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