Topic Paper - A Guide to Young Adult Readers' Advisory

For this assignment, I chose to highlight tips and tools used to better improve the YA readers' advisory experience.

First, I started with a bit of background of the readers' advisory process. The readers' advisory interview is key to helping our patrons find more books to their liking. We ask questions like; "What did you just finish reading?", "What elements of the book did you like the most?", "Do you want to continue reading books by the same author, or would you like to branch out?". These base questions are essential to perform the interview and lead the reader to their next book. I also highlighted that most young adult literature is fiction, for readers ages 12 to 18. However, "New Adult Literature" is aimed at young adults from ages 18 to 30.

Second, I wrote about the characteristics of YA literature:

• The authors write from the viewpoint of young people
• YA literature is fast paced
• YA novels deal with emotions that resonate with the reader
• Characters from many different ethnic and cultural groups
• "I want the credit!" - young adult protagonists are often trying to prove themselves by solving their problems on their own, without the help of parents
• Coming of age narrative
• Issues of identity, such as class, religion, or race
• Language in the novels' dialogue reflects the way teens speak, using slang

Third, I began writing about the way we market to YA readers, by way of social media like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. On YouTube, publishers and authors create book trailers to "tease" the reader and spark their interest on an upcoming title. Another marketing idea is the awards given to books. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) provides various awards for YA books that have appealed (or still appeal) to the readers.

• Michael L. Printz Award
• Odyssey Award
• Morris Award
• Edwards Award
• Nonfiction Award

With the knowledge of these award winning books, librarians can better direct their YA readers towards highly accredited and praised books. These books can be displayed in a teen space of a public library where YA readers can see the books and the librarians can offer up suggestions.

Another marketing initiative is the creation of movies or television adaptations based off of popular YA reads. Librarians in a teen space can advertise for a movie night showing films that are based off of books such as:

• Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
• Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
• Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

Fourth, I listed tips and tools that can be useful in the YA readers' advisory interview and process.
Tools:

• Realistic Fiction LibGuide -  http://libraryschool.libguidescms.com/content.php?pid=705912&sid=5853305
• Best Fiction for Young Adults Booklist -  http://www.ala.org/yalsa/best-fiction-young-adults
• Goodreads.com - free website where patrons can curate lists of books they want to read, are reading, or have already read. Readalikes can be found here, which will lead to the next read
• Literature Map - http://www.literature-map.com - The user types in an author's name and the website generates a web of other authors that have similar writing styles and genres

Tips:

• Keep popular materials stocked and make sure to replace copies if they are worn out
• Besides YA fiction, have nonfiction, magazines, graphic novels, and audiobooks readily available in your collection
• Be familiar with the material
• Create eye catching displays for the YA readers to see when they enter the teen space
• If a YA reader is nervous about coming up to your desk to ask about a book, be open to getting out from behind the desk and approaching them, asking "Can I help you find a book you're looking for?"
• Create a rapport and connection with the patron
• Display staff picks of different YA titles
• Make sure to listen to a YA patrons' likes and dislikes
• Don't make any type of judgment when speaking to YA readers about books
• Don't push your own favorite books onto a teen
• Don't tune out or stop listening to your patron
• Don't narrow your knowledge of YA books to fiction only

References:

11. Barbakoff, A. (2014). Readers’ advisory to teens: An adult services librarians’      guide. Retrieved from https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/novelist-special/readers-advisory-to-teens

22. Bertin, J. (2017). What are the characteristics of young adult literature8?   Retrieved from https://education.onehowto.com/article/what-are-the- characteristics-of-young-adult-literature-11042.html

33. Hogan, P. (2011). Tips for young adult readers’ advisory. Retrieved from http://www.alaeditions.org/blog/163/tips-young-adult-readers-advisory

44. YALSA Book Awards. (2017). Retrieved from   http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/bookawards

55. YA LIT. (2005). Retrieved from     http://www.breitlinks.com/my_libmedia/adolescent_lit.htm