Creating Community in the Library: A Sociological Exploration of the Importance of Teen’s Access to Equitable Third Places
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Date
2024
Authors
Green, Zoe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Community is critical. It provides resources, serves as a social outlet, and creates a sense of belonging, purpose, and togetherness. For youth, most time is spent at home or school. While these spaces can provide community, they are compulsory. Consider: what spaces are accessible and desirable for youth to choose to spend their time at and forge community? And, how can these third places be used to challenge systems of inequality and oppression? My research is a sociological exploration of the importance of third places for youth, with a specific focus on public libraries as that third place. I utilize both a literature review and interviews to develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the role libraries play as third places in teens’ lives. My conclusions will be discussed through a comparison between my findings and the pre-existing literature. I anticipate this project will expand the understanding of the dynamic between public libraries, youth, and inequality and, ultimately, draw larger conclusions about why having equitable access to third places is vital for youth.
Description
53 pages
Keywords
Third Place, Library, Teen, Librarian, Community