883 870 868 867 859

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Jetmore Public Library Mclouth Public Library Enterprise Public Library Mankato City Library Independent Township Jay Johnson Public Library Mccune Osage Township Library Frankfort City Library Marquette Community Library Lang Memorial Howard City Library Madison Public Library Udall Public Library Bucklin Public Library Protection Township Library Hillcrest Library Little River Community Library Weir Public Library Farmer Township Community Library Randolph-decker Pub. Lib. Dixon Township Library Sharon Springs Public Library Potwin Public Library Viola Township Leon Public Library Minneola City Library Whitewater Memorial Library Cedar Vale Memorial Library Waterville Public Library Pretty Prairie Public Library Florence Public Library Effingham Community Library Hanover Public Attica City Library Meadowlark Library/lewis Fowler Public Library South Haven Township Library Logan Public Library Linn County Library Dist #3 White City Public Library Moran Public Library Goessel Public Library Barnes Reading Room 846 835 816 794 784 782 781 776 769 758 757 750 743 727 727 724 711 703 692 685 661 657 649 646 640 638 633 617 616 598 596 575 573 570 554 546 539 532 529 525 522 512 509

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Kanopolis Public Library Richmond Public Library Clifton Public Library Norwich Public Glasco City Library Thayer Friday Reading Club City Library Centralia Community Library Macksville City Library Leonardville City Library Kensington Community/school Library Cawker City Public Library Altoona Public Library Cunningham Public Library Bern Community Library Delphos Public Library Arlington City Library Turon Community Library Moline Public Library Almena City Library Burr Oak Community Library Axtell Public Library Edna Public Library Lucas Public Library Bird City Public Library Mound Valley Library Jewell Public Library Gypsum Community Library Glen Elder Library Jamestown City Library Colony City Library Longton Public Library Elm Creek Township Library Hope Community Library Williamsburg Community Library Scandia City Library Wetmore Public Library Bronson Public Library Dwight Public Library Ford City Library Copeland Public Library Hamilton City Library Otis Community Library Courtland Community Library 506 503 502 499 488 487 486 476 475 464 463 463 452 438 437 434 428 426 425 422 417 413 409 407 407 405 404 385 377 377 367 363 358 357 343 341 336 326 324 308 303 302 298

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Sylvia Public Library Sylvan Grove Public Library Walton Community Library Ransom Public Library Mccracken Public Library Grinnell/moore Family Library Grainfield City Library Prescott City Library Agra/f Lee Doctor Library Lenora Public Library Toronto Public Library Lebanon Community Burns Public Library Beattie Public Library Geneseo Public Library Partridge Public Library Hanston City Library Walnut Public Library Palco Public Library Grenola Public Bison Community Library Kirwin City Library Summerfield Public Library Zenda Public Library Utica Library Association Wisner Library Luray City Library Selden Public Library Hardtner Public Library Corning City Library Hepler City Library Norcatur Public Library Fall River Public Library Long Island Community Library Rae Hobson Memorial Library Sunshine City Library Gaylord City Library Jennings City Library Formoso Public Library Vermillion Public Library Gove City Library Savonburg Public Library Randall Public Library 292 286 286 279 278 276 275 271 269 266 265 262 260 259 259 250 241 219 217 215 208 207 198 190 188 185 180 178 178 160 153 144 142 140 133 127 120 118 108 95 88 86 70

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Brownell Public Library 40

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