Use attractions are those physical aspects of a teen space that entice teens to use the space. While service population goes a long way towards determining the number of computers and chairs a teen center has, it is noteworthy that those libraries that took the time to use multiple seating options for teens were more likely to also have enticements such as televisions and more computers than those using standard seating options.
Findings
Computers
- Min #: 0
- Max #: 20
- Median #: 3
Television
- Percentage of Libraries With a Television: 20%
Libraries reporting the presence of a television had more teens visiting than average. Every library with a television had at least 35 teens visiting on average.
Seating
- Percentage of Libraries With Soft Seating: 95%
- Percentage of Libraries With Seating Options: 69%
Almost every teen space over 1,000 square feet had multiple seating options. The two large spaces that did not have seating options were both among the libraries with the fewest visitors per population (Mesa and Ft. Wayne). Observation suggests, and Cranz and Cha (2006)4 confirm, that young people are much more likely than other age groups to respond to a variety of different furniture options. Some of the most popular options in the VOYA responses were restaurant booths, café tables, and the ever-present beanbag chair.
Study Rooms
- Percentage of Libraries With a Study Room: 28%
Having a study room designated for teens diminished the average number of computers dedicated for the teen space. This may result from the study room using up space that would be devoted to computers, or study rooms being designed with laptop use or future desktop purchases in mind, or libraries simply prioritizing study space over technology space. Study rooms also corresponded with increased use. Every library with a study room had at least 30 visitors on average.