Transforming Young Adult Services

Anthony Bernier is associate professor at California's San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science. As a critical youth studies scholar his primary field of research explores the administration of library services with young people. He served as a professional librarian for nearly 15 years as a Young Adult Specialist Librarian and administrator, during which time he designed nationally recognized youth outreach and programming models, including the first purpose-built library space for teenaged youth: the Los Angeles Public Library acclaimed TeenS'cape. In 2010 he received a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to advance research on public library spaces designed for young people. He is former chair of several national professional and academic associations and currently serves on two editorial boards. In 2011 he was appointed to a four-year term on the American Library Association's Committee on Accreditation. His doctoral dissertation at the University of California examined changing notions of public space in twentieth-century America.

The theories are engaging, and LIS students and YA researchers should find it of interest."" — Booklist""Bernier issues a call to library and information science (LIS) professionals to redefine young adult (YA) services by eliminating outdated concepts of youth established by professionals in non-library fields. He proposes instead we 'rise to define our users ourselves' with the information and experience culled by our own professionals. He and nine contributors present a broad array of topics to begin this new definition of YA services, touching on teen literature, 'new adults,' youth of color, comic readers, teen activism, and censorship. The essays relate well to each other, but are good stand-alone arguments too ... the book should have a wide audience among LIS professionals looking to expand and advocate YA services, new teen librarians entering the field, and anyone with an interest in youth studies."" — VOYA""A provocative presentation of diverse viewpoints by leaders in the field which addresses current issues in teen libraries ... This book would be enriching for library and information science professionals and those who work with this unique population and are interested in the future of libraries and the role of teens in it."" — Catholic Library World