Services And Resources For Children And Young Adults In Public Libraries

the findings are presented of 1994 surveys on services and resources for children and young adults (ages 12-18) in public libraries. Each survey was conducted with a different nationally representative sample of public libraries. Data was collected for individual buildings rather than for library systems. Findings indicate the following: (1) children and young adults represent 60% of public library patronage; (2) 30% of public librarians specialize in youth services; (3) 39% of libraries employ a children's librarian, 11% have a young adult librarian, and 24% have a youth services specialist on staff; (4) 30% of all public libraries have only one librarian on staff; (5) ethnic diversity of children and young adult patrons has increased over 40% in the last 5 years; (6) computer technologies are among the most heavily used children's and young adult resources in public libraries and are also the most scarce; (7) many library programs primarily target preschool and kindergarten children; (8) only 76% of public libraries report working with schools; (9) only one in seven libraries offer homework assistance programs; (10) 11% of public libraries have neither a young adult collection or section; and (11) insufficient library staff is a leading barrier to increasing services and resources for children and young adults. Survey data is provided in 21 tables and 14 figures. Appendices present survey methodology and data reliability, a list of tables with standard errors, and survey forms. (AEF)

Reference and information services are more important than ever for today’s young people. By analyzing key features of reference and information services to young people in school and public library environments, including the research behind the trends and issues, librarians can make sure that those services are appropriately responsive to children and teens. Based on standards and evidence-based practice, this book helps you to optimize those resources and services by: providing guidance in assessing youth communities, determining youth’s information needs and information behaviors, developing and maintaining age-appropriate reference collections (starting with the book’s core list of print and online resources), optimizing physical and virtual access to reference and information sources, interacting with youth and facilitating their reference and information literacy skills, curating and producing reference and information products, dealing with relevant legal and ethical issues, and planning effective library reference and information services for youth. Chapter sidebar examples provide food for thought.

This handbook 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. 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, serving underserved populations, and cooperation with other agencies. The book concludes with a comprehensive annotated bibliography of professional resources to aid readers.

These guidelines constitute the Library Association's policy statement on the nature and quality of library provision in children's libraries. Since the first edition there have been many outcomes of political, economic, social and technological change which have made an impact on the public library's capability to respond to the information needs of children and young people. The document reflects a child-centred approach, discussing the special needs of the client group and its implications for service provision. The guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, but to highlight key issues which should form the basis for clear and objective policy statements in all library services, irrespective of size, structure or type of community served. These include: the child and the library; standards and targets; staffing and training resources; a collection development policy; library design and layout planning; managing change; and promoting the library service.