Teen Services Today

Sara K Joiner is the youth collection development coordinator for the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is responsible for ordering books and e-books for children and teens from birth to age 18. She has also worked at the Brazoria County Library System where she oversaw the children’s and teen programs in the system. In addition to programming and selection, she has also worked on marketing committees and library policy committees. She has written an article for Texas Library Journal about hosting a writing workshop for teens as well as After the Ashes, a middle grade novel published by Holiday House Books for Young Readers. She earned her MLIS from the University of Texas at Austin.Sara can be found online, and you can follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/skjoiner or visit her website at sarakjoiner.com. In her spare time, she reads (of course!) and watches far too many movies and television shows.Geri Swanzy is the children’s librarian at the Manvel Branch of the Brazoria County Library System in Texas. She has worked for ten years in youth services in public libraries. She has planned and implemented a variety of programs for teens of all ages including book clubs, crafts, and games, as well as larger events, such as after-hours lock-ins. She saw the need for more teen-centric activities in Brazoria County and proposed and helped organize their first official teen summer reading club. She earned her MLIS from the University of North Texas.When not working, Geri spends her time with her two pups, Maddie and Penny. She also enjoys volunteering for various organizations, playing the clarinet in a community band, and seeing what kind of new craft project she can concoct. And, of course, she loves to read.

This text covers most of what a new librarian needs to know about working with a teen population. Through carefully noted references and additional bibliographies, much additional information could be easily found in the noted resources. Beginning with a brief history of YA services in libraries, the book also covers developmental characteristics and their effects on issues like body image and mental health and friendships and relationships. Services to members of special populations are noted, with brief descriptions of the special needs of urban libraries, rural ones, young people who identify as LGBTQ, and individuals with disabilities. Also mentioned is marketing-industry research highlighting factors like family togetherness, music, and coolness as attractors of teens. Programming suggestions are numerous and split into two types: for younger teens and older teens. For the younger (middle-school age), the usual fare—such as gaming and book groups—are recommended, along with lock-ins, tech events, and food-related experiences. For older teens (high-school age), the emphasis is on practical items, like test preparation, dressing for interviews, and personal-finance workshops. Additionally, helpful collection and reconsideration policy samples accompany the chapter on managing teen services. This basic text is best for those with little to no experience in libraries, and would be suitable for library-school students.