New York State Library

Division of Library Development


Youth Services Program

Goals for Youth Services | Resources for Librarians Who Serve Children and Young Adults

Welcome to the New York State Library's Youth Services Web Resources. Our goal is to assist librarians in providing services to the youth of their community. We hope to offer resources that support the goals and objectives of youth services librarians throughout New York State. We welcome your comments and suggestions; please contact Cassandra Artale.

Goals for Youth Services:

  • Provide quality, equitable service to all young people from birth through High School
  • Attract new patrons and create lifelong learners and library supporters
  • Respect children and young adults and treat them with the same courtesy and attention other patrons receive
  • Supply developmentally appropriate materials and resources
  • Provide access to current information and communications technology
  • Promote general literacy and information literacy
  • Collaborate with other agencies that provide services to young people
  • Develop programs that meet and anticipate the constantly changing needs of patrons
  • Recognize that services available for adult users should be provided for children and young adults
  • Employ well-trained, qualified staff that demonstrate a love and respect for young people
  • Provide professional development and continuing education for staff members
  • Advocate for children and young adults
Young girl reading at Albany Public Library. Click for a larger version.

For more information on long-range planning and policies for youth services at your library, see:

Resources for Librarians Who Serve Children and Young Adults


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