Starting from Scratch: Building a Teen Library Program: Building a Teen Library Program

by Sarah Ludwig

Create a successful, vibrant, and youth-centered teen services program with this practical, comprehensive guide―even when resources are limited.

In order to develop a young adult department from the ground up, librarians need to be informed about a myriad of interrelated tasks and creating policies, purchasing materials, program scheduling, outreach, and budgeting. Even for libraries that already have teen-oriented materials within their facilities, keeping them current and fresh is a challenge, especially when budget or physical space is an issue.

Starting from Building a Teen Library Program is an instrumental resource for librarians who are either entering an established teen program with no previous experience, or establishing a new teen program in a library. It covers all steps in the process of becoming a successful teen librarian, from getting the job and advocating for a teen department to adding qualified staff and ongoing professional development.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2011

About the author

Sarah Ludwig is the Dean of Digital & Library Services at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. She comes to this position having managed two independent school libraries (Wilbraham & Monson and Hamden Hall Country Day), as well as multiple departments at the award-winning Darien Library.

In addition to articles in School Library Journal, Sarah writes two regular columns on the ALA Techsource blog and for VOYA’s Tag Team Tech Column. She’s blogged for YALSA and has been published in Public Libraries and YALS. ABC-CLIO published Sarah’s book, Starting from Scratch: Building a Teen Library Program, in June 2011.

In 2010, Sarah was selected as an American Library Association Emerging Leader. She is an instructor for Simmons College’s continuing education program and speaks locally and nationally. For a complete list of Sarah’s speaking engagements and training sessions, please visit her CV page.

Reviews

[Sarah]

The first year of my teen librarianship was very lonely-- I work at a small library that did not have any teen programming before I took the job. This book was a wonderful companion, offering great perspective & guiding principles.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an invaluable resource for any Young Adult/Teen librarian especially if you are just starting out but there is also plenty of information and encouragement here for established teen librarians who haven't read it yet.

I'm sure some of the blogs and websites or other resources are, by now, a little outdated but the bulk of the information has been very helpful to me as I start out in this daunting and exciting job. Starting with the very basics of getting hired, settling in, setting up a teens only space and starting a collection, this book takes you through step by step with plenty of suggestions for other resources and places to look for inspiration. Information is provided on programming, the Teen Advisory Board, outreach, budget, and finally, professional development.

I borrowed this book through inter-library loan and took copious notes. I am sure I will be borrowing it again sometime to review or scraping up the funds to purchase a copy of my own.

[Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having once worked with young adults in a school setting and always trying to figure out what kind of reading material would keep them busy and entertained I found Ms. Ludwig's informative book about developing your own Young Adult library extremely informative and useful, not just for libraries but for parents as well.She gives some great blogs and websites, I know because I checked them out. I just wish a little Canadian content was involved, maybe in the next printing!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful for those starting out with nothing at all!!