Week 12 | Twitter Reflection | Children And Teens

[Michalina Lisik]

Throughout this week’s twitter chat, many issues surrounding children and teens were discussed. The developed discussions during the chat fell into a strengthened and centralized issue, namely the parent/carer and librarian duty of care for children within public spaces. This reflection will explore this issue on a personal level, drawing from the opinions and suggestions put forward in the Twitter Chat and reflecting existing research.

 

Libraries can be utilized as significant development and educational tools for children and teens. Offering information on varied topics, libraries provide a platform for children to discover and develop their interests. In addition to educational development, parents/carers benefit from the safe atmosphere offered to their children.

 

The twitter chat however explored further into the perspective of safety and who exactly is responsible for the care of children visiting libraries. Interestingly, the Twitter chat participants agreed on a duty of care value associated with librarians, with the ultimate responsibility remaining within parents and carers. Diverging beliefs expanded from this platform, questioning at what age children should be monitored and cared for within a library setting.

 

Interestingly, Maxwell (1993), suggests offering segregated ‘…children facilities…’ within libraries. This offers increased flexibility in terms of noise levels, enables activities involving other children, offering easier transition into adult libraries and easier allocation of staff and resources. McDowell (2014), confirms this, arguing ‘Public libraries need to ensure they remain….open to…embrace the reading, viewing, gaming and creating…all part of the twenty-first century child’s literacy.” Providing children with an area to develop their skills and knowledge in more controlled, safe setting can arguably support the expectations and needs of both parents/carers and library staff.

 

Despite the general Twitter consensus identifying a subjective value, depending on the maturity and nature of children, I agree with the argument offered by Maxwell. The discussion surrounding the responsibility of parents opened my eyes to the significance of safety within libraries. The responsibility of staff however, made me consider the allocation of resources and staff. Offering a ‘kids space’ within a library can arguably offer strengthened support and relevant opportunities to attendees.

 

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