Collections for Teens

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Teen library users run the gamut, and so should their collections. You need materials for precocious 6th graders, avid gamers, and SAT-focused seniors, usually with not enough money or space to feel like you’re fully meeting everyone’s needs. Add to that the state of publishing today, where books for middle schoolers are scarce and changing audience demographics in young adult literature have left many actual teens struggling to find books that don’t make them uncomfortable, and you’re left with a situation where you’ll need all your creativity and persistence to find the right materials for your teens. 

After participating in this event, you will:

  • Understand the fundamentals of curating, maintaining, and promoting collections for teens, including purchasing, booktalking, displays, and weeding
  • Have a list of resources to consult, including where to find reviews and other collection support tools
  • Be empowered to advocate for all materials for teens, including graphic novels, games, and streaming services

Registration for this course is included in the Teen Services 101 bundle.

Julie Jurgens has worked with children and their families for almost 25 years, with close to 20 spent in public libraries. In her career she's worked extensively with collections for youth, including six years spent managing a collection for birth-6th grade where she oversaw several projects to increase circulation and improve patron experience. She's also presented on outreach, readers advisory, trauma informed practice, and using music in programming at a variety of local, national, and international venues. Learn more about her work at himissjulie.com.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

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