Young Adults and Public Libraries: A Handbook of Materials and Services

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

An up to date comprehensive text that responds to the needs of those serving young adults in public libraries. Contributors - many of whom are nationally known YA advocates - are from a variety of public libraries around the country and cover topics such as programs conducted jointly with schools or community agencies. Addressing the full spectrum of library services aimed at teens, this handbook is intended for use by novices as well as experts. It is suitable for specialists and generalists in small, medium, and large public libraries, and addresses the full spectrum of library services to teens. Young adults comprise 25% of library patrons, yet nationwide only 11% of libraries have a young adult librarian. By offering services specifically for young adults, libraries will fulfill their responsibility to provide services to the entire community, rather than ignoring this fast growing segment of the population. The book focuses on topics related to young adult collections, including reader's advisory, genre fiction, non-fiction, magazines, non-print materials, trends, publishing, censorship, and restricted access to materials and services based on age. Teens' use of technology, especially the Internet, is covered as well. Other aspects include homework assistance centers, youth participation, servind underserved populations, and cooperation with other agencies. The book concludes with a comprehensive annotated bibliography of professional resources to aid readers.

Reviews

"A handbook in the best and truest sense of the word, this new title is that rarest of commodities--a reference book worth reading from cover to cover....The breadth of coverage is outstanding, the chapters are concise and well written, and there is a thought-provoking blend of philosophical/theoretical discussion and practical advice....[T]his would be a valuable addition to both public and school library collections."-VOYA
A handbook in the best and truest sense of the word, this new title is that rarest of commodities--a reference book worth reading from cover to cover....The breadth of coverage is outstanding, the chapters are concise and well written, and there is a thought-provoking blend of philosophical/theoretical discussion and practical advice....[T]his would be a valuable addition to both public and school library collections.-VOYA
There is a hands-on quality to the discussions in this collection of articles by 24 leading experts in the field of YA services. The authors speak with authority and commitment about important current issues: from balancing popularity and quality in collection building and readers' advisory to training YA staff, providing homework assistance programs, and confronting challenges of intellectual freedom. Part of the Greenwood Library Management series, this is a fine resource, both for in-service training and for library school discussion.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
This collection is full of good ideas, based on sound principles, for serving this growing segment of the population. Most of the contributors are practicing librarians, and the articles are generally well selected and well written. ...most who work with young adults will want to have this practical book.-Library Journal
"This collection is full of good ideas, based on sound principles, for serving this growing segment of the population. Most of the contributors are practicing librarians, and the articles are generally well selected and well written. ...most who work with young adults will want to have this practical book."-Library Journal
"There is a hands-on quality to the discussions in this collection of articles by 24 leading experts in the field of YA services. The authors speak with authority and commitment about important current issues: from balancing popularity and quality in collection building and readers' advisory to training YA staff, providing homework assistance programs, and confronting challenges of intellectual freedom. Part of the Greenwood Library Management series, this is a fine resource, both for in-service training and for library school discussion."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin

Author Bio

MARY ANNE NICHOLS is School-Age and Young Adult Librarian at the Akron-Summit County Public Library in Ohio. - C. ALLEN NICHOLS is Director of the Ella M. Everhard Public Library in Wadsworth, Ohio.