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

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.