Raising the Bar in Public Libraries: Literacy, Adolescent Development and Young Adult Services

Abstract

This article takes a close look at teenage education and development with the intent of discovering ways in which public libraries can be of better service to a currently underserved population. The research in the area of literacy and learning reveals that over time adults and educators have begun to expect teens to develop a certain skill set. While helping teens to develop skills is of great importance, some expectations are unnecessary and potentially very damaging. Educational theory relates that the educational mold in the United States, while helping many, is not right for all people and a number of the ways teenagers learn (their intelligences) are not being catered to. Here public libraries have a distinct advantage and opportunity to fill some of the gaps. The research in adolescent brain development is also analyzed to the benefit of better understanding the teenage population. This increased understanding can help Young Adult Services Librarians cater their collections and programming to better suit and assist the teens being served.

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