Youth Engagement Network Pilot Report
ASCEL is working with libraries across the country to build a Youth Engagement Network, to ensure children and young people's voices are heard within our sector.
Funded by Arts Council England, the Youth Engagement Network programme pilot took place from January to August 2024. The aim of the project is to connect library services from across the country with local children and young people from marginalised groups, who do not currently engage with their library, to shape activities that will encourage younger generations to access libraries. The purpose of the network is to listen to and represent young voices, putting them at the centre of decision-making and designing ways for them to influence national policy in libraries and culture.
Seven library services across England - Luton Libraries, Norfolk Library & Information Service, Kirklees Library & Information Service, Newham Libraries, Slough Libraries, Libraries Unlimited (Devon), Cornwall Libraries - tested co-created approaches with a total of 56 young people aged 11-13 years old, including those who are neurodivergent, to engage young audiences with libraries and give them an opportunity to share their ideas.
Key research findings:
- 90% of young people felt more welcome in the library because of working directly with their local library service on specific projects.
- 100% of participants felt that their opinions, ideas and feelings were listened to and heard and 86% enjoyed the experience.
- 76% of participants said that the co-created activities helped to improve their communication skills, which will support their future development in school, volunteering and work.
- 71% of participants gained new knowledge and skills, in digital marketing, creative skills, writing, and library-related knowledge. Bringing in external expertise enabled more opportunities to learn enhanced skills.
- 71% of library staff experienced increased confidence in developing and delivering co-created projects with young people
- 86% of library staff feel better equipped to articulate the value of co-created work in libraries as a direct result of the programme.
- Staff gained a deeper insight into the library from the perspective of a neurodiverse young person and develop confidence in working specifically with neurodivergent and SEND-identifying young people, which is essential for fully accessible library services.
Discover the individual case study learnings below:
Barnstable Library (Libraries Unlimited)
Young participants of the programme said:
“It was a wonderful experience. I felt relaxed and calm.”
“Something I didn’t know before is how fun the library is.”
Library staff participants said:
“The young people loved the idea of being involved in decision making, particularly around stock selection. They were interested in processes and the carbon reduction possibilities libraries offer.”
“Many of the young people felt the significance of a library and why they need to exist. Some had no idea just how big Central Library was and what was truly on offer for them and other members.”
“It was my first time co-creating, but it worked out really well and it has given me the confidence to do it again. It was great to have the training and support sessions from ASCEL to fall back on and know that we could share ideas with others around the country if needed.”
What’s next
- The learnings from the pilot are informing our future training and guidance to best support our whole network in engaging young people now and in the future.
- Phase 2 of the Youth Engagement Network begins in January 2025, welcoming 14 more library services to the programme. They will adopt a holistic approach, bringing in experts such as Participation People to support libraries, and encouraging libraries to work with local partners where possible.