Young Adult Library Services: Challenges and Opportunities

by Anthony Bernier (Editor), Shari Lee (Editor)

Finally, a single volume that comprehensively introduces and addresses the most pressing issues and opportunities in young adult (teen) library services. Perpetually in the shadow of service to children, and historically riven by fractious relationships between public and school libraries, young adult services continue to suffer inadequacies and inequities of all kinds. Consequently, this area of specialization remains without the capacity to build the institutional, political, cultural, or professional influence needed to grow and develop beyond ritual and repetition. Young Adult Challenges and Opportunities (COYAS) begins to address these inequities by preparing professionals. In COYAS, LIS youth services instructors, especially those in the United States and Canada, will find a single, broad, and diverse engagement with scholars and acknowledged experts on the most pressing issues confronting YA services today. Students at both graduate and undergraduate levels will benefit from the field-tested topics delivered through accessible treatments. Practicing YA (and youth) librarians will appreciate the support and evidence-based analysis they likely found lacking in their MLIS programs. Earnest youth advocates will value the pursuit of issues beyond cliché and perpetual “crash course” entry-level conversations. In addition, instructors and students will both value the brevity of concisely focused chapters, sectional introductions, as well as the study guide questions that conclude each chapter. Content areas include history and critical engagement with foundational concepts in YA services, current practices regarding challenges and opportunities, as well as forward leaning issues for future development of the field. COYAS will ultimately empower librarians in delivering professional-grade information services to improve the quality of young people’s experience in this important cultural institution.

198 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2024

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is nowhere near a comprehensive treatment of YA services. Some chapters are very spotty and others are better. I did expect better writing overall. I will stick with the one I have. I was hoping for better.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided some pretty good ideas for modern ways to connect with children and teens. From things like using Discord servers to the values of pop culture, this book provides current and practical ideas for programming and connecting with youth in libraries.