Professional Development Topic Center

YALSA has compiled resources for librarians about online social networking. Updated January 2008

YALSA now offers white papers: The Value of Young Adult Literature and the Importance of Teen Spaces in Public Libraries.

YALSA has developed a list of recommended reading for teens in light of recent disaster.

YALSA recommends different ways to serve teen evacuees in libraries.

• Adolescent Development
• Booktalking
• Dealing with Tragedy and Terror
• ESL
• Healthy Relationships for Teens
• Intellectual Freedom
• Knowledge of Materials
• Leadership and Professionalism
• Management Support for Young Adult Services
• Multicultural Resources
• Programming for Young Adults
• School and Public Library Cooperation
• Teen Spirituality and Religion
• YA Spaces

Research in YA Services

• A Fresh Look at Public and Leadership Attitudes About Libraries in the 21st Century
• Research Related to Young Adult Services 1995 - 1999
• Research Related to Young Adult Services 2000 - 2005
• Frances Henne/YALSA/VOYA Research Grant
• Programs for School-Age Youth in Public Libraries  Report of a survey conducted for the DeWitt Wallace -- Reader's Digest Find
• Two Hundred Years of Young Adult Library Services History

Read the Spotlight on Sara Ryan.

Read Past Spotlights.

Learn about YALSA's Serving the Underserved Trainers then find a trainer in your area by accessing the Serving the Underserved Trainers list.

Read Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority, a statement from the United States Department for Health and Human Services about methods for promoting youth development. This statement was endorsed by the YALSA Board in September 2001.

Read YALSA's Competencies for Serving Youth, Young Adults Deserve the Best (PDF) and learn more about YALSA's New Direction for Library Service to Young Adults.

Check out the links to syllabi of young adult services and/or literature courses from around the country.

Here is a listing (for informational purposes only as courses may change) of different young adult focused courses throughout the country. 

Click here for a quick guide that may be useful as you communicate with decision makers about the needs of teens and young adult library services. These are just a starting point and are not a comprehensive list or detailed discussion of critical issues. YALSA recognizes that needs vary by community, so you may have more to add or emphasize.

If you have questions or comments about the Professional Development Center contact YALSA