Innovation Strategy and Road Map

This project is not yet complete, but I wanted to share my idea. Based on the observations I’ve made on libraries that I have worked for at different points in time, I noticed that teen participation is extremely low.  What I would like to do is create a space for teens to exercise their creativity and level up their social media content. I’d like to advocate for a space that has all the bells and whistles of a studio for creating media/content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.. This will include but is not limited to: lighting, cameras, green screen, editing applications. Workshops can be held that cover different aspects of content creation/planning, like lighting, editing video transitions, responsible social media practices, recording, etc.. Social media platforms, Especially TikTok and Twitch, are very influential and are used by teens for so many different reasons (entertainment, connection, news, creative outlet, etc.) that I wanted to embrace it and bring it to a library setting. 

Implementation of a creative space such as this checks off many of the boxes of the Four Space Model, which is something I am always keeping in mind when I am thinking about projects such as this. This will inspire creation and exploration and can be used to encourage participation, which would lead to excitement. 

This is a space that can be used in a manner of different ways, too. For example, teens can be tasked with creating content for the library’s IG account. BookTok became a popular movement in TikTok, teens can be asked to create their own book reviews to post. Teens could create helpful tutorials for navigating the library’s services or use it to educate other teens and patrons about the types of services that can be accessed at the library. 

My focus is on gaining more teen participation however, these tools can most definitely be used for adult programming. Adults who are looking to become content creators can utilize this space as a workshop or a jumping off point.