The YPICK (Young Person's In Choosing Knowledge) project began during National Children's Book Week in October 2001, when staff from Stockton Borough Libraries met with a small group of pupils from the local comprehensive school in their school library to carry out a selection criteria brainstorming exercise as the first step in establishing a selection process that involved, and reflected the requirements of, the pupils.
The project has now developed and every community library runs a YPICK team in partnership with a school, reading group, parent & toddler group, SureStart or regular library users, in order to involve children and young people directly as customers in stock selection and promotion.
This scheme involves a book selection criteria exercise, demonstration of the Bertrams website selection tool, a visit to a local booksellers (Badger for Books, Borders or The Forbidden Planet) to buy books, book talks to selected audiences. The children are presented with certificates at the end of the project. These sessions take place in a variety of environments, including school libraries, public libraries and showrooms. During the showroom visit to their chosen bookstore, children are given a budget to spend on stock and resources for their local library.
YPICK has developed into a hugely successful project going from strength to strength each year. There is huge educational potential for those involved but above all it's great fun for staff and young people alike.
|
