Hangin' out at Rocky Creek: A Melodrama in Basic Young Adult Services in Public Libraries

by Evie Wilson-Lingbloom

Overview

Library staff memebers assigned the responsibility for young adult services have long needed this basic text to assist them in developing collections, programs, and outreach services for adolescents. Drawing on some challenging problem areas from an imaginary yet familiar scenario at the fictional Rocky Creek Public Library, each chapter addresses specific and practical skill development areas which sould enable library staff to provide effective basic YA services in public libraries. The appendices contain additional practical information, such as a list of titles recommended for a basic YA collection. The emphasis is on basic, practical goals. Specific time-tested methodology is outlined for learining about the needs and interests of YA's, becoming familiar with popular books and programs, and determining which strategies are effective in advocating for needed community services for adolescents, including service priorities for public libraries. Pervasive throughout is a respect for the energy, the grit, and sometimes even the sassiness of adolescent library users, whose regard for libraries, however unvoiced and masked by negative body language, brings them to us in ever-increasing numbers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810826885
Publisher:	The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Publication date:	05/01/1994

About the Author

Evie Wilson-Lingbloom has been a youth services librarian in school and public libraries for more than 20 years and is a past president of the Young Adult Services Division of ALA. She has taught graduate courses in YA literature and services for Florida State University, Peabody College (Vanderbilt), and the University of Washington.

Editorial Reviews

...very relevant to the school library media specialist.

School Library Media Quarterly

Both directors and youth services librarians will benefit from reading and discussing its suggestions and implications.

Emergency Librarian

...this comprehensive, well-documented and researched reference book will greatly assist (Young Adult) YA librarians in developing first-rate YA programs in their libraries...The ideas, information, and techniques for improving YA services which are presented in this valuable book can be adapted by any size library from the small rural library to the large urban system...this reference book is highly recommended for all public libraries which are currently or soon plan to offer a complete line of services to the young adults of their communities.

Public Library Quarterly

Hangin' Out is a very practical work...a joy to read.

Library Review

...should be in the hands of all public librarians who work with young adults, and in the hands of their library administrators, as well.

Youth Services In Libraries

...should be in the hands of all public librarians who work with young adults, and in the hands of their library administrators, as well.

Youth Services in Libraries

Both directors and youth services librarians will benefit from reading and discussing its suggestions and implications.

Teacher Librarian

A basic text for library staff members in young adult services. Drawing on some challenging problem areas from an imaginary scenario at the fictional Rocky Creek Public Library, each chapter addresses specific and practical skill development areas, such as planning services for at-risk adolescents, understanding youth rights issues, and developing a young adult materials collection. Appendices include information on librarian competencies, assessment of current services, and sample surveys and letters. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews