In this lively and practical guide, notable teen experts and practitioners explain why service to teens in this age range is so important, and how you can enhance your collection and services to accommodate and win over this important group. Topics range from understanding older teen needs and creating a vital teen space to building and promoting a winning collection. Brimming with valuable insights, fresh ideas, as well as nuts and bolts directions, this is a must-read for all librarians who work with older teens.While libraries have traditionally offered diverse materials, services, and programs for children and even young teens based on their developmental needs, older teens (aged 16-19) are too often left out, with the excuse that older teens aren't interested. On the threshold of adulthood, these young people have immense informational needs that libraries are in a wonderful position to supply: information about colleges, about work, about relationships, and leisure activities. In this lively and practical guide, notable teen experts and stellar practitioners Sheila Anderson, Amy Alessio, Patrick Jones, Robin Lupa, and Kristine Mahood explain why service to teens in this age range is so important, and how you can enhance your collection and services to accommodate and win over this important group. Topics range from understanding older teen needs and creating a vital teen space to building and promoting a winning collection. Brimming with valuable insights, fresh ideas, as well as nuts-and-bolts directions, this is a must-read for all librarians who work with older teens.

Experts explain why library service to older teens is so important, and how librarians can enhance collections and services to accommodate and win over this important group.

IntroductionOn the Verge of Adulthood: Older Teens and the LibraryNeed to Know, Chance to Grow: Nonfiction Resources and Programming Ideas for Older TeensRespect for the Future: Making Space for Older Teens by Amy AlessioThe Hip and Well-Read: The Reading Interests of Older Teens by Patrick JonesReal Books for Real Teens: Realistic Fiction for Older TeensOff the Page and onto the Stage: Booktalking to Older Teens by Kristine MahoodThinking Outside the Book: Nonprint Materials for Older Teens by Robyn LupaIndex