Teen Tech Week is a national initiative sponsored by YALSA and is aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, and videogames. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' nonprint resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. Teen Tech Week began in 2007 and has a general theme of Get Connected @ your library.

Teens’ use of nonprint resources has increased dramatically in recent years, yet more teens are doing this from home instead of the library. According to a recent study by Harris Interactive, in 2005, 86% of youth aged 8-18 have a computer in their home, and 74% have Internet access in their home. On average, 8-18 year olds spend 6 hours and 21 minutes per day using media (including TV, video/DVDs/movies, video games, audio media, computers and print media). Furthermore, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 71% of teens report that the Internet is their primary source for completing school projects. Yet multiple studies have shown that the majority of teens lack the critical thinking skills and technical expertise to use the Internet and other electronic resources effectively. Teens need to know that the library is a trusted resource for accessing information and that librarians are the experts who can help them develop the skills they need to use electronic resources effectively and efficiently.

Why should I register?
YALSA is a nonprofit organization that depends on its members for support. By registering, you are letting us know that your library supports encouraging teens to be safe, responsible users of the many technologies available to them. By registering, you are telling YALSA that this program is worthwhile, and we will continue to sponsor the week.

I am interested in Teen Tech Week, but how do I participate?
There are many ways that you can participate in Teen Tech Week. You can offer special programs or activities, or simply encourage teens and parents to come to the library and check out the tech resources available to them.

I am not a librarian, can I still participate?
YES! Teen Tech Week is a national initiative aimed at teens, their parents, librarians, educators, booksellers and other concerned adults. If you would like to participate, just register!

I am a teen, what can I do?
The best thing to do is to talk to your public or school librarian. Ask them if they have anything planned for Teen Tech Week and let them know you are interested in helping out. If your teacher or librarian does not have anything planned or has never heard of Teen Tech Week, show them this web site and help them get started!

Does it cost anything to participate in Teen Tech Week ?
No, it does not cost anything to register or participate. Products are available for purchase through the ALA Store to help you promote Teen Tech Week and your activities, but you are not required to purchase anything to participate.

My community doesn't know about Teen Tech Week. Why doesn't YALSA more widely publicize the event?
Although YALSA sends out press releases, reaches out to media, and markets the event, we can't reach every media entity in the U.S. and abroad. So we encourage each participating library, school, or bookstore to advertise their events in their local media by using the publicity tools we have available. Send out a press release, use the public service announcement scripts, and encourage the teens and parents you know to send letters to the editor. Register for Teen Tech Week and use the logo on your library's website and calendar. As an association, we are only as strong as our members. Help spread the word!

I work at a library with limited technology options. How can I celebrate?

We know that every library faces constraints, whether it's budgetary or because of filters or other restrictions. Check out the Resources page, where you can watch video presentations on celebrating with a limited budget or holding Teen Tech Week in schools. School librarians may also find inspiration in an article on Teen Tech Week in schools by former TTW committee member Frances Jacobson Harris that ran in School Library Journal.

Where can I share what I am doing for Teen Tech Week?

Not only does YALSA love to hear about your events (and see photos!) but other libraries across the nation do as well! Please take a moment to tell us about your events on the Teen Tech Week Wiki.

Can I use the Teen Tech Week artwork that is on the web site or posters to create my own displays?

There are two different logos YALSA has created that you may use for free to help promote Teen Tech Week. One of them is the generic Teen Tech Week logo, which you can download on our publicity tools page. The other one is the theme-specific logo, which you will be able to download once you register. To have access to the theme-specific logo, you must register for Teen Tech Week. If these images are not the quality you were looking for, there are downloadable images you can purchase in the ALA Online Store. If you registered and did not download the logo, please contact Stephanie Kuenn at skuenn@ala.org.

I can't download the logo. Is there something wrong with the file?

The first thing you should do is check to make sure that you have photo viewing software installed on your computer. If you're having trouble downloading the photo, contact Stephanie Kuenn at skuenn@ala.org.

I do not like the theme; it isn't popular with my teens. What can I do?

The general theme of Teen Tech Week is "Get Connected," and this theme can always be used in place of the more specific theme for the year. The most important thing is that teens are encouraged to visit their library and see all the tech tools available to them. So feel free to adapt concepts or activities to fit with your teens' specific needs during Teen Tech Week! Be sure to contact YALSA at yalsa@ala.org with any theme ideas for future Teen Tech Weeks and encourage your teens to vote for the 2012 theme during Teen Tech Week.

I like to plan ahead. What are the future dates for Teen Tech Week?
Teen Tech Week is held each year the second week in March.

March 4-10, 2012
March 10-16, 2013
March 9-15, 2014
March 8-14, 2015

I have an idea for a Teen Tech Week theme, what should I do?
We love new ideas! Please send all your ideas for a Teen Tech Week theme to the YALSA Office at yalsa@ala.org.

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