6. Solano Teens

Solano County Library. (2010). Solano Teens. Retrieved from the Solano County Library official website: http://solanolibrary.com/teens/









Critical Evaluation
The Solano Teens webpage is a great one stop resource for teens living in Solano County for both their information and recreation needs. The site offers links to library social networking opportunities on Myspace and the Solano Teens blog, as well as an opportunity to become active contributors to the library's online content. Along with serving as an information resource for teen materials, the Solano Teens page acts as an interactive bulletin board for teen news and events in the community. Teens can use the site as a means to find out what teen events and services are happening on any particular day, and while they are browsing they can also look at newly listed teen titles, check the teen generated blog for new entries, and download a printable pdf file of the Solano Teens Magazine.

Visually, the site is composed in a way that balances the amount of information presented with an aesthetic sensibility that achieves a sense of balance. Even though the web page is filled with information in almost every inch of visible screen space, it never feels overwhelming or cluttered. The site is extremely easy to navigate, and for teens already familiar with the Solano Library homepage, the teen page will be a walk in the park. One of the greatest benefits of using the Solano Teens page is that it advertises the Live Homework help feature very well with a large and attractive looking icon that screams to be clicked. Teens who frequent the Solano Teens web page can't help but be tempted to click on the alluring button. By incorporating social networking tools, updated links, and an effective layout, the Solano Teens website gets the job done.

Reader's Annotation
The Solano County Library's Solano Teens website takes library services for teens into the digital world.

Library Information
The John F. Kennedy Public Library in Vallejo, California is part of the Solano County Public Library System in Northern California. John F. Kennedy, owned by the city of Vallejo, first opened its doors to the public in 1970 and has developed into a three story building spanning over 47, 000 square feet. The current population the library serves is 116,760 people, with 11,000 ranging in the 12-18 year old age group. The library’s collection of materials spans over 140,000, with a great number of these materials serving the teens and children in the community.

Genre
website

Curriculum Ties
homework help

Book Talking Ideas
What do you feel constitutes "Chick Lit", and why do you think the genre is important in our library? (There is currently a "Chick Lit" contest going on in the summer that is mentioned on the Solano Teens homepage)
If you were going to start a blog, what would it be about?

Reading Level
Grades 6+

Challenge Issues
N/A

Reason For Selection
Becoming familiar with library websites dedicated for teen use is essential for future librarians serving teens. By studying what works and what doesn't work on existing websites, we will be better prepared to help construct the websites of the future.