New York State Library

Division of Library Development

Youth Services Program

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

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

• Nothing but the Best: Professional Standards for Youth services in Public Libraries in New York State. Albany, NY: New York Library Association Youth Services Section, 2006.
  
• Kids Welcome Here! Writing Public Library Policies That Promote Use by Young People. Anne E. Simon, Ed. Albany, NY: New York Library Association, 1990. Also, Kids Still Welcome Here! An Update of Public Library Policies That Promote Use by Young People. Albany, NY: New York Library Association Youth Services Section, 2001.
• Many Moons: A Year of Planning for Youth Services Librarians in Public Libraries in New York State (in .PDF format)

Resources for Librarians Who Serve Children and Young Adults

Last modified on January 30, 2007 -- asm
For questions, comments or suggestions, contact Cassandra Artale
URL: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/youthsvs/index.html