THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION

young adult 2012 library library services services

VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 3 SPRING 2013 ISSN 1541-4302 $17.50

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VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 3 SPRING 2013 ISSN 1541-4302

The View from ALA Plus: 4 E-Books? 2 From the Editor So What’s the Big Deal? Linda W. Braun By Chanitra Bishop and Marijke Visser 3 From the President Jack Martin YALSA Perspectives 36 Guidelines for Authors 9 What YALSA’s Members Have to Say 36 Index to Advertisers By Robin Fogle Kurz 38 The YALSA Update 11 Top Ten Reasons Not to Run for YALSA Board and Why You Might Be Wrong About Them By Sarah Flowers

Best Practices 13 The Big Picture of YA Services Analyzing the Results of the 2012 PLA PLDS Survey About This Cover By Denise E. Agosto 19 Nerdfighters at the Library Find the best books and media for young adults each Or, DFTBA with Teens year with YALSA’s Best of the Best. At www.ala.org/ By Lauren Gibaldi Mathur yalsa/best, you’ll fi nd downloadable tools to promote these titles in your library.

Hot Spot: Awards & Lists You can also join The Hub Reading Challenge 22 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners through June 22. and Book and Media Lists 28 Read All About It The Hub Reading Challenge By Gretchen Kolderup 30 Reading with Our Ears An Odyssey for All By Teri Lesesne 33 Excellent Nonfiction By Angela Frederick 35 YALSA’s Teen Book Finder App: Going Mobile with YALSA’s Awards and Lists By Erin Daly 2012–2013 YALSA Editorial Advisory Committee (providing advisory input for the journal) Laura Pearle, Chair, Carmel, N.Y.; Michelle Bayuk, Deerfi eld, Ill., from the Jennifer Brannen, Durham, N.C.; Katherine Covintree, Providence, R.I.; The ViewLaura Lehner, from Hudson, ALA Oh; Whitney Winn, Goleta, Calif

YALSA Executive Director Beth Yoke Editor Editor Linda W. Braun Linda W. Braun Circulation Young Adult Library Services (ISSN 1541-4302) is published four times a year by the American Library Association (ALA), 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, t was ALA Midwinter, 7:45 a.m. on January 28, 2013, and I was IL 60611. It is the offi cial publication of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of ALA. Subscription price: members of in the audience for the annual Youth Media Awards in Seattle. YALSA, $25 per year, included in membership dues; nonmembers, $70 per The large ballroom was buzzing as hundreds of people—some year in the U.S.; $80 in Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Back issues I within one year of current issue, $17.50 each. Periodicals class postage paid who had stood on line since before 7 a.m. to get good seats— at Chicago, Illinois and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER: Send waited to hear which author had been given the 2013 Margaret A. address changes to Young Adult Library Services, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Members: Address changes and inquiries should be sent to Edwards Award, and which books had won the Michael L. Printz Membership Department, Changes to Young Adult Library Services, 50 E. Award, the William Morris Debut Novel Award, the Award for Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Nonmember subscribers: Subscriptions, orders, changes of address, and inquiries should be sent to Changes to Young Adult Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young Adults, the Odyssey Award, Library Services, Subscriptions, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 1-800- and the Alex Award. Until the last moment, many were rooting for 545-2433, press 5; fax: (312) 944-2641; [email protected]. their favorites and debating the likely winners. Statement of Purpose It’s exciting being on site, but you can be part of the buzz Young Adult Library Services is the offi cial journal of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library with this issue of YALS. There’s a full list of winners included, Association. YALS primarily serves as a vehicle for continuing education plus plenty of behind-the-scenes information. Angela Frederick, for librarians serving young adults, ages twelve through eighteen. It will include articles of current interest to the profession, act as a showcase for best Chair of the 2013 Award for Excellence in Nonfi ction for practices, provide news from related fi elds, publish recent research related to Young Adults, describes how her committee worked to select YA librarianship, and will spotlight signifi cant events of the organization and off er in-depth reviews of professional literature. YALS will also serve as the the winning title for the year. Teri Lesesne, Chair of the 2013 offi cial record of the organization. Odyssey Award Committee, gives readers an inside look at what it Production takes to evaluate an audiobook for teens and highlights their value Cadmus Communications for teen readers. Advertising Do you want to feel more involved in the world of YALSA Bill Spilman, Innovative Media Solutions; 1-877-878-3260; fax (309) 483- awards and lists? Can you read twenty-fi ve books from YALSA’s 2371; e-mail [email protected]. View our media kit at www.ala.org/yalsa/mediakit. YALS accepts advertising for goods or services lists by June 22? That’s what Gretchen Kolderup, member of interest to the library profession and librarians in service to youth in manager of YALSA’s The Hub blog, challenges you to do. particular. It encourages advertising that informs readers and provides clear communication between vendor and buyer. YALS adheres to ethical and Or, maybe you really want to make sure that you have a good commonly accepted advertising practices and reserves the right to reject any selection of award and list titles available in your teen collection. advertisement not suited to the above purposes or not consistent with the aims and policies of ALA. Acceptance of advertising in YALS does not imply Erin Daly’s article on the YALSA Teen Book Finder app will offi cial endorsement by ALA of the products or services advertised. show you how to do that from the palm of your hand on Manuscripts mobile devices. Manuscripts and letters pertaining to editorial content should be sent to But this issue of YALS isn’t just about awards and lists. YALSA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; e-mail: yalseditor@gmail. com. Manuscripts will be sent out for review according to YALS’s established referee You’ll also fi nd out how teen Nerdfi ghters in Orlando got to procedures. Visit www.ala.org/yalsa for further information. be a part of a new program sponsored by their public library. Indexing, Abstracting, and Microfilm You’ll fi nd out what the ALA Digital Content Working Group Young Adult Library Services is indexed in Library Literature, Library (DCWG) is doing to help libraries build strong e-collections. &Information Science Abstracts, and Current Index to Journals in Education. Microfi lm copies of Journal of Youth Services in Libraries and its You’ll also get a chance to learn what YALSA discovered in predecessor, Top of the News, are available from ProQuest/Bell & Howell, a recent survey of members and nonmembers, and how the 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. association’s board is already working on initiatives to support The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the survey results. American National Standard for Information Sciences-Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. ∞ Remember, at the YALS website http://ala.org/yals, you’ll ©2012 American Library Association fi nd a full set of reproducibles of YALSA’s 2013 lists, along with All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be photocopied for the noncommercial purpose of scientifi c materials and articles that complement each issue of this journal. or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Check it out. YALS Revision Act of 1976. For other photocopying, reprinting, or translating, address requests to the ALA Offi ce of Rights and Permissions.

2 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 from the President Jack Martin

ward season is here, and I know The association is looking at how to help and teen that lots of YALSA members library staff use the awards, lists, and advocates from A(including myself) waited with other resources to build more robust the for-profi t bated breath to hear about who won afterschool programs for teens. YALSA and nonprofi t what award at the Youth Media Awards works to provide resources so library staff world—all that took place at 2013 ALA Midwinter can use the association’s awards and lists in the same Meeting in Seattle in January. in advocacy eff orts for more and better room—to All year YA lit fans predicted and services for teens. explore how libraries must serve teens in pontifi cated about which authors would Advocacy is always at the front of the future. Facilitated by ALA President take home the coveted Margaret A. YALSA’s priorities. It’s a goal in the Maureen Sullivan, the summit’s goal Edwards Award for lifetime achievement, association’s strategic plan. And, in was to bring together a cadre of diverse the Michael L. Printz Award, the Award YALSA’s fall 2012 survey of members voices in a version of a think tank. The for Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young and nonmembers, advocacy was selected results of the conversations were captured Adults, the Odyssey Award, and the as one of the most important areas for the and will be used in the development of a William C. Morris Award. Now that these association to focus on. It therefore makes white paper on the future of library teen awards are announced, these same fans are sense that advocacy is something the services. (If you are interested in learning agreeing or disagreeing about what won YALSA board of directors thought a lot more about the National Forum check what. That’s part of what makes it all so about at their 2013 Midwinter meetings out the website at www.ala.org/yaforum. much fun. in Seattle. One agenda item focused on You might also consider joining YALSA’s Members of YALSA’s selection working with library administrators to virtual town halls that are a part of this committees read constantly in 2012 in increase teen library staff and services. project.) YALSA is looking for new ideas order to determine the best titles for each In 2008 the Public Library Data and new directions, and this summit, selected list. They combed through boxes Statistics reported that over half of the along with the virtual town halls, are a big of materials, generously donated to the libraries responding had at least one step forward. cause by publishers, so to fi nd the best full-time young adult librarian. In 2012, How do awards, board discussions, for the list they were working on: Best however, the percentage shrunk to just and the National Forum on Libraries Fiction for Young Adults, Quick Picks for one-third.1 This 18 percent reduction and Teens connect? They all relate to the Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Popular is alarming, and the YALSA board work we do in libraries every day from Paperbacks, Fabulous Films, Amazing spent time at Midwinter brainstorming recommending materials, to advocating Audiobooks, and Great Graphic Novels. how our association might help library for great teen services and staff , to It’s all connected to YALSA’s mission to administrators understand the value building partnerships and planning for the support and advocate for library services of teen services to the library, to the future. YALSA is right there with you, to teens. That mission defi nitely includes community, and to teens. helping to give you the tools you need to providing lists that help improve the In the broader advocacy arena, succeed. YALS reading and literacy skills of young adults. YALSA hosted the very fi rst National Reading, literacy, and libraries are Forum on Libraries and Teens just prior integrally connected, and YALSA is to Midwinter Meeting. This summit Reference constantly thinking and rethinking how brought together librarians, experts 1. Public Library Association, Public Library the awards, lists, and other initiatives on youth development, educators, Data Service Statistical Report (Chicago: support and extend these connections. administrators, researchers, academics, PLA, 2012).

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 3 feature The View from ALA

hold onto the familiar territory of the E-Books? traditional print world. (Un)fortunately, this is not an option as e-books fi nd their way into more and more readers’ hands. The e-book environment is in So What’s the Big Deal? seemingly constant fl ux as publishers test new business models, self-publishing becomes a true contender in the book world, and competing vendors vie for the By Chanitra Bishop largest e-book catalog. Because of the rapid and sometimes surprising changes, and Marijke Visser librarians have found themselves in an uncomfortably reactive state rather than as a force that can help shape the e-book market—at least as it pertains to libraries. avigating the current e-book Why Is It Such a Challenge? market is no small feat and has These are uncharted waters for all of Nlibrarians confused, frustrated, the players in the e-book ecosystem. Why Should We Care? infuriated, discouraged, and in some Publishers are reinventing publishing Librarians must get reading materials cases ready to throw in the towel. for the digital world; libraries have to into the hands of their patrons. We want Yet librarians still need to provide rethink their traditional models of service. to support a nation of readers, and we patrons, including teens, with the same Distributors and authors are also carving strongly believe that our patrons should resources they did prior to the e-book out diff erent niches. Each player has a have access to the reading materials they craze, and potentially provide access to tremendous amount at stake, and with want regardless of content or format. richer resources made possible through new twists occurring sometimes daily, We want to connect readers to authors. technological advances. it’s understandable that we all want to The library is a place for discovering new authors and experimenting with new genres. If our patrons want to read a book CHANITRA BISHOP is the Emerging Technologies Librarian in print, that’s fi ne. If they prefer a digital at Indiana University, Bloomington and a member of DCWG. format, that’s fi ne, too. However, for the Her responsibilities include exploring and recommending new young adult reader looking for one of the technology to incorporate into the delivery of library reference the House of Night series or the Hunger and instructional services. A technology enthusiast, Chanitra Games series in digital form, the librarian promotes the use of technology by libraries and librarians and has has to say, “Sorry, we don’t have that here.” According to a recent Pew Internet done presentations on online technology tools for librarians. In Project report, “Younger Americans’ addition to exploring new technologies, her professional interests Reading and Library Habits,” high school include accessibility and usability issues with libraries and exploring students aged sixteen and seventeen are new ways to market library services to users. MARIJKE VISSER is the most reliant on the library for reading Assistant Director of ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy materials and more likely than other age (OITP). She is the staff liaison to ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries groups to be interested in checking out 1 Working Group (DCWG) an association subgroup that works on preloaded e-readers from the library. To library education and outreach. When not talking about e-books, she continue to support the reading habits of young adults, it behooves librarians to be focuses on the intersection of children and youth and information a strong voice for their young patrons and technology policy as well as broadband adoption and digital divide provide fair library access to e-books. issues. Marijke has two young adults and a preteen at home, which It is a conundrum that many patrons means she has built-in case studies for teens and technology use. are not aware they can get their e-book fi x

4 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Bishop and Visser

at the library; most libraries off er e-books, · Rights holders typically license often involve signifi cant price increases, and many have plans to increase their access to—rather than sell—digital such as when Hachette Digital raised e-book off erings. Though libraries do resources. Digital music and online prices on e-books by an average 104 have some e-books, a number of factors do journals represent examples of this percent bringing the price of Stephanie not make it easy for the patron to borrow shift from the last few decades; Meyer’s Breaking Dawn to $34.99 from them. Between complete unavailability— e-books are the latest form of content $22.99, or when Random House doubled the library can’t get it—to costs that to make this transition. or tripled the price of some e-books in prevent the library from purchasing a title March 2012 and the price of Blessings or purchasing enough e-books so there is Licenses are governed by state by Anna Quindlen went from $15.00 to not a 100-person waitlist, to diffi culty in contract law, and unlike under federal $45.00.2,3 actually fi nding and downloading a title, copyright law, libraries negotiate with librarians have much work ahead. rights holders for user rights articulated In this climate of uncertainty and in the license. This means librarians must Getting E-Books into volatility, librarians must articulate their educate themselves about licensing terms Libraries needs in providing services and the value so they can negotiate the best license for When you hear talk about e-books and they bring to publishers, distributors, their libraries. publishers, you inevitably hear about the authors, and readers, as well as funders and The usual e-book license with a “Big 6.” These so-called Big 6 companies taxpayers. Change and controversy are also publisher or distributor often constrains or control roughly two-thirds of the U.S. a time of opportunity. Librarians must take altogether prohibits libraries from: consumer book publishing market. They advantage of the current volatility and shape are: Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, the unknown into models that work for · selling e-books that libraries do not Penguin, Random House, and Simon & libraries. Furthermore, in an age of constant wish to retain; Schuster. True to the fl uctuating e-book budget cuts, if libraries don’t keep up with · receiving donations of e-books; ecosystem, in October 2012 Random current demands, they risk being seen as · ensuring patron privacy; House and Penguin announced a plan irrelevant or out of touch with user needs. · making accommodations for e-books to merge, and in November 2012 News Looking into the future of e-books for people with disabilities; or Corp. (owner of HarperCollins) was in and digital content, we are in the nascent · archiving and preserving content. talks to acquire Simon & Schuster; the stages of what could be possible through number of major publishing houses could technology, such as enhanced or interactive decline to four. e-books. Libraries need to take charge now It’s Not Easy for Anyone and in the coming years as e-books become Just as librarians are grappling with more and more advanced, sophisticated, the unknown world of e-books, so are What is the Status of Big 6 and integrated with other information publishers. While both camps had the Publishers Doing Business services. world of physical books pretty well fi gured with Libraries? out between buying, owning, lending, and While they are sometimes lumped preserving print editions, publishers are together, the large publishers vary widely What’s So Different asking the same questions as librarians in their approaches to providing e-book about E-Books? about how to handle digital materials. titles to libraries, and conditions continue From the library perspective, the most With the rise of e-reading, publishers to shift as publishers change prices or telling diff erence comes down to how voiced concern that library e-book lending restrictions and undertake pilots. At the libraries acquire e-books and how they are would erode sales and decrease the start of 2013, following is the status of (or are not) able to lend them to patrons. royalties paid to authors. Additionally, relations between large publishers and Consider this diff erence: publishers have seen competition from U.S. libraries:4 other entrants in the market, with · Print books are purchased as physical Amazon and Apple taking the lead. In an · Simon & Schuster has never off ered copies that the library owns and lends, eff ort to combat this change, publishers its catalog of e-books to libraries and even sells in the Friends of the have developed new models for licensing and has not indicated plans to work Library book sale. e-books to libraries. These new models with libraries. Young adult readers

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 5 E-Books?

cannot read the 2012 Alex Award twenty-six times before the license making content available through mobile winner The New Kids: Big Dreams expires. In March 2012, Random devices such as iPads and Android devices, and Brave Journeys at a High School for House dramatically increased prices as well as desktop computers. Immigrant Teens by Brooke Hauser for libraries. Despite the challenges to library or a 2013 Printz Honor winner, e-book lending, the number of public Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets The Big 6 are not the only suppliers libraries that off er e-books has doubled of the Universe by Benjamin Alire of digital content. Over the past couple in the past fi ve years, with 76 percent Sáenz, as an e-book. of years, mid-list, independent, and small of libraries reporting that they do lend · Macmillan has never off ered e-books presses have arrived in the e-book market. e-books (compared to 38 percent fi ve to libraries, but CEO John Sargent Like traditional publishers, they have the years ago).7 confi rmed a library e-book pilot similar mechanisms of acquiring, editing, with 1,200 backlist (older) crime designing, and marketing quality books. and mystery titles. Denied to U.S. Many of them, however, have not had the What We Know about libraries in e-book format is YALSA’s ability to distribute their printed works Our Patrons 2013 winner for Excellence in nationwide or fulfi ll library orders in A recent Pew study found that there are Nonfi ction for Young Adults, Bomb: quantity. With electronic delivery, that’s four times more people reading e-books The Race to Build—and Steal—the changed, and in their eagerness to develop today than two years ago.8 Library Journal’s World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by a new market, libraries, they are often very 2012 “E-Book Usage in U.S. Public Steve Sheinkin. responsive to requests for library discounts. Libraries” reports that there has been a · Penguin off ered titles to libraries They are also interested in exploring new marked growth in young adult circulation through e-book distributor models of discovery and curation. of e-books, with libraries reporting that OverDrive until February 2012, There is an ever-growing number 91 percent of libraries off er young adult when it discontinued its relationship of e-book distributors available to public e-book materials, up from 69 percent with OverDrive. Since that time, it libraries. Among distributors of e-books, in 2010 (included in this percentage is has launched a pilot with two large OverDrive is the dominant player for fi ction, nonfi ction, and children’s picture New York libraries and announced public libraries. More recently, new books).9 In the library setting, “Libraries, that content will be available to vendors have emerged providing public Patrons, and E-Books” reports that while libraries through the 3M Cloud libraries with alternative solutions for e-book borrowers are generally avid readers Library.5 Among the popular titles off ering e-books to their users. Baker & (which makes a good story to tell), the denied wide distribution to U.S. Taylor launched Axis 360, its digital media majority of library patrons are not aware libraries is John Green’s The Fault in library platform, along with Blio, the that the library lends e-books.10 Among Our Stars. e-reader application. 3M’s Cloud Library young adults between the ages of sixteen · Hachette off ers backlist titles to is another option, and Library Ideas and twenty-nine, many are unaware that libraries and has a pilot underway to developed Freading, which works similarly e-books are available through public explore conditions for off ering more to the popular Freegal music platform libraries, a group that according to Pew recent titles. OverDrive announced in used by libraries. For libraries with more would like the ability to check out e-books the fall of 2012 that the publisher resources and dedicated technology staff from libraries. All of this is in spite of the was raising prices for its titles by to manage e-books, the Douglas County, fact that about three-quarters of libraries more than 100 percent.6 Young (Co), model of bypassing the vendor in off er e-book lending. This rift between adult readers are denied another favor of owning and hosting e-book fi les on services and awareness of those services Alex Award winner In Zanesville library servers is an attractive option. puts the onus on librarians to get the word by Jo Ann Beard. E-book content is typically available out to their patrons about the e-books that · HarperCollins and Random House in PDF, EPUB, or Kindle format. are available in their libraries. have always off ered e-book titles to Depending on the platform, users are High schoolers are less likely to have libraries. In February 2011, Harper- often able to manage their e-book library read an e-book, though they are more Collins announced that new titles through Adobe Digital Editions, which likely to show an interest in checking out licensed from library e-book vendors is free for anyone to download and use. an e-book, than other young adults under would be able to circulate only Many vendors are also moving toward the age of thirty. Younger Americans’

6 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Bishop and Visser

Reading and Library Habits found that patrons about why some books are not accessibility concerns. The work of the they are most likely to use libraries for available in the library. DCWG is disseminated primarily through research assistance, to check out books, or the American Libraries (AL) E-content to get book recommendations.11 blog, http://americanlibrariesmagazine. Among those patrons who do check ALA at Work org/e-content, which provides space for e-books out from the library, just under half Supporting the “transformation” of your comments and questions. of young readers report reading e-books libraries is one of the priorities of ALA’s or online magazines and newspapers, and 2015 Strategic Plan, and the rapid shift 40 percent of young readers (Pew research from print to digital content is one of What Can You Do? looks at readers 16–29) report they are the more dramatic developments now It is understandable that librarians reading more because of e-content. The transforming libraries of all types. In the might feel like their hands are tied by majority of these young e-book readers fall of 2011, the ALA President assembled decisions made behind closed doors of the do not use a dedicated e-reader but rather a group of experts representative of the publishing executives, but there are ways a desktop or laptop computer or a cell numerous constituencies within the library to take action and be involved. phone.12 Young adult librarians are in the community. The resulting Digital Content Stay informed. Challenging at best, it lead in thinking about how to use mobile Working Group (DCWG) was charged is important to be aware of changes to the technologies to reach their patrons, which is with delving into the myriad of confusing e-book market that will aff ect your library. a good place to support young readers and and often interrelated issues in providing Besides the e-content blog, the e-content their e-book habits. patrons with digital content. section of AL Direct, (a weekly email While e-reading devices have While the scope of ALA’s DCWG newsletter from American Libraries available improved since they fi rst came on the is broader than just the current e-book at http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/ market, librarians still report having to dilemma, it has been primarily focused aldirect), covers most of the hot-button spend time working with patrons on how on public library acquisition of popular issues as they arise. Another home for to download an e-book or explaining trade e-books. ALA leadership and e-content materials and resources is ALA’s that the dedicated e-reader may not be delegates from the DCWG met with Transforming Libraries E-Books and compatible with the format of the e-book. all of the Big 6 publishers (and some Digital Content website, www.ala.org/ Often downloading an e-book from important ones not part of the Big 6, transforminglibraries/ebooks-digital-content. the library involves a number of steps such as Scholastic and Rosen) to make Negotiate. In a licensed rather than that can be frustrating for a patron who the library case directly and at the highest purchased regime, librarians must be smart may have more experience purchasing levels in order to establish direct channels consumers. Whether you are responsible an e-book through an online bookseller of communication. The result has been for buying books or whether it is a colleague, such as Amazon. Librarians themselves a better understanding on both sides learn the terms in the contracts from your must be comfortable with a variety of of library and publisher concerns and distributors. Seek clarifi cation on terms you devices so they are prepared to assist misconceptions. Throughout 2013, the may not understand. The DCWG prepared patrons. Additionally, it is often diffi cult DCWG will investigate the infl uential role model licenses, http://www.districtdispatch. for patrons to fi nd an e-book they are of intermediaries, or distributors, in library org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ looking for—in part because it’s just not e-book lending. Plans are in the works Ebook_Scorecard.pdf, that focus on various available in the library—but also because to connect with smaller and independent attributes of licensing arrangements libraries of the diffi culty in integrating the e-books publishers, as well as authors and literary may have with publishers. into the library’s online catalog and in agents, to build new relationships in Learn what questions to ask some cases having to leave the library’s the e-book ecosystem. Additionally, the distributors (or work with the person who catalog during the download process for DCWG will investigate the exploding buys the books in your library). the vendor’s system. We know that our world of self-publishing. Become familiar with licensing options, patrons would like to learn how to borrow The DCWG will continue to work and be a strong advocate for what is an e-book, how to download it, and how on promoting tools for local libraries important to your library and your patrons. to use diff erent devices. Librarians must to use to bring attention to the e-book Advocate. As library staff working be prepared to provide patrons with this issues and begin exploring the school with teens, you can advocate on behalf of knowledge, but also to talk with their library market, digital preservation, and your patrons to ensure that adolescents

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 7 E-Books?

have access to titles they want. Similarly, it terms and concepts that are part of digital soal2012/new-focus-on-e-books is important to increase patron awareness; content, the DCWG is creating tip sheets (accessed February 14, 2013). See also, teens need to be aware that libraries are that describe topics in plain English, Michael Kelley, “Librarians Feel Sticker often unable to purchase some of the most http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/ Shock as Price for Random House popular titles due to publisher restrictions. e-content/digital-content-working-group- E-Books Rises as Much as 300 Percent,” A strong teen advocacy eff ort on behalf of tip-sheet-drm. last modifi ed March 2, 2012, www. public libraries could help turn the tide, Resources for you in the E-Book Media thedigitalshift.com/2012/03/e-books/ particularly for titles with authors who and Communications Toolkit, http://www. librarians-feel-sticker-shock-as-price- frequently reach out to teens through ala.org/transforminglibraries/ebooktoolkit, for-random-house-e-books-rise-as- public appearances, social media outlets, include: templates and guidelines for much-as-300-percent/ (accessed and library visits. using them with editorial and news media February 14, 2013). Educate. In addition to educating contacts, news hooks you can use locally, 4. The latest developments of the e-book teens about the issues surrounding tips for relationship building with media publisher situation are chronicled on e-books and libraries, teach teens how contacts, and links to examples of e-book- American Libraries E-content blog, www. to access and use e-books. Use e-books related editorials and news stories. americanlibrariesmagazine.org/e-content as an avenue to continue to do the work Most importantly, we want to provide (accessed February 14, 2013). you have always done with creating new you a place to share your questions and 5. http://www.thedigitalshift. readers and engaging reluctant readers. As concerns because these issues are critical com/2012/10/e-books/nypl-bpl-3m- the Pew study noted, e-books also provide to your ability to provide e-books and offi cially-launch-penguin-pilot-test/ the opportunity to help users discover digital content to your patrons. Follow 6. Michael Lovett. http://overdriveblogs. new authors more easily. Not all teens are the e-content blog for the most up-to-date com/library/2012/09/14/hachette-book- tech savvy. Helping them become more information on the issues and the on-going group%E2%80%99s-new-library-e-book- familiar with and comfortable reading work of ALA. Remember, we’d like to pricing/ content in a variety of formats on a variety hear from you. As librarians on the front 7. Judy Hoff man et al. “Libraries Connect of devices will help prepare them for the line, your participation can make all the Communities: Public Library Funding & future. Increased demand for e-books in diff erence. YALS Technology Access Study 2011–2012.” libraries could also encourage publishers Digital supplement of American Libraries to work with libraries to develop magazine, June 2012 (accessed February solutions. References 14, 2013). Available at http://viewer. 1. Kathryn Zickhur et al. “Younger zmags.com/publication/4673a369. Americans’ Reading and Library Habits.” 8. Lee Rainie et al. “The Rise of E-reading.” Take Action with Pew Internet & American Life Project, Pew Internet & American Life Project, ALA Resources October 23, 2012. Available http:// April 5, 2012. http://libraries. The DCWG has produced tools for libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/10/23/ pewinternet.org/2012/04/04/the-rise- librarians and will continue to do so, younger-americans-reading-and-library- of-e-reading (accessed February 14, recognizing that librarians need resources habits/ (accessed, February 14, 2013). 2013). to successfully advocate for continued 2. Michael Lovett. “Hachette Book Group’s 9. 2012 Survey of E-Book Usage in US: access to digital content. In addition to the New Library e-book Pricing,” last Public Libraries. Library Journal, 2012. business models mentioned previously, the modifi ed September 14, 2012, http:// 10. Kathryn Zickhur et al. http://libraries. DCWG has a Business Model Scorecard, overdriveblogs.com/library/2012/09/14/ pewinternet.org/2012/06/22/libraries- www.districtdispatch.org/wp-content/ hachette-book-group%E2%80%99s- patrons-and-e-books/ uploads/2013/01/Ebook_Scorecard.pdf, new-library-e-book-pricing/ (accessed 11. Kathryn Zickhur et al. http://libraries. which describes the meaning of licensing February 14, 2013). pewinternet.org/2012/06/22/libraries- terms often seen in e-book contracts and 3. “Libraries Deepen E-Book Engagement,” patrons-and-e-books/ allows librarians to weigh the variables State of American Libraries Report 12. Kathryn Zickhur et al. http://libraries. most important to their library. To help 2012, http://www.ala.org/news/ pewinternet.org/2012/06/22/libraries- explain some of the more convoluted mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/ patrons-and-e-books/

8 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature YALSA Perspectives

s part of a marketing study conducted last year, YALSA What YALSA’s Asurveyed three groups between September 11 and 30: members, former members, and nonmembers. The response rate for the member survey was 15.9 Members Have percent, with 750 responses gathered from an approximate distribution of 4,700. The results of this survey indicate that the organization is performing well in to Say many areas, while there are a few areas for improvement and/or better visibility. The YALSA Board of Directors is looking at By Robin Fogle Kurz the results of the survey as they plan for the future of the association. Of those surveyed, almost 64 percent have been YALSA members for fi ve years or less, with approximately 20 percent emphasis they would like YALSA to they had participated in in the previous having been members between six and ten put on each area, with choices ranging two years. More than 86 percent of the years and 11.7 percent between eleven and from “more emphasis” to “emphasis” surveyed members have used YALSA’s twenty years. Only 4.3 percent of those to “less emphasis.” The three areas lists or awards for readers’ advisory or surveyed have been members for twenty or receiving the highest number of “more collection management. Other activities more years. The majority of respondents emphasis” and “emphasis” responses selected by more than 50 percent of (58.3 percent) work in public libraries, while were “Providing current information respondents were: “Read or posted 28.4 percent work in school libraries. Other on young adult literature and media” messages on a discussion list or blog” (59.7 places of employment include academic and (45.9 percent more emphasis/50.6 percent percent), “Voted in the YALSA/ALA state libraries, library science programs, and emphasis), “Disseminating best practices” election” (54.9 percent), and “Registered publishers. A number of respondents were (59.4 percent/36.8 percent), and for and celebrated Teen Read Week” unemployed, retired, or students. “Advocating for library services for teens” (50.8 percent). Two activities were chosen When asked to identify their three (48 percent/47.3 percent). Respondents by fewer than 5 percent of respondents: primary interests in YALSA, 79.9 percent were mixed in the need for emphasis in “Attended a local licensed institute” (0.7 of the respondents selected “To stay up the following three areas: “Off ering career percent) and “Participated in a monthly to date on young adult literature and development and job-seeking resources” forum in ALA Connect” (4.8 percent). media” as the primary interest. The other (51.1 percent more emphasis/25.3 percent Two of the questions asked members most-selected interests were “To learn less emphasis), “Establishing and about additional resources they would use about best practices” (55.3 percent), “For disseminating national guidelines” if provided by YALSA. Concerning freely professional development opportunities” (51 percent/23.9 percent), and “Providing available resources, more than 80 percent (44.1 percent), and “To network volunteer opportunities on committees” of respondents expressed interest in a with peers” (31.2 percent). The three (55.2 percent/22.6 percent). searchable database of teen programs, areas receiving the lowest numbers of YALSA also questioned members while almost 70 percent selected regional/ responses were “To be eligible for a about which of the organization’s activities local engagement opportunities. grant or scholarship” (5.9 percent), “For career development and job seeking” ROBIN FOGLE KURZ, is an Assistant Professor at the School of (8.4 percent), and “To support the association’s advocacy work” (9.5 percent). Library and Information Science at Louisiana State University, One of the questions listed potential where she teaches courses on public libraries and library media areas of emphasis for the organization and services for young adults, adults, and children. She is an and asked that members select how much active member of YALSA, REFORMA, and ALSC.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 9 What YALSA’s Members Have to Say

73 of the surveyed members provided numbers of “poor job” and “very poor job” choices received more than 85 percent other possibilities for freely available selections. These activities were providing combined for “strongly agree” and “agree” resources, with free and/or inexpensive in-person networking opportunities for being polished and professional professional development opportunities, (26.1 percent combined poor job/very looking. These were YALS (journal) an Android-based Teen Book Finder poor job), promoting/publishing research (88.6 percent strongly agree/agree App, and removal of the login/ (19.3 percent combined), and providing combined), YALSA E-news (88.3 percent registration requirement for the book virtual networking opportunities combined), and books published by awards/lists each receiving fi ve or more (16 percent combined). YALSA (85.1 percent). YALSA’s website mentions. The second question on The next question asked members was the only item receiving notable additional resources concerned those if they would recommend a friend or negative mention, with 13.8 percent of limited solely to YALSA members. colleague join YALSA. 80 percent respondents selecting either disagree or Only one of the seven off ered resources answered “yes” to this question, 18.3 strongly disagree. Many of the materials received a majority of selection by the percent answered “maybe,” and 1.6 were unfamiliar to the surveyed members, members surveyed: Almost 63 percent percent “no.” More than 270 of the including the mobile app (44.5 percent of respondents chose a full-text online respondents provided explanations for N/A or not familiar with), webinars and version of YALS. their answers, and the majority of these e-courses (33.6 percent), and the YALSA When surveyed, members were comments were positive. Of the negative Facebook page (32.5 percent). This lack asked to rate the individual importance comments, the current fee structure was of familiarity across almost all of YALSA of YALSA activities. The fi ve areas seen mentioned, and others focused primarily materials among surveyed members as the most important were: advocating on feeling unwelcome, preferring other may indicate that more awareness needs for teen library services (68.6 percent very organizations to YALSA, a perceived to be raised about both the printed important), placing national emphasis bias for public libraries over school and electronic resources provided with on teen reading (68.2 percent), using libraries within the organization, and membership. selected lists to provide current YA unstated barriers to involvement/ As mentioned before, the YALSA literature information (67.5 percent), volunteering. Board of Directors is looking at the results promoting excellence in YA literature Members were then asked to rate of the survey with an eye to future plans through awards (66.4 percent), and YALSA from a list of twelve statements, for the association. Already in the works identifying and supporting best practices with choices ranging from “strongly are member groups that connect directly (57 percent). The two activities seen agree” to “strongly disagree.” The with some of the areas brought up in the as least important to the respondents three statements receiving the highest survey results. These include: were providing in-person networking combined numbers of “strongly agree” opportunities (12.3 percent not and “agree” selections were “has relevant · Programming guidelines task force important) and addressing ALA’s key knowledge and expertise” (99.5 percent · State conference road trip task action areas (9.4 percent). strongly agree/agree combined), “is a force that will bring YALSA to Members were also asked to use trusted national association” (97.6 percent state conferences and help provide many of the same activities to rate how combined), and “improves the image of opportunities for networking well YALSA is doing as an organization. library services to teens” (95.7 percent · Common core task force that is a Surveyed members gave the highest combined). The two lowest-rated joint working group with YALSA, marks to the promotion of excellence statements were “has a logo that projects the American Association of in YA literature through awards, with a strong image” (29.8 percent disagree/ School Librarians (AASL), and the more than 55 percent selecting “very strongly disagree combined) and “off ers a Association of Library Services to good job.” The majority of the other good balance between members’ only and Children (ALSC). activities received high numbers of “very freely available resources” (21.1 percent good job” and “good job” selections. For combined). While the number of respondents other activities, the respondents viewed Near the end of the survey, members to the survey is fairly small, the results do YALSA’s performance less favorably, with were asked about YALSA materials, show that YALSA is on the right track in three activities receiving relatively high both printed and electronic. Three of the many areas. YALS

10 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature YALSA Perspectives

10. Um . . . YALSA Board? What’s That? Top Ten Reasons ALSA’s Board of Directors (informally known as YALSA YBoard, or just Board) has the “principal responsibility for fulfi llment Not to Run for of YALSA’s mission and the legal accountability for its operations.” As a group the Board is in charge of: YALSA Board and · establishing a clear organizational mission · forming the strategic plan to Why You Might Be accomplish the mission · overseeing and evaluating the plan’s success · hiring a competent executive director Wrong About Them · providing adequate supervision and support to the executive director1 By Sarah Flowers The board is composed of members who care about the organization and want to be involved in its governance. Come to a YALSA Board meeting at Conference and team environment? Are you able to take a read, and the nominating committee will fi nd out what goes on! big-picture look at the association, making make sure that members learn about you decisions about what is best for YALSA on the YALSAblog and social media. while putting aside personal interests? And, seriously? It doesn’t hurt to run, 9. Oh, Right, So Everyone on Do you have a strong commitment to the even if you don’t win—it gets your the Board Has Been in YALSA mission and goals of YALSA? Can you name out there in front of members, Forever and Is Part of the attend every ALA Midwinter Meeting and and lets YALSA leadership know you’re “In-Crowd” Annual Conference for three years? With interested in taking on this type of role. Actually, no. YALSA is always looking over fi ve thousand members, there are plenty for diversity on the board, including out there who meet these requirements. newer YALSA members, to bring their 6. All That’s Fine, But I Really perspectives to the table. Additionally, Don’t Have Time YALSA now has a one-year board 7. Yeah, But No One Would Okay, this one could be a deal-breaker. fellowship specifi cally aimed at members Vote for Me, Anyway You really do need to look thoughtfully who would like to dip their toes into the You’d be surprised. Especially now that at your commitments before you decide water by fi nding out what is involved in voting is online, YALSA has a pretty to run. The Board meets twice a year in being on the board without the full good track record (compared to other person, at the ALA Midwinter Meeting three-year commitment. ALA divisions) of getting out the vote. and the ALA Annual Conference. For And voters don’t necessarily have to each of those, there is an agenda of know you in person. If nominated, you twenty-fi ve to thirty items, all of which 8. Whatever. I’m Sure I’m will write a statement that members can require preparation ahead of time. In Not Qualified Are you a YALSA member? Have you served on any YALSA committees, juries, SARAH FLOWERS is the immediate Past-President of YALSA, and or task forces? Do you work well in a Chair of the 2014 Governance Nominating Committee.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 11 Top Ten Reasons Not to Run for YALSA Board

addition, the Board meets by phone at happen to be people who like to have fun 2. My Employer Wouldn’t least quarterly, and has monthly Board together. Support My Board Service development online chats. In between Are you sure? Board service is a great way those group meetings, you will be expected to enhance your leadership skills. It can to keep in touch with the chairs of three 4. But If I Were on the Board, help you advance your career, by giving or four YALSA committees, task forces, Wouldn’t I Be at Meetings All you experience in activities that you might or juries, answering their questions and the Time at Conference, and not get to do on the job, such as liaising making sure they’re on the right track. Never Get to See My Friends with committee chairs (interpersonal skills, Also, you may be called upon to be on (or or Network? negotiation, confl ict management), doing lead) a Board ad-hoc committee to look At most conferences, YALSA Board meets strategic planning, learning about association into an issue and present your fi ndings three times—usually once on Saturday fi nances, and really giving back to the to the Board, and you may be asked to afternoon, once on Sunday, and once on profession. Past Board members have told prepare a Board document for one of the Monday. The length of sessions varies stories of how their Board experience gave meetings. from one and a half hours to four hours. In them the confi dence to apply for promotions. Also, you cannot be on the Board addition, there is often a Friday afternoon Make a presentation to your boss about how if you are simultaneously on a selection session devoted to a specifi c topic. Also, being on the Board will enhance your skills committee (any selection committee, Board members are expected to attend the and make you a more valuable employee. including ALSC and ALA selection Saturday morning leadership development You won’t know until you try. committees), so you will want to time session, as well as other YALSA- your service accordingly. If you are just sponsored activities, like happy hours and starting a new job, or having a baby, or receptions—but, hey, that’s where all your 1. No One Asked Me training for a triathlon, or whatever, you friends are, anyway, and those are the Right now, I’m asking all of you to think may want to assess how much free time places that the networking really happens! about it. You can let me know you are you have, and whether you want to take interested by talking with me at ALA on the added responsibilities of Board Annual in Chicago, by submitting a service at this time. 3. Okay, I’m Kind of Interested. nomination form at www.ala.org/yalsa/ But in the Past, the YALSA governance-candidacy-form, you can e-mail Board Has Come up With Some me at sarahfl [email protected]. You 5. Yeah, But I Heard It’s Policies That I Have Disagreed can talk to any Governance Nominating Boring, Anyway With. I Don’t Think I Would Fit in Committee member: Nick Buron, Ritchie In fact, boring is about the last way to Well, I would agree that you shouldn’t come Momon, Erin Helmrich, or Maria Gentle, describe Board service. At least, if you to the Board with a specifi c axe to grind. or any current YALSA Board member. like knowing what is going on (and But Board decisions are made after much We’re taking nominations now for the slate don’t all librarians?), the Board is the discussion and research into the issues, for the spring 2014 election. Winners of that place to be. Being on the Board gives and after all Board members have had an election would begin their three-year term you an opportunity to find out what is opportunity to express their concerns. immediately after Annual Conference 2014. going on all throughout YALSA. If you Making decisions about what is best for If reading this made you think, “Well, thought you knew YALSA, just wait the organization can be diffi cult, especially I don’t think I could run right now, but I until you have a term on the Board— if those decisions don’t match our personal know someone who would be awesome,” you’ll discover that there are all sorts of interests. But as Board members, we have to then submit that person’s name on the form, initiatives, activities, feel-good stories, be able to look at the big picture. And being or to me directly, or approach that person learning opportunities, and more, that on the Board is a great education in seeing and ask him or her to talk to me. YALS you never knew about. It’s like I used to how decisions are made. When fi fteen tell teens when doing class visits at the committed, caring, intelligent individuals library: I’ll bet I will tell you something with experience in the organization have Reference today about the library that you didn’t hashed something out and come to a 1. YALSA, “Scope and Responsibility know before. Plus, being on the Board decision, there is usually a solid reason for it. of the Board, http://www.ala.org/ puts you together with some of the best And the Board can also revisit past decisions yalsa/workingwithyalsa/board/scope_ minds in the organization—who also in the light of new information. responsibility (accessed Feb. 14, 2013).

12 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature Best Practices

eginning in 1988 and commissioned annually by ALA’s The Big Picture of B Public Library Association (PLA), the PLA Public Library Data Service (PLDS) asks US and Canadian public libraries to answer survey questions YA Services relating to library collections, expenditures, staffi ng, and services.1 In 2007, and again in 2012, the survey included a special section with questions relating to YA Analyzing the Results of services.2 This article will summarize and analyze the results of the 2012 PLDS YA services survey and compare them with the 2012 PLA PLDS Survey the results from the 2007 survey to paint a broad picture of the current state of public library services for young adults.3 By Denise E. Agosto

General Findings from the 2012 Survey school students in the United States the 2007 survey, 62 percent had at least In 2012, postcards and reminders were and Canada combined.6 Were spending, one staff person, either a librarian or a mailed to 9,206 public libraries in the collections, and programming fi gures paraprofessional, dedicated to serving United States and Canada asking for available for all 9,766 libraries, the portion teens. The notably lower 2012 fi gure voluntary completion of the survey. A total of the target population reached would might be due to a much higher response of 1,832 libraries, or about 19 percent of likely be much higher. rate for the 2012 survey than to the 2007 the 9,766 public libraries in the United The survey results also show that survey, but in any case, the 2012 fi gure States and Canada combined, completed the responding libraries are off ering these is disappointing. It means that youth in the survey in whole or in part.4 many YA programs and materials with many US and Canadian communities Of these 1,832 responding libraries, relatively few dedicated staff members. are losing out on the expertise that YA 1,469 completed some or all of the YA There have been many discussions in specialists can provide. services questions. Responses indicated the professional literature of the need The survey also asked respondents that more than four-fi fths (83 percent) for library staff with expertise in serving about spaces for housing YA collections. of these libraries defi ned “young adult” as teens.7 Still, according to the 2012 survey, In general, the larger the responding ages twelve to eighteen. The remaining only about one-third (37 percent) of library, the more likely it was to have a 17 percent targeted youth as young as age responding libraries indicated that they separate YA collection space. However, nine up to those as old as age twenty-one. had at least one YA specialist (librarian the data do not tell us what percentage of Overall, the survey results paint a or paraprofessional) on their staff . For overall library space tends to be set aside mixed picture of the current state of YA services. On the positive side, during fi scal year 2011, together the responding libraries DENISE E. AGOSTO is an Associate Professor in the College of spent $47,453,083 on YA collections, Information Science and Technology at Drexel University. Her circulated 64,577,181 YA materials, and research and teaching interests focus on youths’ social media held 177,413 YA programs attended by practices, children’s and teens’ digital information behaviors, and 2,896,898 youth.5 Based on these fi gures, it appears that just this small subset of public public library services. Denise has published more than a hundred libraries together are reaching a signifi cant articles, book chapters, and other items in these areas, and she portion of the broader target population, has won numerous teaching and research awards and research the roughly seventeen million secondary grants to support her work.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 13 The Big Picture of YA Services

for teen use, and whether or not teens are Other Web Presences getting their fair representative shares of Web Presence Number of Libraries Reporting Usage with YAs libraries’ physical space allotments. (out of 154 libraries) Refl ecting the great deal of focus in the professional literature about the Blog 83 growing importance of maintaining active YouTube 23 web presences as a part of YA services, Flickr 23 the survey also included questions GoodReads 9 relating to web-based programs and Pinterest 9 services.8 Between 1,125 and 1,226 libraries responded to questions about Tumblr 6 dedicated library web pages, Facebook Foursquare 5 pages, and Twitter accounts. 65 percent of online newsletter 4 responding libraries had specifi c sections online book club 4 of the library website dedicated to young MySpace 4 adult services. Forty percent had Facebook pages or groups specifi cally for YAs, and E-mail 4 just 17 percent had Twitter accounts for LibraryThing 3 communication with YAs. online book reviews/book trailers 3 Of the roughly 1,200 libraries Google 2 responding to this set of questions, 154 listed additional web-based tools, text messaging 2 platforms, programs, etc., that they used Podcasts 2 with teens. A total of 31 of these “other Google Place 1 web presences” were reported, with blogs Google+ 1 (containing either librarian-generated deviantART 1 or teen-generated content), YouTube, and Flickr by far the most frequently LibGuides 1 mentioned. Table 1 shows the full list of online teen advisory committee 1 responses and the number of libraries that Ning 1 9 gave them. Shelfari 1 It is likely that many more than just online literary magazine 1 154 of these 1,200 libraries used these additional technologies and programs, Vimeo 1 so the numbers shouldn’t be viewed as game sites 1 accurate. Rather, they should be viewed as Delicious 1 rough indicators of the relative popularity Yelp 1 of the thirty-one additional kinds of web NextReads 1 presences and as a list of possible ways that public libraries can increase their online RSS feeds 1 off erings for teens. The survey responses Skype 1 do not, however, provide us with any way to evaluate whether or not libraries are successfully using these tools to connect with Differences between the the United States and Canada, we can teens. Such data would enable YA librarians 2012 and 2007 Surveys compare them to the results of the 2007 to determine the most eff ective ways to In addition to using the 2012 survey survey. However, it’s important to avoid commit their fi nancial and staff resources results to paint a broad picture of the reading diff erences between the 2007 and into broadening their online presences. current state of YA library services in 2012 responses as proof of clear trends.

14 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Agosto

The best we can do is to point out the Finally, the 5 percent diff erence is The percentages of responding diff erences and to think in general terms not a huge diff erence overall. The two libraries indicating that they had dedicated about what larger diff erences between the fi gures actually indicate that about the spaces for housing YA materials also two years might indicate. same percent of responding 2007 and 2012 stayed roughly constant. In the 2007 For example, it’s tempting to make libraries off ered dedicated YA services. survey, 93 percent of responding libraries sweeping conclusions like: “87 percent Nonetheless, we can compare indicated that they housed YA materials of 2007 responding libraries off ered data from the two years to make in areas separate from the children’s specialized YA services, but just 82 percent broad inferences about similarities and adult materials. In 2012, 97 percent of 2012 responding libraries off ered and diff erences in YA library services, indicated that they had separate housing specialized YA services, so there is a programs, and resources, keeping in mind areas. The survey questions focused just on downward trend in public library services not to read too much into the diff erences libraries as spaces for housing collections. for teens.” There are several reasons why or to view them as proof of clear trends. It would have been helpful also to learn such conclusions would be unfounded. In fact, the most striking aspect of an how many of these libraries provided First, with just two data points (2007 and overall comparison of the 2007 and 2012 special seating areas, socialization spaces, 2012), there isn’t enough data to claim responses is their similarity. With few programming spaces, computer and digital there is a trend of any kind. The average exceptions, the responses for each question device use spaces, and other spaces to percent of libraries off ering dedicated were roughly equal for both years. enable teens to take advantage of the full YA services during the intervening years range of their public library programs and (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011) could services beyond just materials collections. have been higher, or lower, or mixed in YA Services, Programs, comparison to the 2007 fi gure, meaning and Collection Spaces that there was no clear upward or As explained previously, in response to Funding for YA Collections downward trend. the question “Does your library provide In contrast to the high percentage of Second, the 5 percent diff erence young adult services?” roughly the same libraries with dedicated spaces for housing between the 2007 and 2012 results could percent of responding libraries off ered YA collections, in both 2007 and 2012 be an eff ect of the signifi cantly higher dedicated YA services in 2007 (87 only about half of the responding libraries response rate to the 2012 YA services percent) as in 2012 (82 percent). On indicated that they accounted for YA survey section (1,469 libraries, or about the whole, these libraries were active materials separately in their annual 15 percent of US and Canadian libraries) providers of teen programming. Within materials expenditures (52 percent of than for the 2007 survey (891 libraries, the subgroup of responding libraries that libraries in 2007 and 45 percent in 2012). or about 9 percent of US and Canadian provided YA services, in both 2007 and It would be more helpful for analysis libraries). More confusing still, response 2012, 90 percent of responding libraries and advocacy purposes if more libraries rates varied considerably from question to indicated that they had off ered programs separated out their YA materials spending. question, with libraries choosing to answer geared toward young adults during the Toward this end, YA librarians should some of the YA questions but not others. previous year. encourage budget administrators to report Third, the survey used a convenience It seems that the many calls in the YA collection budgets separately in future sample of volunteer respondents, as professional literature to include teens in years. opposed to stratifying the responses to the design and delivery of library services The combined spending of the account for variances in state and local have had a strong impact on these libraries, minority of libraries that did report their funding levels, local education levels, at least in the area of teen advisory boards total YA collections expenditures totaled number of libraries per population (TABs).10 In each of the two survey years, $21,346,447 for 2007 and $47,453,083 served, and so on. We don’t know how about half of the responding libraries for 2012. We can’t say whether or not the other 85 percent of libraries in 2012 had active TABs (50 percent in 2007 this represents a per library spending and 91 percent of libraries in 2007 would and 46 percent in 2012). Unfortunately, increase or decrease for all of the reasons have answered these questions, so the the survey did not address other types of discussed previously. Similarly, it is survey results are not mathematically library programs, leaving us without the diffi cult to determine per capita YA generalizable to the larger population of data to determine other types of commonly materials spending because a minority of US and Canadian public libraries. off ered YA programs. libraries reported both their YA materials

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 15 The Big Picture of YA Services

expenditures and the total numbers library visited middle schools and high About half of responding libraries of young adults in their service areas. schools in their service areas at least once a for both 2007 (52 percent) and 2012 However, we can use the 2012 survey year. In the 2012 survey, 66 percent made (50 percent) worked with cultural fi gures from the 291 libraries that reported school visits. Again, funding and staffi ng organizations such as museums to plan both YA collections expenditures and the shortages might account for some of this cooperative activities and programs and total numbers of young adults in their variance. to provide information and meeting communities to calculate that they spent On the other hand, a markedly higher space for teens. Figures were also similar an average of $3.94 on YA materials for percentage of 2012 respondents indicated for collaborations with recreational each young adult living in their service that they were sharing collections or online organizations such as the YMCA and areas. Looking at the 2007 survey data, resources with local schools. In 2007, just YWCA (54 percent for 2007 and 46 204 libraries reported both total YA 22 percent of responding libraries were percent for 2012). In contrast, responses materials expenditures and the total engaging in this type of sharing; in 2012 were much lower for collaboration with numbers of young adults in their service that number jumped up to 37 percent. health and mental health agencies, with areas, spending an average of $2.14 per Although we cannot say for sure that these just 39 percent of 2007 responding capita. It appears from these fi gures that fi gures suggest an upward trend, it does libraries and 35 percent in 2012 engaging spending per capita was higher in the more make sense that resource sharing would in this type of collaborative work. recent year, but these numbers should not have increased during this time, in light of be read too closely, again for all of the data corresponding school and library funding limitations reasons discussed previously. crunches. Digital Services and Tools The picture of school and library The fi nding that about 90 percent collaboration during this period becomes of responding libraries in both 2007 Collaborative Efforts even more interesting when we consider and 2012 were active providers of So far in this discussion we have seen responses to the question: “Do you teen programming paints a picture of roughly equivalent responses for both collaborate with middle/high schools in overwhelming access to library programs the 2007 and 2012 surveys for questions your service area in other ways such as for teens, at least for teens with easy access relating to YA services, programs, spaces, purchasing materials, assignment alerts, to their libraries. More disappointing and collection funding. There was a or special library cards for educators?” is the percent of responding libraries much larger diff erence in responses to the In 2007, just 22 percent of libraries with specifi c sections of their library question: “Do classes from middle/high responded affi rmatively, whereas in websites just for teens. About two-thirds schools in your service area come to the 2012, 59 percent—or more than two of the 2007 respondents (63 percent) public library for visits or instruction?” and a half times as many—responded and the 2012 respondents (65 percent) Fully 70 percent of 2007 responding affi rmatively. Now that we know that had dedicated a portion of their library libraries answered affi rmatively, yet only these collaborations are occurring on a web pages for YA services. For teens 58 percent of 2012 responding libraries fairly wide scale, more detailed information with mobility issues and transportation answered affi rmatively. Again, with just is needed to characterize what these issues that restrict physical visits to their two years’ worth of data we can’t say fi rmly collaborations tend to entail. libraries, digital library access can be the that this represents a downward trend, but Responses to the survey question only method of using their libraries on the diff erence here is striking. In light of about working with youth organizations a regular basis, and as a result, a section the 2008 recession and subsequent funding (for example, the Girl Scouts or 4-H of the library website dedicated to teens shortages at many public libraries and Clubs) to plan activities or programs and and to teen programs and services should schools, it may be that strained resources to provide information and meeting spaces be a public library standard off ering. On led fewer schools to bring students to for teens were about the same in 2007 (66 the other hand, many young adults are libraries for programs and instruction. percent of responding libraries engaged in unaware that their public library websites This apparently reduced school– these types of collaborations) and 2012 have YA sections, and they are unlikely to library collaboration was less dramatic in (67 percent of responding libraries). Again, use them even with increased marketing.11 the other direction. In the 2007 survey, more data is needed to understand the Thus, reaching out to teens digitally might 73 percent of responding libraries kinds of activities that are taking place also necessitate the use of a broader range indicated that librarians from the public between these organizations. of technologies than just web pages, such

16 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Agosto

as social media and other technologies resources, services, and programs that US 2007 Public Library Data Service,” Public that teens are more likely to use and to and Canadian public libraries off er, we still Libraries 47, no. 1 (2008): 10–15. incorporate into their regular technology need a much broader and deeper range 2. Public Library Association, 2012 PLDS use practices. It is important to learn the of data in order to be able to design and Statistical Report (accessed Feb. 8, 2012); preferred technologies of the library’s teen deliver optimal YA library services. Data are Public Library Association, http://www. population and to meet teens where they needed to answer crucial questions such as: plametrics.org; 2007 PLDS Statistical like to spend time online. Report (Chicago: PLA, 2007). 1. What is the correlation (if any) 3. The 2012 survey gathered data relating between the number of YA specialist to fi scal year 2011. The 2007 survey So Where Do We Go librarians serving a teen community gathered data relating to fi scal year 2006. from Here? and the developmental benefi ts to the 4. In fi scal year 2010, there were 8,951 The YALSA Research Agenda reminds teens who use those libraries? public libraries in the fi fty states and us that: “A key component of successful 2. Are increases in YA materials the District of Columbia: Deanne W. young adult library services is the ability to and services budgets correlated to Swan, et al., 2013, Public Libraries Survey: advocate for a strong program. Strength in increased library use by teens? If so, Fiscal Year 2010 (IMLS-2013–PLS-01) a young adult program requires adequate how? Institute of Museum and Library Services. funding and staffi ng, along with up-to- 3. How—if at all—does teen library Washington, D.C. (accessed Feb. 11, date collections, and ongoing continuing use vary along gender, racial, ethnic, 2013, http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/ education of staff .”12 Now that we have socioeconomic, geographic, and other AssetManager/PLS2010.pdf). There are the new PLDS data in hand, we can use demographic lines? 815 public libraries in Canada, excluding them to support our ongoing YA advocacy 4. Which types of teen programs are the branches: “Number of Libraries in the eff orts. most popular in public libraries across United States and Canada,” Library and For example, we can use the fi nding the United States and Canada? Book Trade Almanac, 57th ed. (Medford, that just about one-third of the responding 5. Which types of teen programs lead to NJ: Information Today, 2012), 423–425. libraries have dedicated YA services staff the most signifi cant social, academic, 5. Of the 1,832 responding libraries, just 675 to help us spread our message about the leisure, and other benefi ts for teens? libraries reported YA materials circulation importance of employing staff with YA 6. Which social media and other fi gures, 915 reported programming expertise more broadly beyond the young technologies are the most eff ective numbers, and 912 reported program adult librarian community, and even for reaching teens? For use in teen attendance fi gures. beyond the public librarian community. If services and programs? 6. There were 16,160,000 students in we want to see any real change in staffi ng the US grades 9 to 12 in 2010, and an and funding, we must take this message Hopefully, future versions of the estimated 828,995 secondary school to conferences, media venues, city council PLDS survey and other future research students in Canada in 2010. William J. and other governmental meetings, and studies will provide us with much-needed Hussar and Tabitha M. Bailey, Projections publications aimed at library directors, answers to these and many other related of Education Statistics to 2021 (NCES mayors, city councils, state and national questions about the current and future 2013-008). US Department of Education, legislators, and others who make upper- state of public library services for YAs. National Center for Education Statistics, level funding and staffi ng decisions. The This would put us in a stronger position Washington, DC: US Government same is true of YA materials funding, for yelling—frequently, loudly, and to Printing Offi ce, http://nces.ed.gov/ program funding, and library space anyone who will listen—about the value pubs2013/2013008.pdf (accessed Feb. allotment: we must advocate for stronger and impact of public library services for 11, 2013); OECD Education Statistics, YA representation frequently, loudly, and today’s teens. YALS http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/ beyond our own little community of YA data/oecd-education-statistics_edu- librarians and educators, and we can use data-en (accessed Feb. 11, 2013). the survey data to bolster our claims. References 7. For example, Amy Alessio and Nick Nonetheless, even though these data 1. Megan Mustafoff and Lauren Teff eau, Buron, “Measuring the Impact of provide a useful basis for understanding “Young Adult Services and Technology Dedicated Teen Service in the Public the general kinds and amounts of YA in Public Libraries: An Analysis of the Library: Frances Henne/YALSA/VOYA

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 17 The Big Picture of YA Services

Award Research Grant Results,” Young Adult Library Services 4, no. 3 (2006): Congratulations to Our 47–51; Mark Winston and Kimberly Lione Paone, “Reference and Information Award Winners! Services for Young Adults: A Research Study of Public Libraries in New Jersey,” A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book Reference & User Services Quarterly 41, no. A YALSA Excellence in Nonfi ction Award Finalist 1 (2001): 45–51. An ALA Notable Children’s Book 8. Denise E. Agosto and June Abbas, ★ Publishers Weekly “Teens and Social Networking: How “Riveting.” — , starred review Public Libraries Are Responding to the ★ “ Defi nitive…absorbing.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review Latest Online Trend,” Public Libraries ★ “Richly satisfying.” —School Library Journal, starred review 48, no. 3 (2009): 32–37; Laura Peowski ★ “ Admirably restrained…a fi ne book.” Horn, “Online Marketing Strategies for —Horn Book, starred review Reaching Today’s Teens,” Young Adult Titanic: Voices from the Disaster Library Services 9, no. 2 (2011): 24. by Deborah Hopkinson 978-0-545-11674-9 • $16.99 9. There is some overlap among categories, depending on how each library chose to identify its social presence. For example, A Pura Belpré Author Honor Book an online literary magazine might take place within a blogging platform. An ALA Notable Children’s Book 10. For example, Sarah Flowers, Evaluating An Amelia Bloomer Project Title Teen Services and Programs: A YALSA A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book Guide (Chicago: ALA, 2012); Laura ★ “ A stunning debut.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review Peowski, “Where Are All the Teens? ★ “Wry, moving.” —Booklist, starred review Engaging and Empowering Them Online,” Young Adult Library Services 8, The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano no. 2 (2010): 26–29. 978-0-545-32505-9 • $17.99 11. Robin Naughton and Denise E. Agosto, “Favorite Websites: Understanding Prior Knowledge of Teens’ Mental Models A Stonewall Honor Book of Public Library Websites for Teens,” A #1 New York Times Bestseller 2012 American Society for Information A n ALA Notable Children’s Book Science & Technology Annual Meeting An ALA Great Graphic Novel for Teens (ASIS&T), October 28, 2012, https:// An ALA Top Ten Popular Paperback for Young Adults www.asis.org/asist2012/proceedings/ An ALA Rainbow List Top Ten Title Submissions/109.pdf (accessed Feb. 15, ★ 2013). “ Another dead-on look at the confusing world of middle school.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review 12. YALSA, YALSA National Research ★ “ Pitch-perfect.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review Agenda (2012), http://www.ala.org/ ★ yalsa/guidelines/research/researchagenda “Feelings and thoughts leap off the page.” —Booklist, starred review (accessed Feb. 9, 2013). Drama ★ “ Deftly portrays the ambiguity of sexual identity.” by Raina Telgemeier Horn Book HC: 978-0-545-32698-8 • $23.99 — , starred review PB: 978-0-545-32699-5 • $10.99

scholastic.com SCHOLASTIC™ Scholastic Inc.

18 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature Best Practices

t’s a sight to see—17 teens ducking and dodging while holding copies of Harry Nerdfighters at IPotter and the Half-Blood Prince and Paper Towns. This is not a karate class. This is the Orange County (FL) Library System’s Nerdfi ghter event. the Library Nerdfi ghters is an online collective created by John and Hank Green, colloquially known as the VlogBrothers. In 2007, the duo created Or, DFTBA with Teens Brotherhood 2.0 where, for a full year, they communicated solely through video blogs posted on YouTube. Once By Lauren Gibaldi Mathur the year ended, they resumed normal communication, but continued to create the vlogs for entertainment purposes. As both brothers became successful (Hank as a musician and John as an far between. So, unoffi cial meet-ups are generosity, and friendship. She has seen all award-winning YA author), the videos frequently held throughout the country of the videos, knows all of the references, generated a considerable following. Thus for fellow Nerdfi ghters to convene in real and is of the age where a supportive Nerdfi ghters, self-proclaimed nerds who life. A teen suggested we host a meet-up community is essential in development. watch and respond to the videos, were at the library, and I quickly jumped on Meanwhile, she gained experience born. the idea. As a fellow Nerdfi ghter who planning an event for the community. The offi cial website for the collective has followed the videos for years, I knew By working with me, she learned how to is considered “a place where nerds the library to be the ideal locale, as it, plan a library event from early marketing gather and play. [They] fi ght to increase too, celebrates reading, creativity, and strategies to designing activities to fi nal awesome and decrease suck.”1 The online individuality. Much like the website, the implementation. She learned how to target community wrapped around these videos library is “a space in which teens [feel] safe niche audiences, reach out to community celebrates friendship, reading, creativity, and comfortable, where there [is] a strong members, and work with others to achieve and all things nerdy, while acting as a safe sense of community and belonging, where a shared goal. environment for fans of the brothers to all [are] welcome.”2 I researched heavily prior to virtually gather and converse. Members planning, noting in particular if any have raised money for various charities, other library had hosted such an event. including their self-started “This Star Planning I found that the Westport (Conn.) Won’t Go Out,” which monetarily assists I partnered with the teen who initially Public Library had a Nerdfighter Night families living with a child who has cancer. suggested the program to create the at the library, which featured pizza and (The foundation was created in memory library event. I valued her input, as she videos as well as a discussion of Green’s of Esther Grace Earl, a young Nerdfi ghter defi nes the Nerdfi ghter audience. Not books, including The Fault in Our Stars who battled cancer and also inspired John only is she an active member of the online prior to its release. Having no budget for Green’s book The Fault in Our Stars.) Its community, but she also fully supports food, and no upcoming book release, we motto is simple—DFTBA: Don’t forget to and demonstrates the ideals of creativity, decided, instead, to focus our event on be awesome. While John and Hank Green LAUREN GIBALDI MATHUR is a Branch Librarian with the Orange occasionally travel to meet fans—most recently during last year’s sold-out Tour County Library System in Orlando, Florida. She earned her de Nerdfi ghting—which launched John’s MLIS from Florida State University, primarily focusing on youth New York Times best-selling book The services. Aside from working with teens, she enjoys writing for Fault in Our Stars—their tours are few and young adults as well.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 19 Nerdfighters at the Library

the Nerdfighter culture as a whole, and relatable, someone of the same age, and The Day Of on what makes it awesome. We decided someone who, assumingly, won’t steer The event attracted 21 people, not to make this program as formal as them in the wrong direction. 17 of whom were teens. It was an other events for teens. We labeled it a The publicity that worked best, I extraordinary turnout for something with meet-up with the title “Nerdfighters believe, was social media based. I posted such a niche appeal, especially for our at the Library.” In doing so, the event information on the Nerdfi ghter website’s branch, which usually attracts around became less structured, and though there Florida forum and meet-up forum. In 10 teens for a program. As planned, the was an itinerary of games and crafts, addition, I made a Facebook event, and event had a very relaxed feel, and allowed there wasn’t a strictly scheduled timeline posted information on various Nerdfi ghter participants to open up in a comfortable to follow. Facebook groups. I uploaded the fl yer on and welcoming environment. It was my personal Tumblr account and utilized their event as much as it was the library’s the popular Nerdfi ghter tags to attract program. We controlled it together. We Marketing attention. I also wrote a post about the started off with the charades as a warm- After receiving permission to host the event for a popular local culture blog. up to let everyone meet one another event, I created posters and bookmarks Similarly, my volunteer spread the word and break the ice. After, participants designed to look like The Fault in Our throughout Facebook, forwarding the event requested the Nerdfi ghter workout Stars’ cover, which features a blue to her friends and having them join. This video. I cued up the video and watched background and black and white clouds. I attracted a new group of users, who then as they ducked and dodged, and planked hoped the fl yer would allow teens to create forwarded the event to their friends. These and jumped. Those who didn’t want to a cognitive association with the book, and social media eff orts worked well. I received get sweaty took part in the pin craft and attract those who’ve read and enjoyed it. quite a few reaction posts and questions, enjoyed some of the refreshments. The fl yers were placed around the library, as well as reposts. These eff orts attracted The bingo game was played later and the bookmarks were placed in new teens who didn’t typically go to the library, on, along with a few on-the-spot games YA releases, along with books similar to or didn’t visit my specifi c branch. that were suggested. Afterwards, it was Green’s novels. A few teens approached mostly social, with everyone bonding and me about the event, so I knew the publicity discussing everything from John Green’s was working. Activities books to school to video games. The Since the program was book- and My teen volunteer primarily assisted with event had no end time, so by the time author-based, I reached out to local high the creation and planning of the activities. the library was closing, three hours later, schools and e-mailed the fl yer to English Being extremely familiar with the culture, everyone was still there slowly becoming teachers and media specialists. One she searched through the website for friends. Because of the unstructured, student e-mailed me for information about ideas that were unique, relevant, and fun. unpressured feel, they were able to be the event so she could write about it in her We wrote out Nerdfi ghter terminology themselves, which, essentially, is what school newspaper. for charades, and bookmarked the ever the online community encourages. One The teen volunteer promoted the popular Fitness for Nerds video, where attendee created a video of the event, and event within her group of friends as well, John themed a workout around nerd shared it online the following day. The posting information online and forwarding culture.4 We prepared Nerdfi ghter bingo, sense of community and excitement among fl yers to those who might be interested, which had participants mark off sayings everyone was contagious. such as teens who don’t normally go to from the Nerdfi ghter videos instead the library and wouldn’t be aware of the of letters and numbers. In addition, event. “No one gives better PR for teen I created bookmarks that featured Aftermath programming than teens themselves. Once the VlogBrothers’ faces, posters that The event received a lot of positive a few teens endorse a program, others will showcased popular quotes from the videos feedback, and a request for a follow-up follow.”3 Word of mouth works best when and books, and templates for pins that meet-up. I created a Central Florida it’s from someone genuinely excited about highlighted various phrases and pictures. Nerdfi ghter Facebook group so everyone the event, and not being paid to plan it. Cookies with DFTBA written on them could stay in touch. “For many teens, Publicity from teen to teens seems more along with punch and popcorn were served technology-based spaces are where they honest, as it is coming from someone at the meet-up. live and work. They are comfortable

20 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Mathur

using technology to collaborate.”5 benefi cial. The event worked because or awkward like them. And isn’t that just Utilizing this notion, I’m allowing the it was her idea. She assisted in creating awesome? YALS teens that attended to plan the next something she knew others would enjoy. event, giving them the reins to decide I listened, heard, and understood. In the what to do. This will give all of them process, she created an event, and was as References the opportunity to work together and appreciative of the results as I was. She 1. Hank Green, “Nerdfi ghters.com,” see an event come together. “When is already planning the next event and Nerdfi ghters, last modifi ed 2012, http:// teens are involved from start to fi nish, is excited to make the next meet-up as nerdfi ghters.ning.com (accessed Feb. 14, they are their own best marketers and positive as the fi rst one. 2013). supporters of events. . . . It keeps the What’s more, the event brought 2. Chris Shoemaker, “Anti-Prom: Teen event something they want to shape— groups of teens together who had never Service with Style,” Young Adult Library something of which they’re proud.”6 It met before, but all shared a common Services 10, no. 1 (2011): 28. worked this time with my one volunteer; interest. While we did not inherit a new 3. Linda W. Braun, Hillias J. Martin, and I believe the next event will be just as teen population from the event, the most Connie Urquhart, Risky Business: Taking successfully planned. important result was that these teens now and Managing Risks in Library Services In addition, the teens learned that know they have a welcoming environment for Teens (Chicago: American Library the library shares their common interests, to visit that celebrates their individuality— Association, 2010), 58. and, much like the Nerdfi ghter website, their nerdiness. And that there are others 4. John Green, “Fitness for Nerds,” VlogBrothers can act as a “third place” where they can out there who celebrate it, too. (video blog), September 1, 2010, http:// “hang out, meet friends, explore the world, There was one point during bingo www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H0ctnAL3jo and make contacts with caring adults,” when John Green recited his defi nition (accessed Feb. 14, 2013). as well as provide for their interests and of a nerd. “Nerds like us are allowed to 5. Braun, Martin, and Urquhart, 66. “developmental needs.”7 It is not home be unironically enthusiastic about 6. Shoemaker, 28. or school, but rather a separate place that stuff . . . . Nerds are allowed to love stuff , 7. Sarah Flowers, Young Adults Deserve the they can make their own. like jump-up-and-down-in-your-chair- Best: YALSA’s Competencies in Action can’t-control-yourself love it. When (Chicago: American Library Association, people call people nerds, mostly what 2011), 21. Reflection they’re saying is ‘You like stuff .’ Which is 8. John Green, “Ideas and Inspiration The most important part of planning the not a good insult at all. Like, ‘You are too Questions,” John Green, last modifi ed Nerdfi ghter event was allowing it to belong enthusiastic about the miracle of human 2012, http://johngreenbooks.com/ideas- to the teens, allowing them to shape it as consciousness.’”9 questions/ (accessed Feb. 14, 2013). they wanted. John Green often states that While he spoke, I looked around and 9. John Green, “Harry Potter Nerds Win books belong to their readers.8 In this case, saw everyone silent and smiling, and more at Life,” VlogBrothers (video blog), July programs belong to teens. than likely thinking the same thing. They 19, 2009, http://www.youtube.com/ The assistance of my volunteer in aren’t alone. They are in it together. There watch?v=rMweXVWB918 (accessed Feb. the planning department was extremely are others who might be dorky or weird 14, 2013)

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 21 feature Hot Spot: Awards & Lists

The 2013 Alex Awards Committee YALSA Announces is: Chair Rachel McDonald, King County Library System Foster Library, Tukwila, Wash.; Danielle Dreger- Babbitt, Sno-Isle Regional Library (Mill 2013 Award Creek, Wash.); Paige Battle, Grant High School, Portland, Ore.; Kim Herrington, Pearland, Texas, Junior High West; Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Winners and Book SLIS, Denton, Texas; Kelly Jensen, Beloit Public Library, Delavan, Wis.; Jennifer Lawson, San Diego County and Media Lists Library; Ann Perrigo, Allegan (Mich.) District Library; Tina Pounds, Edison High School, Alexandria, Va.; Melissa Smith, Librarian Consultant, Literacy s part of ALA’s annual Youth · Girlchild by Tupelo Hassman, for Incarcerated Teens, Forest Hills, Media Awards, YALSA published by Farrar, Straus and N.Y.; and Ann Kelley, Booklist magazine, Aannounced its six literary awards Giroux Chicago, Ill. at Midwinter Meeting in Seattle on · Juvenile in Justice by Richard Ross, January 28: the Alex, Edwards, Morris, published by Richard Ross Nonfi ction, Odyssey, and Printz awards. · Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore Margaret A. Edwards Award In addition, YALSA announced the by Robin Sloan, published by Farrar, The Margaret A. Edwards Award, titles on its selected booklists: Amazing Straus and Giroux established in 1988, honors an author, as Audiobooks for Young Adults, Best · My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf, well as a specifi c body of his or her work, Fiction for Young Adults, Fabulous Films published by Abrams ComicArts, an for signifi cant and lasting contribution to for Young Adults, Great Graphic Novels imprint of Abrams young adult literature. The annual award for Teens, Popular Paperbacks for Young · One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard, is administered by YALSA and sponsored Adults, and Quick Picks for Reluctant published by Hyperion by School Library Journal magazine. It Young Adult Readers. (Reproducible · Pure by Juliana Baggott, published by recognizes an author’s work in helping copies of all of the lists are available on the Grand Central Publishing, a division adolescents become aware of themselves YALS site http://yalsa.ala.org/yals.) of Hachette Book Group, Inc. and address questions about their role and · The Round House by Louise Erdrich, importance in relationships, society, and published by Harper, an imprint of the world. Awards HarperCollins Publishers Tamora Pierce is the recipient of · Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol the 2013 Margaret A. Edwards Award Alex Awards Rifka Brunt, published by Dial Press, honoring her signifi cant and lasting The Alex Awards are given to ten books an imprint of the Random House contribution to writing for teens for written for adults that have special appeal Publishing Group, a division of the Song of the Lioness quartet and the to young adults, ages twelve through Random House, Inc. Protector of the Small quartet. eighteen. The winning titles are selected · Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by The four books in the Song of the from the previous year’s published books. Maria Semple, published by Little, Lioness series are: Alanna: The First The award is sponsored by the Margaret Brown and Company, a division of Adventure, In the Hand of the Goddess, A. Edwards Trust. The 2013 winners are: Hachette Book Group, Inc. The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, and Lioness Rampant, all published by · Caring is Creepy by David The offi cial nominations for the Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an Zimmerman, published by Soho 2013 Alex Awards are available online imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Press, Inc. at www.ala.org/yalsa/alex-awards. Publishing Division. The books focus on

22 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners and Book and Media Lists

Alanna’s journey to accept herself both as a 2013 Morris Award fi nalists, announced Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal— woman and a warrior. in December, include Wonder Show by the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon Also set in Tortall, two decades later, Hannah Barnaby, published by Houghton by Steve Sheinkin, published by Flash is the Protector of the Small quartet, First Miffl in, an imprint of Houghton Miffl in Point/Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Test, Page, Squire, and Lady Knight, all Harcourt Books for Young Readers; Love Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, published by Laurel Leaf, an imprint of and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo, won the 2013 award. Finalists are Steve Random House Children’s Books. Keladry published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint Jobs: The Man Who Thought Diff erent, of Mindelan goes through struggles, from of Random House Children’s Books, a a biography by Karen Blumenthal her First Test, then becoming a Page, a division of Random House, Inc.; After and published by Feiwel and Friends, Squire, and eventually a Lady Knight. the Snow by S. D. Crockett, published an imprint of Macmillan Children’s While set in a fantasy world, Pierce’s by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Publishing Group; Moonbird: A Year heroines face realistic challenges that Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 resonate with teen readers. and The Miseducation of Cameron Post by by Phillip Hoose, published by Farrar Tamora Pierce will be honored at the emily m. danforth, published by Balzer + Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan YALSA Edwards Award Luncheon and Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Publishing Group; Titanic: presented with a citation and cash prize Publishers. Voices from the Disaster by Deborah of $2,000 during the 2013 ALA Annual Members of the 2013 William Hopkinson, published by Scholastic Press, Conference in Chicago, June 27–July 2. C. Morris Award Committee are: an imprint of Scholastic; and We’ve Got Members of the 2013 Edwards Chair Joy Kim, Pierce County Library a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s Committee are: Chair Jamie Watson, System, Tacoma, Wash.; Lee Catalano, March by Cynthia Levinson, published by Baltimore County Public Library, Multnomah County Library, Portland, Peachtree Publishers. Towson, Md.; Shari Fesko, Southfi eld Ore.; Diane Colson, Palm Harbor (Fla.) Members of the 2013 YALSA Award (Mich.) Public Library; Heidi K. Library; Michael Fleming, Pacifi c Cascade for Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young Hammond, St. Catherine University, Middle School Library, Issaquah, Wash.; Adults Award committee are: Chair St. Paul, Minn.; Angela Leeper, University Sarah Holtkamp, Chicago Public Library, Angela Frederick, Nashville (Tenn.) Public of Richmond, Va.; Charli M. Osborne, Ill.; Shelly McNerney, Blue Valley West Library; Ruth Allen, Multnomah County Oxford (Mich,) Public Library; and Ed High School, Overland Park, Kans.; Library, Portland, Ore.; Roxy Ekstrom, A. Spicer, Michigan Reading Journal, Anne Rouyer, New York Public Library, Schaumburg (Ill. Twp) Library; Angie Allegan, Mich. New York, N.Y.; Judy Sasges, Sno-Isle Manfredi, Los Alamos (N.M.) County For more information, please visit Libraries, Marysville, Wash.; Vicky Library System; Judy Nelson, Pierce www.ala.org/yalsa/edwards-award. Smith, Kirkus Reviews, South Portland, County Library System, Tacoma, Wash.; Maine; Sandy Sumner, administrative Maren Ostergard, King County Library assistant, Morehead (Ky.) State University System, Issaquah, Wash.; Laura Pearle, William C. Morris YA Camden–Carroll Library; and Ilene VennConsultants, Carmel, N.Y.; Adela Debut Award Cooper, consultant, Booklist magazine, Peskorz, Metropolitan State University The William C. Morris YA Debut Award, Chicago, Ill. Library, Saint Paul, Minn.; Jennifer fi rst awarded in 2009, honors a debut book For more information, please visit Rothschild, Arlington (Va.) Public Library; published by a fi rst-time author writing for www.ala.org/yalsa/morris-award. Sara Morse, Nashville (Tenn.) Public teens and celebrates new voices in young Library; and Gillian Engberg, consultant, adult literature. The award’s namesake Booklist magazine, Chicago, Ill. is William C. Morris, an infl uential YALSA Award for Excellence For more information, please visit innovator in the publishing world and an in Nonfiction for Young www.ala.org/yalsa/nonfi ction-award. advocate for marketing books for children Adults and young adults. The YALSA Award for Excellence in Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Nonfi ction for Young Adults honors the Odyssey Award published by Random House Children’s best nonfi ction book published for young The Odyssey Award is given to the Books, a division of Random House adults (ages 12–18) during a November producer of the best audiobook for Inc., won the 2013 Morris Award. The 1–October 31 publishing year. children and/or young adults, available in

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 23 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners and Book and Media Lists

English in the United States. The award adults. The award is administered annually range of interests for young adults from is jointly administered by the Association by YALSA and is sponsored by Booklist high fantasy dragon epics to serial killer– for Library Services to Children (ALSC) magazine. driven thrillers to fi ctionalized accounts of and YALSA, divisions of the ALA, and is In Darkness by Nick Lake, published historical events in verse. In addition to the sponsored by Booklist magazine. by Bloomsbury Books for Young Readers, full list, the committee chose the following The 2013 Odyssey Award was given won the 2013 Printz Award. Honor recordings as its top ten: to Brilliance Audio for its production books are Aristotle and Dante Discover of the audiobook The Fault in Our Stars the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin · Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, by John Green and narrated by Kate Alire Sáenz and published by Simon and read by Morven Christie and Lucy Rudd. Honor recordings were Artemis Schuster BFYR, an imprint of Simon Gaskell. Bolinda, 2012. Fowl: The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer, and Schuster Children’s Publishing · Crusher by Niall Leonard, read by narrated by Nathaniel Parker and Division; Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Daniel Weyman. Listening Library, produced by Listening Library; Ghost Wein and published by Hyperion, an 2012. Knight by Cornelia Funke, narrated by imprint of Disney Book Group; Dodger · Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Elliot Hill and produced by Listening by Terry Pratchett and published by by Jeff Kinney, read by Ramon de Library; and Monstrous Beauty by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division Ocampo. Recorded Books, 2011. Elizabeth Fama, narrated by Katherine of HarperCollins Publishers; and The · The Diviners by Libba Bray, read by Kellgren, and produced by Macmillan White Bicycle written by Beverley Brenna January LaVoy. Listening Library, Audio. and published by Red Deer Press. 2012. Members of the 2013 Odyssey Award Members of the 2013 Printz Award · Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, Committee are: Chair, Dr. Teri S. Lesesne, Committee are: Chair Sharon Grover, read by Gerard Doyle. Listening Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, Wis.; Library, 2011. Texas; Joanna L. Axelrod, Escondido Louise Brueggemann, Naperville (Ill.) · The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey, read (Calif.) Public Library; Bruce Farrar, Harris Public Library; Meghan Cirrito, Queens by Steven Boyer. Recorded Books, County Public Library, Houston, Texas; N.Y. Library; Francisca Goldsmith, 2011. Dana Folkerts, Thomas Ford Memorial Infopeople Project, Berkeley, Calif.; · Personal Eff ects by E.M. Kokie, read Library, Western Springs, Ill.; Deborah Alexandra E. Henshel, Library Consultant, by Nick Podehl. Candlewick on Kaplan, Tufts University, Medford, Mass.; Kingston, R.I.; Sarah B. Hill, Paris (Ill.) Brilliance Audio, 2012. Nichole King, Morgan Hill (Calif.) Public Cooperative High School Library; Krista · Warriors Don’t Cry by Melba Patillo Library; Karen M. Perry, North Carolina R. McKenzie, Garrett College Library, Beals, read by Lisa Renee Pitts. Association of School Librarians, High McHenry, Md.; Sharon Rawlins, New Tantor Audio, 2011. Point, N.C.; Janet Raelene Weber, Tigard Jersey State Library, Trenton, N.J.; Sarah · The Watch That Ends the Night by (Ore.) Public Library; Patsy L. Weeks, Bean Thompson Springfi eld (Mo.)–Greene Allan Wolf, read by Michael Page, Howard Payne University Heart of Texas County Library; Laurie Bartz, Award Phil Gigante, Christopher Lane, Literature Center, Brownwood, Texas; and Administrative Assistant, Hedberg Public Laurel Merlington, and Angela Dawe. Sue-Ellen Beauregard, consultant, Booklist Library, Janesville, Wis.; and Dan Kraus, Candlewick on Brilliance Audio, magazine, Chicago, Ill. consultant, Booklist magazine, Chicago, Ill. 2011. For more information, please visit For more information, please visit · Wonder by R.J. Palacio, read by http://www.ala.org/yalsa/odyssey-award. www.ala.org/yalsa/printz-award. Diana Steele, Nick Podehl, and Kate Rudd. Brilliance, 2011.

Michael L. Printz Award Book and Media Lists Members of the 2013 Amazing The Michael L. Printz Award honors the Audiobooks Committee are: Chair best book written for teens each year. The Amazing Audiobooks for Gretchen Kolderup, formerly of the award, fi rst given in 2000, is named for the Young Adults New Canaan (Conn.) Library, now with late Michael L. Printz, a Topeka, Kansas, The 2013 Amazing Audiobooks list, the New York Public Library, New school librarian known for discovering comprised of 28 fi ction and two nonfi ction York, N.Y.; Catherine Andronik, Brien and promoting quality books for young titles, features recordings covering a wide McMahon High School, Norwalk, Conn.

24 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners and Book and Media Lists

Mary Burkey, Olentangy Liberty Middle · McCormick, Patricia. Never Fall Fabulous Films for School, Powell, Ohio; Randee Bybee, Down. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, Young Adults Upland (Calif.) Public Library; Jennifer 2012. The 2013 Fabulous Films for Young Campbell, Notre Dame de Sion High · Quick, Matthew. Boy 21. Little, Adults off ers 25 titles based on the School, North Kansas City, Mo.; Lynn Brown Books for Young Readers, theme “Survival.” The list includes both Carpenter, Birmingham (Ala.) Public 2012. fi ction and nonfi ction fi lms that showcase Library; Donna Cook, Central High · Alire Sáenz, Benjamin. Aristotle characters struggling to survive extreme School, Pollok, Texas; Pamela Spencer and Dante Discover the Secrets of situations. The complete list, including Holley, Eastern Shore Public Library, the Universe. Simon & Schuster/ annotations, can be found at www.ala.org/ Accomac, Va.; Karilyn Steward, Calabasas Simon & Schuster Books for Young yalsa/fabfi lms. (Calif.) Library; and Colleen Seisser, Readers, 2012. Members of the Fabulous Films for administrative assistant, Mount Prospect · Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Young Adults Committee are: Chair Andrea (Ill.) Public Library. Scholastic, 2012. Sowers, Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Ill.; Amy For more information, including the · Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. Anderson, King County Library System, full list, please visit http://www.ala.org/ Disney/Hyperion, 2012. Bellevue, Wash; Liz Burns, New Jersey State yalsa/amazing-audiobooks. Library, Talking Book and Braille Center, Members of the Best Fiction for Trenton, N.J; Kim Christoff erson, Salt Young Adults Committee are: Chair Lake City Public Library, Utah; Jennifer Best Fiction for Young Adults Ted Schelvan, Chief Umtuch Middle Longee, Durham Academy Middle School, YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults School Library, Battle Ground, Wash.; N.C;. Kenneth Petrilli, New Rochelle Public booklist annually selects outstanding Rachel Cornelius, Sparta Free Library, Library, N.Y.; and Elsworth Rockefeller, titles of fi ction written for young adults Sparta, Wisc.; Valerie Davis, Campbell Oak Park Library, Ill. that are of interest and value to teenagers. County Public Library, Newport, Ky; This year’s list of 102 books was drawn Veronica McKay, Rita and Truett from 200 offi cial nominations and Smith Public Library, Wylie, Texas; Great Graphic Novels comprises a wide range of genres and L. Lee Butler, Keefe Memorial Library for Teens styles, including contemporary realistic Boston Latin School, Boston, Mass; YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for fi ction, fantasy, horror, science fi ction, Julie Vaught, Florence County Library, Teens committee named its 2013 list of and novels in verse. Florence, S.C.; Abby Moore, University 55 titles, drawn from 98 offi cial The Best Fiction for Young Adults of South Dakota University Libraries, nominations. The graphic novels, committee also created a top ten list of Vermillion, S.D.; Stacey McCraken, recommended for ages twelve through titles from the fi nal list: W.F. West High School, Chehalis, eighteen, meet the criteria of both good Wash.; Elizabeth Schneider, Monrovia quality literature and appealing reading · Andrews, Jesse. Me and Earl and the Public Library, Monrovia, Calif; for teens. Dying Girl. Abrams/Amulet Books, Shanna Swigert Smith, Mesa County In addition, the committee created 2012. Libraries, Grand Junction, Colo.; a top ten list of titles that exemplify · Bray, Libba. The Diviners. Little, Carol Edwards, Denver Public Library, the quality and range of graphic novels Brown Books for Young Readers, Denver, Colo.; Sherry Rampey, Gaston appropriate for teen audiences: 2012. First Baptist Church Library, Gaston, · Hartman, Rachel. Seraphina. Random S.C.; Christopher Lassen, Brooklyn · Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer. House/Random House Books for Public Library–Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Abrams, 2012. Young Readers, 2012. N.Y.; Diana Tixier Herald, Libraries · Bendis, Brian Michael and Sara · Kontis, Alethea. Enchanted. Unlimited, Grand Junction, Colo; Pichelli. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man Houghton Miffl in Harcourt/ and Ann Kelley, consultant, Booklist V. 1. Marvel, 2012. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2012. magazine, Chicago, Ill. · Fetter-Vorm, Jonathan. Trinity: A · Levithan, David. Every Day. Random The full list with annotations can be Graphic History of the First Atomic House/Knopf Books for Young found at www.ala.org/yalsa/best-fi ction- Bomb. Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Hill Readers, 2012. young-adults. and Wang, 2012.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 25 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners and Book and Media Lists

· Hicks, Faith Erin. Friends with Boys. to encourage young adults to read for Members of the Popular Paperbacks Roaring Brook/First Second, 2012. pleasure. The lists of popular or topical for Young Adults Committee are: Chair · Kwitney, Alisa, Rebecca Guay and titles are widely available in paperback Jennifer Korn, The Public Library of others. A Flight of Angels. DC/ and represent a broad variety of accessible Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; Vertigo, 2011. themes and genres. Joan Callen, University of Wisconsin- · Lambert, Joseph. Annie Sullivan and This year’s PPYA committee Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wisc.; Sabrina the Trials of Helen Keller. Disney produced four lists of titles arranged by the Carnesi, Crittenden Middle School, Hyperion/Disney Book Group, 2012. following topics: Newport News, Va.; Franklin Escobedo, · Long, Mark, Nate Powell and others. Oceanside Public Library, Calif., Lisa The Silence of Our Friends. Roaring · Boarding Schools to Summer Camps: Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, N.Y.; Brook/First Second, 2012. Leaving home to fi nd. Karen Keys, Queens Public Library, N.Y.; · Murakami, Takashi. Stargazing Dog. · Gowns, Greasepaint, and Guitars: Brenda Kilmer, Miami Dade College, NBM Publishing, 2011. Not the same old song and dance. Fla.; Ellen Loughran, Hunter College · Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. · I’m New Here Myself: A generation, of the CUNY, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Olivia Scholastic/GRAPHIX, 2012. caught between nations. Morales Geaghan, Hathaway Brown · Waid, Mark, Paolo Manuel Rivera · More Books That Won’t Make You School, Shaker Heights, Ohio; Mary and Marcos Martin. Daredevil V. 1. Blush: All of the excitement, none of Anne Nichols, Kent State University, Marvel, 2012. the naughty. Ohio; Shilo J.M. Pearson, Chicago Public Library, Ill; Genevieve Sarnack, Berkley Members of the Great Graphic Novels The committee also selected the Carroll School, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Kate for Teens Committee are: Chair Rachael following titles as the top ten list: Toebbe, The Public Library of Cincinnati Myers, Horace Mann School, Bronx, and Hamilton County, Ohio; Sarah N.Y.; Tessa Barber, Carnegie Library of · Carter, Ally. Heist Society. Hyperion Elizabeth Wethern, Douglas County Pittsburgh, Pa.; Chris Durr, Kirkwood Books CH. 2011. Public Library, Alexandria, Minn.; and Public Library, Mo.; Heather Gruenthal, · Eulberg, Elizabeth. Prom and Paula Wiley, Baltimore County Public Western High School, Anaheim, Calif.; Prejudice. Point. 2012. Library, Md. Monica Harris, Oak Park Public Library, · Gallo, Donald (ed.). First Crossing: The full list of paperbacks with Ill.; Summer Hayes, King County Library Stories about teen immigrants. annotations can be found at www.ala.org/ System, Tukwila, Wash.; Katy Hepner, Candlewick. 2007. yalsa/popular-paperbacks-young-adults. St. Tammany Parish Library, Mandeville, · Hauser, Brooke. The New Kids: big La.; Marcus Lowry, Roseville Library, dreams and brave journeys at a high Maplewood, Minn.; Matthew Moff ett, school for immigrant teens. Free Press. Quick Picks for Reluctant Fairfax County Public Library, Va.; 2012. Young Adult Readers Emily Pukas, Nashville Public Library, · Johnson, Maureen. Name of the Star. The Quick Picks list suggests books Tenn.; Dorcas Wong, San Francisco Speak. 2012. that teens, ages twelve through eighteen, Public Library, Calif.; and administrative · Lockhart, E. The Disreputable History will pick up on their own and read for assistants Katie Llera, Sayreville Middle of Frankie Landau-Banks. Hyperion. pleasure; it is geared to the teenager who, School, Parlin, N.J., and Brooke Young, 2009. for whatever reason, does not like to read. Salt Lake City Public Library, Utah. · Skovron, Jon. Struts and Frets. The 2013 committee selected 65 titles and The complete list with annotations Amulet. 2011. three series, drawn from 217 nominations, can be found at www.ala.org/yalsa/great- · Telgemeier, Raina. Drama. Illus. as well a top ten list: graphic-novels. Raina Telgemeier. Scholastic/ GRAPHIX. 2012. · Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer. · Van Draanen, Wendelin. The Abrams/Abrams ComicArts, 2012. Popular Paperbacks for Running Dream. Ember. · Henry, April. The Night She Young Adults · Wright, Bil. Putting Makeup on the Disappeared. Henry Holt Books for The Popular Paperbacks for Young Fat Boy. Simon and Schuster Books Young Readers /Christy Ottaviano Adults Committee creates lists of books for Young Readers. 2012. Books, 2012.

26 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 YALSA Announces 2013 Award Winners and Book and Media Lists

· Lyga, Barry. I Hunt Killers. Little · Tillit, L.B. Unchained. Saddleback Sno-Isle Libraries, Lynnwood, Wash.; Brown, 2012. Publishing/Gravel Road, 2012. Ann Pechacek, Worthington Libraries, · Lynch, Chris. Vietnam Series. · Woodson, Jacqueline. Beneath a Meth Columbus, Ohio.; Dr. Karin Perry, Sam Scholastic Press. Moon: An Elegy. Penguin Group (USA) Houston State University, Huntsville, · Vietnam #1: I Pledge Allegiance, Inc./Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012. Texas; Jessica Smith, Bend Senior High 2011 School, Ore.; Ellen Spring, Rockland · Vietnam #2: Sharpshooter, 2012 Members of the Quick Picks District Middle School, Thomaston, · Vietnam #3: Free-Fire Zone, 2012 for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Maine; and Elizabeth Frerking, · McNeil, Gretchen. Ten. Balzer + Committee are: Chair Rebecca Jackman, administrative assistant, Clarksville Bray, 2012. New Providence Middle School, High School, Tenn. · Rodriguez, Gaby; Glatzer, Jenna. Clarksville, Tenn.; Anita Buers, Cypress The full list of Quick Picks with The Pregnancy Project: A Memoir. High School, Orange, Calif.; Adrienne annotations can be found at www.ala.org/ Simon and Schuster Inc./Simon and Butler, Oklahoma Department of yalsa/quick-picks-reluctant-young-adult- Schuster BFYR, 2012. Libraries, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Louise readers. · Ross, Richard. Juvenile in Justice. Capizzo, Scarborough Public Library, Don’t forget that reproducibles of Richard Ross, 2012. Maine; Derek Ivie, New York Public all YALSA 2013 lists are available on the · Summer, Courtney. This Is Not a Test. Library, N.Y.; Stacy Lickteig, Omaha YALS website at http://yalsa.ala.org/ Macmillan/St. Martin’s Griffi n, 2012. Public Schools, Neb.; Jackie Parker, yals. YALS

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Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 27 feature Hot Spot: Awards & Lists

read all fi ve titles on one (or both) shortlist Read All About It between the announcement of the fi nalists and the YMAs. The Morris/Nonfi ction Challenge was extremely well received. One The Hub Reading Challenge participant, Sara Ray, commented on The Hub, “I feel like I learned sooo much just reading them. I’m going to try to make it a point in my yearly challenges to read more By Gretchen Kolderup non-fi c.” Amy Gillespie, another challenge fi nisher, wrote, “Thanks, again, for this challenge. I love it! Even when I don’t like the book that much, it’s a great way to ALSA has so many lists and What’s Up with YALSA’s extend my reading comfort zone.” And awards that it’s sometimes hard to Reading Challenges? Award for Excellence in Nonfi ction fi nalist Yremember them all—and actually Long a staple of the book-blogging world, Deborah Hopkinson even mentioned the becoming familiar with all of them might reading challenges are relatively new to challenge in her speech at the Morris/ seem a daunting task! Luckily The Hub, YALSA’s off erings. Over the years the Nonfi ction Award reception at Midwinter! YALSA’s YA literature-focused blog, is association has hosted a Great Ideas In February The Hub started an here, through its reading challenges, Contest where members submit ideas for even bigger challenge: the 2013 Hub to help. new programs or initiatives that support Reading Challenge. The successor to YALSA’s strategic plan. Liz Burns was the Best of the Best Challenge, the Hub a winner, suggesting that YALSA host Reading Challenge pushes participants What’s a Reading Challenge? a reading challenge. In April 2012, The to read 25 titles from YALSA’s 2013 Reading challenges—where the owner of a Hub launched the 2012 Best of the Best Best of the Best list and the YA titles blog challenges followers to read a certain Challenge, which celebrated YALSA’s lists recognized by the 2013 Stonewall Book number of books, that are connected and awards by encouraging participants to Award (sponsored by ALA’s Gay Lesbian by a theme within a specifi c period of read 25 titles from YALSA’s 2012 Best of Bisexual and Transgender Roundtable) time, (like reading one book outside the Best list (the 2012 award winners and and the Schneider Family Book Award your usual genre each month for a year, honor books and the Top Ten titles from (which “honors an author or illustrator for or reading fi ve books by authors of color the 2012 selected lists) over three months. a book that embodies an artistic expression in a month)—are common in the YA Late last year, The Hub hosted the of the disability experience for child and book-blogging world. They can be a way 2013 Morris/Nonfi ction Challenge. adolescent audiences”). A full list of eligible to raise awareness about a type of book or YALSA publishes the shortlists (up to fi ve titles is published on The Hub at www. issue in YA literature and a way to create titles each) for both the William C. Morris yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2013-hub-reading- community and opportunities for online Award for debut authors and the Award challenge/. discussion. Sometimes prizes are off ered to for Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young The challenge began a week after readers who complete the challenge. Think Adults in early December. The winner is the YMAs and runs until June 22, the of them as something like online summer announced at the Youth Media Awards weekend before 2013 ALA Annual in reading clubs, only not just for teens and (YMAs) in January at the ALA Midwinter Chicago. If participants read the not necessarily during the summer! Meeting. The Hub challenged people to 25 required titles within that time period, they’ll be invited to create a reader response to be published on The Hub, and they’ll be entered into a GRETCHEN KOLDERUP is the Head of Teen Services at The New random drawing to win a YALSA tote York Public Library’s Bronx Library Center. She recently finished a bag full of 2012 and 2013 YA literature, term on Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults and is the Manager plus a few recent YALSA professional of YALSA’s YA literature-focused blog, The Hub. development titles.

28 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Kolderup

Why Would I Want to specifi c example: “I don’t often read all that Megan, a mother of four who is neither Participate? many graphic novels, and my teens ... loved a teen nor a librarian, and in a follow-up In addition to being a good opportunity talking about what made a good graphic discussion that Sarah shared on The to get to know YALSA’s lists and awards, novel. ... I think this challenge has helped Hub, Megan said that she really enjoyed the Hub Reading Challenge encourages me be more well-rounded for my readers, exploring books she normally wouldn’t have participants to read outside their comfort advisory queries.” read and that she would certainly be using zones since it includes diff erent formats The Hub Reading Challenge also YALSA’s lists to pick out more good titles (like graphic novels and audiobooks), titles creates opportunities for discussion of YA in the future, even without Sarah’s direct with widely diff erent themes, nonfi ction, literature. Many YA librarians are the only recommendations. If you take part in the books about LGBTQ characters or one of their kind in their library, school, or Hub Reading Challenge, consider bringing disability, fast reads, and books recognized district, and it can be lonely to be the only a friend along, both to have someone for their literary excellence. one reading and enjoying books for teens. to discuss books with and as a way to If you’re not sure that you’re a There is room for discussion of books on introduce someone to great YA titles. nonfi ction reader, for example, you can blogs and Twitter and Goodreads. With Your participation in the Hub sample from the books recognized by the the Hub Reading Challenge, participants Reading Challenge can be private and Award for Excellence in Nonfi ction for are part of a community of readers who only for your own benefi t, or you might Young Adults and know that you’re trying are all sampling from the same pool and fi nd a way to present it as professional out the best nonfi ction from the last year. commenting every week on what they’ve development or to bring more attention If your experience with audiobooks is read and how they liked it. You may only to great YA literature. Last year, Tiff any minimal or has been negative, you know read 25 titles, but you’ll be actively engaged Bronzan participated in the Best of the the Amazing Audiobooks for Young in the discussion of appeal factors of all of Best Reading Challenge and wrote an Adults Top Ten will be a good way to the other titles, which will help you match article for her local newspaper about get engaged by that format. You may also a reader to the right book in your own the challenge and the books she’d read, discover new authors (especially through library. explaining why she thought they were the William C. Morris Award) or genres You don’t have to be the only one good and who might like them—a kind of or topics you love that you never would in your library or school participating in readers’ advisory via local paper. This is a have tried before. the Hub Reading Challenge. You might great way to increase your visibility in your By expanding your reading horizons, challenge your students to participate (or community, to advocate for YA literature, you’ll become a better readers’ advisor to you might craft a similar challenge that and to increase YALSA’s name recognition your teens. You’ll not only have a better meets standards at your school or library)— and reputation—which increases your own sense for the breadth and scope of YA especially since you know the books on the reputation as a professional since you’re a literature and experience reading across list are going to be well written or have high member. genre and format, you’ll also have specifi c appeal to teens (or both). titles that you know well enough to You might also use the Hub Reading booktalk or personally recommend to that Challenge as an advocacy tool for YA Go For It! reluctant reader, that listener, that seeker literature in your professional community: While the challenge began in early of literary fi ction. Lois, a Morris/Nonfi ction Reading February, there’s absolutely still time to After participating in last year’s Challenge participant who works in a high sign up. Anything you’ve read from our list Best of the Best Challenge, Angela school, challenged the English faculty of eligible titles since the challenge started Critics commented, “I am so glad I did to do a modifi ed version wherein they’d counts toward your goal of 25, and you the challenge. I knew I would enjoy read at least one fi nalist for the Award have until June 22 to fi nish. reading more of the best recent YA lit. I for Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young So take the 2013 Hub Reading didn’t expect that it would have such an Adults. She reported that they had a great Challenge. You’ll grow in your knowledge immediate impact on my work. But it has time discussing the books together. of YA lit, you’ll become a better readers’ really helped me with Readers’ Advisory You could also challenge other friends advisor, you’ll increase YALSA’s reach when I work the YA desk! Fun and who aren’t readers of YA literature to and your own prestige, and you’ll get to professional development too!” Fellow complete the Hub Reading Challenge. Last know the lists and awards better. Good participant Joella Peterson provided a year Sarah Debraski did so with her friend luck! YALS

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 29 feature Hot Spot: Awards & Lists

book did not get the full range of the actual Reading with reading experience. Recent research in the use of audiobooks is fi nally placing this misconception to rest. The truth is, those who enjoy the reading experience through Our Ears audiobooks report they know as much about the book as their counterparts who did the traditional print reading. How is this possible? An Odyssey for All First, listening is as active an experience as traditional print reading. There is a diff erence between simply By Teri Lesesne hearing something and actually listening to that same thing. Educators often remark that something they have said to a young adult has “gone in one ear and out the ergeant Joe Friday’s tag line was, If you ask this year’s committee, or other.” This cannot occur when someone “Just the facts.” So, let me begin with go back and ask anyone who has served on is truly listening, paying attention to Ssome astonishing facts from the the Odyssey Committee in its relatively what is being said. Therefore, one cannot 2013 Odyssey Committee’s voyage. short fi ve-year history, I suspect there listen to a book passively and still take will be one large takeaway: serving on the away the reading experience. To truly · Committee Size: 9 Committee has absolutely underscored listen to a book requires special skills in · Term of service: one year that listening is an active and engaged much the same way as the physical act of · Jointly administered by YALSA and way to experience a book. In order to reading does. ALSC. participate actively in the “reading” of an Listening also involves many of the · Approximate number of audiobook audiobook, moreover, committee members same thinking skills as does reading. submissions: 500+ titles will tell you that developing a set of Teens who listen to audiobooks gain · Average listening time put in by “Odyssey Ears” is helpful. Why is listening vocabulary from the act of listening to a each committee member: over 500 an essential skill? What are Odyssey book. Listeners, like readers, must listen hours—that nets out to twenty-one ears and how can we develop them in for meaning in order to comprehend entire days of listening. others, particularly our teens? How can what is taking place in the story. · Approximate number of titles we promote audiobooks? These are the Why do characters behave in certain considered for the winner and honor questions that frame this article. ways? How will the confl ict eventually books: 25 be resolved and the story come to a · Approximate number of hours needed conclusion? Thus, listeners have to be to listen to the fi nal audiobooks before Why Listen? able to follow the progression of the plot 2013 Midwinter Meeting: more than For many years, educators have been a by drawing inferences and conclusions as 100 hours—that nets out to more little suspicious about using audio versions they listen. They form predictions and than four days of nonstop listening. of books with readers. Somehow there confi rm or reject them as they listen. · Time spent discussing the merits of was a feeling that allowing teens to listen So, in many respects, listening to the audiobooks with other members to books was cheating in some way, that audiobooks mirrors the act of reading of the committee: incalculable. students who listened to rather than read a the physical book. Why do audiobooks work well with teens? Audiobooks are particularly TERI LESESNE (last name rhymes with insane) teaches YA and benefi cial in these ways: children’s literature at Sam Houston State University in Texas. She is the author of three professional books and numerous 1. Audiobooks can introduce listeners columns and articles. to hundreds if not thousands of

30 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Lesesne

new words they can add to their Five years ago, I partnered with a producers, put together a preconference burgeoning vocabulary. The average classroom of less-than-avid traditional for the Texas Library Association, they book contains approximately 75,000 readers at a local school. The teacher wanted a way to demonstrate how to gain words, some of which will be new to agreed to give audiobooks a chance a more critical ear. They took tracks from the listener. The additional bonus with her students. Over the course of a some excellent audiobooks (in this case, of listening to all of these words is semester, these were the results: the winning title and honor audiobooks not just that listeners are able to add from the fi rst Odyssey award) and played to their own lexicon, but they also 1. 80 percent of the kids told us that them for the attendees. First, an example hear the words pronounced correctly they felt they knew as much about the was played with various presenters and used in context. This helps book as someone who had read it in a commenting about the use of music to listeners make better connections traditional print sense; develop a theme, the distinction between between words and their meaning and 2. 90 percent of the students said they two characters via the narrator’s voicing, potential usage. This can translate preferred listening to reading; and the pacing used to convey tension. into more eff ective speaking and 3. 100 percent enjoyed the reading After playing the track two or three writing as listeners try out these new experience; times, attendees were instructed to note words in conversation and in creative 4. 80 percent went on to more books; how the track enhanced listening. If this writing. 5. Kids who listened completed the were to be replicated with teens, it might 2. In today’s hustle-bustle world, books an average of 50 percent be more instructive to demonstrate one even teens have time crunches. faster. criterion at a time. (The criteria for the Audiobooks can allow for listening Odyssey Committee are available on the during the commute from home to The teens talked about audiobooks YALSA website, www.ala.org/yalsa/ school to practice to home again. in glowing terms, admitting that it was booklistsawards/bookawards/odyssey/ Teens can listen to audiobooks in the easier for them to understand the words policies.) car, while doing chores, or even in lieu when they listened, that it was easier to One quick way to help teens to be of the latest music. understand how the characters felt because critical listeners is to use read alongs, 3. For students who struggle due to their emotions were “expressed out” by the picture book audios that are intended reading diffi culties such as dyslexia narrator, and that listening put “something to be read along with the print edition or other learning disabilities, or in your head to think about when you of the book. These read alongs are students who are still acquiring listen.” Listening to audiobooks is clearly generally short, some only a few minutes skills in English as a second a desirable skill. So, how do we go about in length. Teens can practice evaluating language, audiobooks can level the demonstrating to teens how to listen with components such as pacing, use of music, playing fi eld so to speak. Teens can what I call Odyssey Ears? voicing, sound eff ects, and the like. This listen at levels higher than their practice evaluation can be accomplished measured reading comprehension. in a relatively short period of time. For Thus, students who are reading Growing Odyssey Ears audiobooks that are longer, consider below grade level can still access In “Audiobooks for Youth” (www. giving listeners a checklist or review sheet books at the appropriate grade level. audiofi lemagazine.com/features/ that asks them to note strengths and Even for students who are reading fea1007.html) Mary Burkey presents an weaknesses and then write a review of at grade level, the act of listening audiobook lexicon. Knowing the lingo, the audio. Remember that audio reviews to an audiobook, whether or not so to speak, assists listeners in becoming are not concerned with plot and literary accompanied by looking at the critical. First and foremost, as Grover and devices: they need to focus on the audio text, involves listening to models of Hannegan suggest in their book Listening production itself. language, models that make their to Learn: Audiobooks Supporting Literacy, way into the spoken and written to become a more critical listener, it is language skills of the listeners. important to listen and then to listen Promoting Audiobooks 4. The new Common Core State more and more.1 Finally, what can we do to promote the Standards (CCSS) include listening When several members of the use of audiobooks both in and out of as part of the curriculum. Odyssey Committee, along with audio the library? First, teachers and librarians

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 31 Reading with Our Ears

can make available audio versions of as 2. Use audio clips as part of booktalks; audiobooks to my routine by carrying many titles as possible in the classroom 3. Offer kids the choice of audio or CDs in the car and my MP3 player and library. In particular, audio versions physical book or a pairing of the everywhere, I was able to add signifi cantly of required classroom texts and novels two; to the number of books I could read in would be a good addition to the 4. Acquire multiple copies of audio and any given month. Why is this important? collection. Other books that might be the physical book to allow for pairing Consider these facts: more accessible in audio format include in the classroom; books with foreign settings and books 5. Use technology funds to acquire · The average person can read that utilize dialects. When I read a more audio and equipment (this is 1,500–4500 words with just 15 to book set in England, inside my head I low tech but still tech, technically 25 minutes of reading each day. do a credible British accent. However, speaking); · That translates to more than a million what comes out of my mouth bears no 6. Use audio with ESL kids and with words per year. resemblance to that inside-the-head kids whose reading skills are below · If kids read more than a million voice. Similarly, books with historic level so they can “read” the same words per year, they can see as much settings and language use can benefi t books as their peers; as an 85 percent gain in vocabulary. from the audio experience. Listening 7. Acquire audio for the books included That translates into improved test to a story set in the past, a story with in the literature and reading program scores. diff erent language usage, can be easier adoptions; than wading through the text of the 8. Include literacy coaches, special Why not set up a challenge? Once the same story. Frequently, stories from education educators, and other Odyssey Awards are announced at ALA other cultures lend themselves to audio school personnel in the audiobook Midwinter Meeting each year, challenge format. Native American tales have program; teens to listen to one or more of the titles. their own unique cadence, something 9. Off er classes the chance to listen as Compare responses of those who might easily captured in audio format. Finally, a group (especially with books that already be familiar with the book (i.e., they books with multiple narrators may cause use dialect or are diffi cult to read read the print version of Daniel Kraus’s confusion. Since audiobook readers are independently); and Rotters) to those to whom the book title is gifted performers, they can bring each 10. Use both classic and contemporary new. Have the teens compare notes with character to life with a voice of her or his titles in audiobook form. others who have read but not listened to own. Each of these types of books can the audio. Are there diff erences? What off er diffi culties in reading. Audiobooks are they? Challenge educators and fellow can eliminate those problems. librarians to expand their reading as well Several years ago, I joined with a Finally… by using audiobooks alongside the teens. school librarian in research on using One last note about off ering audiobooks As one teen put it, “You gotta listen to audiobooks. We brainstormed how to teens. I spend a great deal of time in books if you really wanna know what they we might use audiobooks in diff erent the car commuting to and from work as are all about.” YALS situations throughout the library and in well as running errands and heading out the classrooms. Here is our list: to shop. Many of the teens with whom I have worked over the years also spend Reference 1. Have audio playing as kids come into time this way: on school buses, in the 1. Sharon Grover and Lizette D. Hannegan. the classroom to get them settled back seat of a parent’s car, in waiting Listening to Learn: Audiobooks Supporting quickly for class; rooms, and the like. When I added Literacy. Chicago: ALA (2012).

32 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature Hot Spot: Awards & Lists

n January 2013, YALSA announced its fourth annual Award for Excellence Excellent Nonfiction Iin Nonfi ction for Young Adults. You may have heard of this award. You may even have read some of the titles that have won the award. But, you might not By Angela Frederick know what it’s really all about. I’m here to tell you. To be eligible for the Excellence in Nonfi ction for Young Adults Award, books must be designated as young What’s the Committee them together through e-mail, but we adult books by their publishers. Process Like? saved what would be longer and more According to the policies and procedures, The committee is made up of nine in-depth conversations for our next face- the award will: members. Four are elected by YALSA to-face meeting scheduled for Anaheim membership, and fi ve are appointed each at the 2012 Annual Conference. In May · Recognize the best in the fi eld of year by the association’s president-elect. 2012, I called each member individually nonfi ction book (at this time, only For the 2013 committee, the roster was and we discussed thoughts and concerns books will be considered for the complete in May 2011, and I was asked related to the committee and/or current award) materials for young adults to chair the group. Just a few months nominations. I think this was a good · Promote the growing number of later (August 2011), committee members way for me to gauge the feelings of the nonfi ction books published for young started communicating via a private group, as well as provide them with an adults LISTSERV provided by YALSA. opportunity to discuss things with me · Inspire wider readership in the Our committee was the last nonfi ction one-on-one, so that when we met at genre committee to use the November 1– Annual everybody was ready to get · Give recognition to the importance of October 31 eligibility period; in November to work. the genre we started looking for books to consider After Annual, we had to be · Position YALSA as an authority and began the nomination process. deliberate about how we would discuss in the fi eld of nonfi ction for young When January 2012 rolled around, we the nominations. This was particularly adults. met face-to-face for the fi rst time in Dallas important because we were not going to at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting. We didn’t see each other in person before we had After its fi rst few years, changes have many nominations at that point, but to decide on the fi nalists. To assist with were made to the award’s policies to we discussed the work of the committee this, we used ALA Connect’s chat feature. help guarantee that it met the goals and also explored what constitutes quality (ALA Connect is the tool provided to stated previously. Starting with the 2014 nonfi ction for teens. We discussed the all YALSA committees to support the committee, books published from January availability of our nominations in e-book work of the member group.) To keep 1–December 31 are considered, rather form. The policies state that a book must some order in the chat room, I would than the previous November 1–October be judged based on its fi nal print version, ask each person one by one to state the 31 date range. Another change is that the so a committee member who fi rst read a positive aspects of each nomination before committee will only release a vetted list of title as an e-book still needs to reread it in discussing any negatives. Then after each nominations, rather than the entire list of print to be aware of any changes in the text person had a chance to speak to both pros nominations. or pictures. and cons, I opened the conversation up to As with YALSA’s William C. Morris From February to June, we continued further questions and discussion. This was Award, the Excellence in Nonfi ction to read and nominate titles. We discussed a very successful method because it kept Award announces fi ve fi nalists in December of each year. One of these fi nalists wins the award, which is ANGELA FREDERICK is a Teen Services Librarian at the Nashville announced in January at the annual ALA Public Library in Tennessee. She has been active in YALSA since Youth Media Awards. 2006.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 33 Excellent Nonfiction

the chat from devolving into a conversation members had to decide on their fi nal · We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 that was diffi cult to follow. choices. YALSA announced the fi nalists the Birmingham Children’s March by For each chat I selected two fi rst week of December 2012. Cynthia Levinson nominations and e-mailed the group to let Once the fi nalists were decided, · Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal— them know that we would be discussing the committee returned to the list of the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon those two books on ALA Connect on a nominations and voted on which should be by Steve Sheinkin certain day and time. This was helpful in included on the vetted list of nominations. · And the winner...... Bomb: The Race keeping up with the reading in a timely Each title that received six or more votes to Build—and Steal—the World’s manner since there was a deadline for was added to the vetted list. The fi nal list is Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve when to discuss each nomination. The made up of nine titles. Sheinkin. group stated that they looked forward to By the time the committee met logging in and talking about the books together for the last time at the 2013 with each other. The other helpful aspect ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, we Vetted Nominations of ALA Connect was that our chats were ready to discuss the fi nalists. We · Chuck Close Face Book by Chuck were saved and could be viewed later if had been re-reading them and thinking Close committee members chose to do so. about them since early December and we · The Amazing Harry Kellar: Great Members are also responsible for were anxious to choose a winner. We had American Magician by Gail Jarrow publicizing the award and its purpose. our fi nal discussions, and selected Steve · Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Throughout the year, we collaborated with Sheinkin’s Bomb: The Race to Build- and Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Gretchen Kolderup, the member manager Steal- the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon Changed the World by Sy Montgomery for YALSA’s The Hub blog. Members as the winner. It was a thrill to hear the · Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and wrote posts about nonfi ction to help draw announcement at the ALA Youth Media the Never-Ending Search for a Cure by attention to the award. We also sent calls for Awards after all of the hard work our Jim Murphy and Alison Blank fi eld nominations out on library and literature committee had put in over the past year and · The Mighty Mars Rovers: The listservs, and on Twitter. a half. The joy continues as we hear from Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Our eligibility window ended on readers and librarians who love these books Opportunity by Elizabeth Rusch October 31, 2012. Nominations had as much as we do. · Impossible Rescue: The True Story to be in by the fi rst week of November. of an Amazing Arctic Adventure by We did a preliminary straw poll to see Martin W. Sandler where the committee stood at that point. Our Finalists: · Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax We scheduled a conference call for mid- · Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Explosion of 1917 by Sally M. Walker November, and each member was given a Diff erent by Karen Blumenthal · Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick chance to speak up for books they felt had · Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Man and the Paleoamerican World by been overlooked, or give reasons why they Great Survivor B95 by Phillip Hoose Sally M. Walker thought another book might be problematic · Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by · Charles Dickens and the Street Children as a fi nalist. In the last week of November, Deborah Hopkinson of London by Andrea Warren. YALS

34 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 feature Hot Spot: Awards & Lists

o you have an iPhone in your pocket or an iPad in your library? YALSA’s Teen Book DIf you do, you may already reach for these devices when you’re with a group of teens and someone has a question or needs a book recommendation. Giving Finder App: Going that advice is now even easier once you download YALSA’s Teen Book Finder app. YALSA’s Teen Book Finder is a free resource that gives you instant searchable Mobile with YALSA’s access to three years’ worth of YALSA’s awards and lists. Search by title, author, genre, award, or list and access a cover Awards and Lists image, a brief summary, and links to the award or list on which titles appear. The Teen Book Finder includes a variety of ways to browse for books. By Erin Daly Get started by taking a look at the Hot Picks of the day, three titles that appear on the home screen when you open the app. From there, tap “Search” to see the collection development tools. With teens going on a road trip? They can fi nd search options. You might also want to YALSA’s Teen Book Finder, librarians an audiobook to listen to in the car with browse the list of authors and look for can check their shelves against the current the whole family, by searching the Odyssey familiar names, look at the list of books lists while they’re in the stacks to discover Award and Amazing Audiobooks sections in a particular genre, or choose an award the new titles that should be added to the of the app, and sending mom or dad to or booklist to peruse. If you’re at home, collection. the library to pick up what they selected. or anywhere outside the library, and need Teens can use YALSA’s Teen Book If you know teens who haven’t had time a book, you can search local libraries Finder to locate something to read for to read for fun in a while, are looking for with the “Find It” feature, which uses fun or for school. If teens need to read an something new and exciting, or signed the OCLC WorldCat Search API to award winner, a book from a specifi c genre, up for summer reading at the local public direct you to the closest library where or a free choice book for homework, they library without a book in mind, the Teen the book you want is in the catalog. You can browse YALSA’s Teen Book Finder Book Finder will help them fi nd just the can create a list of your favorite books, from their classroom and then head to the right title to get started. or share books on Facebook or Twitter library to get the book they locate with Parents can use YALSA’s Teen to recommend them to your friends. the app. They can also fi nd a book by a Book Finder to connect with teens Currently only for iOS devices, YALSA’s favorite author while out and about, or through books. Moms and dads looking Teen Book Finder will be released for search the genre lists while hanging out to encourage a reluctant reader can browse Android devices in 2013. with friends and choose a title to pick up at the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Librarians know that recommending the library on the way home. Do you know Adult Readers list. A parent in search of books can happen anywhere: during library programs, when visiting community groups, or in line at the grocery store. ERIN DALY is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Chicopee With YALSA’s Teen Book Finder in your Public Library in Chicopee, Massachusetts. She is a regular pocket, you can be ready to recommend a great book wherever you are. Creating a contributor to the YALSAblog’s App of the Week feature, and also list with the “Favorites” feature provides blogs for YALSA’s The Hub: Your Connection to Teen Reads. For her quick access to titles you love to share. thoughts on youth, technology, and day-to-day library life, follow YALSA’s awards and lists are great her on Twitter @ErinCerulean.

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 35 Going Mobile with YALSA’s Awards and Lists

a gift for the teen who is always reading left on the kitchen table, they can use the typing is required: just tap a title, a name might want to browse the Michael L. app to learn more. Parents might then of an author, or a list, and go. Wherever Printz Award list while perusing the take it one step further and use the app’s you are, the YALSA Teen Book Finder shelves at a bookstore. Parents in need summary of the book to start a discussion app can help you connect with great of a book for the teen who will only read with their teen. books for teens. fantasy can search the genre list from All of this is possible with YALSA’s You and the teens you serve can home and then check to see if a chosen Teen Book Finder and your mobile download the Teen Book Finder from book is available in the library. If a parent device. Searching YALSA’s awards and the Apple app store or learn more on the is curious about the book with the Morris booklists through the app is even faster YALSA website at www.ala.org/yalsa/ Award symbol on the cover that their teen than using a web browser. Very little products. YALS

Guidelines for Authors

Young Adult Library Services is the offi cial publication of the Young relating to teen services and spotlights signifi cant activities and Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American programs of the division. Library Association. Young Adult Library Services is a vehicle for For submission and author guidelines, please visit www.yalsa. continuing education of librarians working with young adults (ages ala.org/yals/ and click on “Submissions.” twelve through eighteen) that showcases current research and practice

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Find the latest YALSA news every Friday at the YALSA Blog, http://yalsa.ala.org/blog.

Join YALSA at ALA about the program from current TTT magazine. Enjoy a plated lunch and Annual Conference! groups, receive tips on how to run a similar receive a poster and book from the ALSA has big plans for Annual program in your library, and meet authors author. Ticket cost is $65. 2013—join us in Chicago, IL, June who have appeared on the Teens’ Top Ten · YA Author Coff ee Klatch Y28—July 1 for four action-packed list (like the 2012 winner, Veronica Roth, Sunday, June 30, 9 to 10 a.m. days with plenty of opportunities for author of “Divergent”; Susan Beth Pfeff er Enjoy coff ee and meet with YALSA’s learning, networking, and meeting your author of “Life As We Knew It”, and award winning authors! This favorite authors. To see all that YALSA nominee Cory Doctorow). informal coff ee klatch will give you has to off er, visit http://tinyurl.com/ YA Lit Bloggers’ Summit 12:30 an opportunity to meet authors who YALSAan13. to 4:30 p.m. have appeared on one of YALSA’s six To register, please visit www. A must-attend event for YA lit annual selected lists or have received alaannual.org. Already registered? You can bloggers! Take your blog to the next level one of YALSA’s fi ve literary awards. add special events such as the luncheon by participating in a discussion of the state Authors include: Derf Backderf, honoring Edwards Award winner Tamora of YA lit and networking with bloggers, Hannah Barnaby, Beverley Brenna, Pierce, to your existing registration reviewers, publishers and authors. Topics Jeff rey Brown, Selene Castrovilla, in two ways: (1) by phone: Call ALA such as leadership, marketing, tech help, Kristin Elizabeth Clark, Trish Cook, Registration at 1 (800) 974-3084 and review writing, ethics and copyright will be Carolee Dean, Simone Elkeles, ask to add the Edwards Luncheon to covered. You’ll leave with new contacts in Rachel Hartman, Brigid Kemmerer, your existing registration; or (2) Online: blogging and publishing, a clear vision for Peter Lerangis, David Levithan, Click on the dashboard link found in your how to make a positive mark in the vibrant Jonathan Maberry, Lauren Myracle, registration confi rmation email. If you world of YA lit, and a swag bag courtesy of Leslea Newman, Tamora Pierce, need additional assistance adding events, Little Brown Books for Young Readers. Robin Sloan, Tanya Lee Stone, call CompuSystems at 866-513-0760 or Elizabeth Wein, and more. Librarians email [email protected]. will sit at a table and every 3 or 4 Author Events minutes, a new author will arrive at YALSA will also host three additional your table to talk! Ticket cost is $25. Preconferences ticketed events: · Michael L. Printz Program and YALSA will off er two half-day Reception Monday, July 1, 8 to 10 p.m. preconferences on June 28! Each costs $89 · Margaret A. Edwards Luncheon Come listen to Nick Lake, the for students and $129 for all others and Saturday, June 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2013 Michael L. Printz winner for includes a snack break and certifi cate of Come join us for lunch and listen to his book In Darkness, and honor completion. Tamora Pierce, winner of the 2013 book authors Benjamin Alire Sáenz Ten Years of YALSA’s Teens’ Margaret A. Edwards Award, speak (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Top Ten 8:30 a.m. to Noon about her Song of the Lioness series Secrets of the Universe); Elizabeth Join YALSA for a half day and The Protector of the Small Wein (Code Name Verity); Terry preconference to celebrate the tenth quartet. The award honors their Pratchett (Dodger); and Beverley anniversary of Teens’ Top Ten (TTT)! signifi cant and lasting contribution to Brenna (The White Bicycle) speak The Teens’ Top Ten is a “teen choice” list, writing for teens. The annual award about their writing, followed by a where teens nominate and choose their is administered by YALSA and dessert reception. The annual award favorite books of the previous year. Learn sponsored by School Library Journal is administered by YALSA and

38 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 sponsored by Booklist magazine. Congratulations to Eighteen fi nalists competed at City Ticket cost is $34. the YALSA Writing College in New York, NY for ringside Award Winners tickets at WrestleMania 29. All fi nalists Advanced registration ends June 21 – YALSA named the winners of its won hotel, tickets and spending money for YALSA members can save $30 over onsite second annual YALSA Writing Award, them and a parent or guardian to attend registrations costs. with members winning prizes in four WrestleMania29. The fi nalists sponsoring Find more details about registration categories: library receives a $2,000 contribution to and housing at the ALA Annual Web support local literacy programs. site, www.alaannual.org. For more details · Heather Gruenthal for best article Each fi nalist from grades 5–6 was on YALSA’s Annual schedule, visit the in the previous volume of Young provided a copy of Over Sea, Under Stone, YALSA Annual Conference wiki, http:// Adult Library Services, for “A School by Susan Cooper. Each fi nalist from tinyurl.com/YALSAan13. Library Advocacy Alphabet” (Vol. 11, grades 7–8 was provided a copy of Number 1) Chronicles of Harris Burdick, by Chris Van · Maria Kramer for best post on The Allsburg, and each fi nalist from grades 9–12 YALSA Member Awards Hub between Dec. 1, 2011, and Nov. a copy of This Dark Endeavor, by Kenneth and Grant Winners 30, 2012, for “A Salute to the Hunger Oppel. Finalists read the titles in preparation Each year YALSA gives more than Games” for the fi nal competition April 6. $125,000 in awards and grants to its · Shannon Crawford Barniskis for best member. The deadline to apply is article in the previous volume of The December 1 and applications must be Journal of Research on Libraries and Grades 5–6 current members of YALSA. Young Adults for “Graffi ti, Poetry, · Fiona Woolley, Galway-Cavendish- The 2013 awards and grants winners are: Dance: How Public Library Art Harvey, Ontario, Canada, sponsored Programs Aff ect Teens” Vol. 2, by Heather Kennedy · Baker & Taylor Conference Number 3 (Fall) · Angelina Manfredini, Westchester, Grants: Abby Harwood and Juanita · Gretchen Kolderup for best post Ill., sponsored by Andrew Troppito Kamalipour on the YALSAblog between Dec. · Estevan Morales, Syracuse, N.Y., · YALSA/ABC-CLIO/Greenwood 1, 2011, and Nov. 30, 2012, for sponsored by Christina Limpert Service to Young Adults Achievement “Connect, Create, Collaborate: Think · Joshua Bendle, Quinton, Pa., Award: Gretchen Kolderup Locally, Act Locally!” sponsored by Peg Noctor · BWI/YALSA Collection · Dianna Nielsen, Port Jeff erson Development Grant: Cory Eckert and The journal authors each won $500 Station, N.Y., sponsored by Nicole Marie Ritson and the blog authors each won $200. The Taormina · MAE Award for Best Literature YALSA Writing Award recognizes the · Autumn Dudley, San Diego, Calif., Program for Teens: Kristen Pelfrey contribution of YALSA members who sponsored by Leticia Castellanos. · Frances Henne/YALSA/VOYA have written an article of blog post for Research Grants: Rachel M. Magee the association’s journals or blogs that · Great Books Giveaway: Allen Parish is timely, original, relevant to YALSA Grades 7–8 Libraries in Oberlin, La. (1st); The members, and well-written. · Harneek Kapoor, Calgary, Alberta, Foundation Schools in Largo and Canada, sponsored by Jessica Bates Gaithersburg, Md. (2nd); John B. · Yesenia Castelan, Whiting, Ind., Hood Junior High School in Odessa, YALSA, WWE® Name sponsored by Montserrat Inglada Texas (3rd) WrestleMania® Reading · Fenesse Walker, Rochester, N.Y., · Volunteer of the Year Awards: the 2012 Challenge Champions sponsored by Meghan Kitz YA Literature Symposium Taskforce The WrestleMania Reading Challenge · Marc Ortiz, Ramon Pons, (Hannah Berry, Patty Carleton, Championships were held April 6! Bridgeport, Conn., sponsored by Carolyn Dietz, Kate Pickett McNair Congratulations to our three champions, Diane Antonelli [chair], Carla Riemer and Tom Spicer) who won ringside tickets to the big event, · Frankie Sindelar, Billings, Mont., and Gretchen Kolderup for her role as WrestleMania 29 at MetLife Stadium in sponsored by Jennifer Kruger. chair of the The Hub Advisory Board East Rutherford, New Jersey. · YALSA Writing Awards: Shannon Crawford Barniskis, Heather Gruenthal, · Grades 5–6: Dianna Nielsen, Port Grades 9–12 Gretchen Kolderup and Maria Kramer Jeff erson Station, N.Y. · Kazek Israni-Winger, Oakville, · Grades 7–8: Harneek Kapoor, Ontario, Canada, sponsored by Elise To apply for 2014 awards and grants Calgary, Alberta, Canada C Cole visit www.ala.org/yalsa/awards&grants. · Grades 9–12: Kenyan Gustafson, · Kenyan Gustafson, Sleepy Hollow, All applications are due Dec. 1, 2013. Sleepy Hollow, Ill. Ill., sponsored by Danielle Pacini

Spring 2013 Young Adult Library Services YALS 39 · Benjamin Havel, Gloversville, N.Y., the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, www.ala.org/teenread. Teen Read Week sponsored by Carla Bengle-Mackey which also provides grants for summer is Oct. 13–19 and will be celebrated with · Joanna Wallace, Hopewell, Va., reading programs. To join and access a theme of Seek the Unknown @ your sponsored by Patricia Scanlan the materials available on the YALSA library, which dares you to read for the · Javier Llantin Cruz, Bridgeport, Teen Summer Reading Programs site, fun of it. Conn., sponsored by Michael visit http://summerreading.ning.com. You can also buy offi cial Teen Read Bielawa The website will be updated throughout Week products from YALSA and ALA · Rose Gonzalez, San Diego, Calif., the spring and summer and is a great Graphics at http://www.alastore.ala.org/ sponsored by Leticia Castellanos. place to share ideas and brainstorm with trw13, including the downloadable Teen fellow teen services librarians and library Read Week Manual, created by the 2013 Thanks to everyone who participated workers. Teen Read Week committee, with tips in the Challenge this year! Keep an eye out on programming, publicity, displays, and on www.ala.org/wrestlemania for future more relating to the 2013 theme. Other updates. Get Ready for Teen products include posters, bookmarks, Read Week™, and more, all featuring this year’s science Oct. 13–19, 2013 fi ction, mysteries, nonfi ction, and more 2013 Teen Summer YALSA kicked off Teen Read Week art theme. Purchases support the work of Reading Programs 2013 on April 18 by launching the YALSA and ALA. Website Teen Read Week website, opening In addition YALSA will be As the hub for summer reading and registration, and off ering resources for distributing ten Teen Read Week summer learning, YALSA’s 2013 Teen the annual celebration of teen reading, program grants, funded by the Dollar Summer Reading Programs website is a including activity ideas, planning General Literacy Foundation. Details place to exchange information and ideas resources, publicity tools, products, including an application form can that helps in implementing programs for and more. More information including be found at www.ala.org/teenread. and with teens. The website is funded by registration benefi ts can be found at Applications are due July 1. YALS

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40 YALS Young Adult Library Services Spring 2013 Trade Paperback: 978-0-7653-2961-5 $9.99/$10.99, 384 pages In Hardcover Hardcover: February 2013 978-0-7653-2958-5 978-0-7653-2959-2 $17.99/$19.99, 368 pages $17.99/$19.99, 400 pages eBook: eBook: 978-1-4299-8773-8 978-1-4299-4945-3

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