Collection Development

One of the ways library staff can serve tweens and teens is by offering high quality, appealing materials in a comfortable, welcoming environment.  A library’s goal with young adult materials should be to meet their need for personal enrichment as well as their educational/curriculum support. Materials in a YA collection should be varied, carefully selected, highly promoted, diligently maintained, and vigorously defended. 

When reviewing and selecting materials, it is helpful to have a list of evaluation criteria to guide the selection process. Each library’s evaluation criteria will vary, but some basic ones include:

• Is the main character between the ages of twelve and eighteen?  (common preference is to read about characters that are slightly older than they are)
• Is the language natural?  (not too sophisticated or condescending)
• Is the book interesting and relevant to YA needs and interests?
• Is the theme suitable for a YA audience?
• Are there stereotypes?  Are characters portrayed in a biased or demeaning way?
• Does the book appeal to a wide variety of audiences including multicultural, military families, single parent homes?
• Are there a variety of material formats? Audiobooks, dvds, graphic novels, etc.

For more questions to consider with collection development, please see page 17 of the Workbook.