Inventory Checklist A. Layout 1. Is the teen area/school library a separate area? square feet If so, what is the size of the room? 2. Is the building entrance nearby? 3. Is there some level of privacy? Can teens socialize without disturbing others? 4. Is the teen area near or in the children s area? If so, how far is it? Describe the situation. 5. Is the teen area near key service points? Computers? Audiovisual materials? Restrooms? Describe where the teen area is in relationship to other departments in the library or school. 6. Is there sufficient floor space? Explain, describing how it relates to the demo graphics and entire square footage of the library or school, other departments, etc. 7. Is everything handicapped accessible? 8. Is there a smooth traffic flow? 9. Is everything logically arranged? Are collections, equipment, etc., easy to locate by teens? Easily monitored by staff? 10. Other B. Furniture (Compile and attach a complete list of furnishings.) 1. Is there lounge-style, comfortable seating? Describe and include seating count, condition, and any other notes. 2. Are furnishings flexible and portable to accommodate variations in usage? 3. Is there furniture for group seating? Are these furnishings comfortable? Do they take into account ergonomics? Describe and include seating count, condition, and any other notes.
4. Are there furnishings available to the individual browser or studier? Are these furnishings comfortable? Do they take into account ergonomics? Describe seating count, condition, and any other notes. 5. Do the overall style and color scheme of the furnishings correspond to the space? 6. How many people can be simultaneously No. of people: seated in the area? 7. Will furnishings accommodate a variety of programs and activities? 8. Other C. Shelving and Display (Compile and attach a complete list of shelving and display items. Include a complete shelving count and dimensions of shelving here.) 1. Does the area have adequate shelving for: hardcover books? paperback books? graphic novels? audiovisual materials? magazines? 2. Are shelves empty or jam-packed? Is there enough room for display and face-out merchandising at the ends of shelves? 3. Are there display fixtures? If so, how many and what are they, and what are they used for? 4. Are shelving and display fixtures truly functional? Do they adequately accommodate the various formats? Do the items stand up properly or do they fall over? Can they be easily browsed by teens? 5. Are collections presented in an eyecatching manner? 6. Are new and high-interest materials highlighted? No. of shelves: No. of display fixtures:
C. Shelving and Display (cont.) 7. Are walls, pillars, ceilings, etc., used to their maximum display potential? 8. Are materials that are not physically present in the teen area marketed in the teen area? 9. Other D. The Collection (Compile a list of collections available to teens, noting if they re located within the teen space or outside the teen space.) 1. Is the teen collection strong and up to date? 2. Is the teen collection diverse? Is there a good selection of materials? Does it include a variety of genres and multiple formats (e.g., graphic novels, etc.)? 3. Does the collection need weeding? 4. Does the library offer alternative formats (graphic novels, videos, DVDs, music, audiobooks, video games) for teens? If so, are there any restrictions on audiovisual materials? Can teens check out these materials? 5. Are materials attractive? 6. How are materials arranged? Are materials grouped by genre or designated by a spine label (e.g., horror, science fiction)? Are they easy to find? 7. Are there teen materials in the children s collection? 8. Are there children s materials in the teen collection? 9. Other E. Technology 1. Are there any computers designated just for teens? If so, how many? If not, where are the closest computers?
2. Do computers have access to an online catalog? the Internet? research databases? games? Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint? 3. Are there age restrictions on use of the Internet? 4. Is Internet access filtered for teens? If so, what is the cutoff age? 5. Is there restricted use of the Internet (e.g., no e-mail, no chatting, no downloading, no social networking)? 6. Are electrical and data outlets adequate throughout the space? How many wallmounted outlets are there? Floor outlets? Data outlets? Are there any phone jacks? 7. Is there wireless access? 8. Are there laptop computers or other equipment (e.g., MP3 players) that can be checked out? 9. Are listening stations, sound domes, or other sound systems available for teens to listen to music or audiobooks? 10. Are viewing stations and/or a television available for teens to play games on or to watch television or movies? 11. Other F. Staff 1. Is there staff directly or indirectly assigned to teen services? If so, how many staff? Part-time or full-time? 2. Does your library utilize adult volunteers to work with teens? If so, how many? How many hours per week? 3. Is there currently a service desk(s) within the area? If so, how many? What are the dimensions? If not, is a service desk nearby? No. of staff: No. of volunteers: Hours per week: No. of service desks in space: No. of service desks nearby:
F. Staff (cont.) 4. Is it easy to discern where a teen can find assistance? 5. Are staff members friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable? 6. Other G. Additional Items for Consideration (Compile and attach a complete list of miscellaneous elements including lighting and flooring information, vending machines, signage, decorative elements, etc.) 1. Is there adequate artificial lighting? What type of lighting (e.g., fluorescent overhead, table lamps)? Is lighting functional? Is it No. lights: Types: conducive to reading or studying? Does the lighting support the atmosphere and décor of the space? 2. Is there adequate natural light? How many windows are in the space? What are their dimensions? No. windows: 3. Are there doors? How many are there? What size are they? No. of doors: 4. Is there adequate storage? 5. Is flooring appropriate for the activities in the space? What kind of flooring is it (carpet, laminate, area rugs, etc.)? Is it in good shape? Is it single surface or multiple surfaces? Does it support the atmosphere and décor of the space? 6. Are there any special elements or architectural extras in the space such as a cathedral ceiling, multiple levels/loft, or No. and type: window seats? If so, describe and include counts and measurements. 7. Are there food services available in or near the area (e.g., vending machines, café, drinking fountains, etc.)? Include information about the eating and drinking policy in the teen area or library.
8. Are heating and cooling adequate for the space? Is there adequate ventilation? 9. Are there any safety hazards in the space? 10. Is the space accessible and usable to people with disabilities? Is it physically compliant? Technologically compliant? 11. Is signage attractive and functional? (Include all signage, such as stack signs and labels, directional signs, and promotional signs.) Do signs get you to where you want to go? Are digital/electronic signs available and well utilized? 12. Are there any artworks, accessories, knickknacks, display areas, and other decorative items? Do they support and enhance the atmosphere and functionality of the space? 13. Other