Getting kids excited about the library isn't as difficult as media librarians think. All it takes is giving them some control. They'll be surprised at how quickly their attitudes change once they let them play a role in everything from programming and technology to book selection and design. It may take some getting used to, but listening to what…

Discusses the popularity of prebound paperback books in secondary school libraries based on a survey of librarians in four states. Highlights include cost considerations, appeal, durability, selection, services, catalogs, and premiums. (EM)

This annotated bibliography lists 45 children's books and 29 young adult books selected by School Library Journal's Book Review staff and Young Adult Review committee, respectively. Arrangement is alphabetical by author with the grade level indicated for children's books. (EJS)

Profiles eight youth services librarians from public and school libraries, who participated in a recent American Library Association seminar. Describes reasons for career choice, learning experiences, salary, public image, duties performed and programs developed, highlights of the job, librarian teacher cooperation, technology, library education,…

Discusses the need to provide appropriate materials in school libraries that offer support to gay and lesbian teens. Topics addressed include the presentation of role models, in fiction as well as in biographies; religious diversity; confidentiality of circulation records; and censorship issues. (LRW)

Sixteen leaders in the field of youth librarianship share their perspectives on the last 40 years and predictions for the future. Topics include major issues, changes in public and school library services, censorship, changes in users and the impact on library service, changes in children's books, and the future role of libraries and librarians.…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 88 videos released between 1990 and 1994 designed to help children and young adults become more knowledgeable about the transmission and prevention of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Order information and grade levels are given to help school library selectors…

Presents results of survey analyzing pleasure reading habits of gifted and other elementary school students covering types of books, where books are obtained, favorite authors, importance of reading, activities that encouraged reading, early childhood books, number of books owned, and enjoyment of reading. Role of schools and libraries are…

Each weekday when school let out, the Queens Library at Far Rockaway--a branch of the Queens Library in New York City--would fill with nearly 100 teens. Drawn by the public-use computers, many others, who had dropped out of school, would also crowd in. To invoke a cliche, the situation was both an opportunity and a challenge. The popularity of the…

Discussion of the need to advocate for library services to young people focuses on the role of school and public libraries in children's lives from birth through age 5 and from 10 through 14. Brain development, family intervention, children's attitudes and self-expectations, and state and local elements are discussed. (LRW)

Describes the first White House Conference on Library and Information Services and assesses its impact on youth services in school and public libraries. It is concluded that the conference had little influence on youth services and ways in which youth librarians can take a more active role in the upcoming second conference are discussed. (two…

A school librarian reviews CD-ROM encyclopedias, determining their suitability for school and public library use with children and young adults, and favoring content and accessibility over special features and multimedia enhancements. Outlines essential considerations when choosing encyclopedias (price, network and print versions, and online…

Online safety is obsolete. A concept little changed since the 1990s, it's one size fits all, emphasizing fear instead of facts, with young people stereotyped as potential victims in a hostile media environment. It's past time for Online Safety 3.0. Why 3.0? Previous versions--1.0 and 2.0--focused on inappropriate content, adult-to-child crime, and…

HomeworkNYC Apps is a suite of tools designed to provide around-the-clock help to the estimated 1.3 million children and teens served by the libraries of New York City. Aimed at being a one-stop shop for all things homework related, the HomeworkNYC website offers access to library catalogs and databases, browsable subject guides, and even…

Audiobooks are excellent tools to help students build literacy skills as well as improve listening, writing, and vocabulary competencies. In many shared or independent reading situations, audiobooks offer support to reluctant and struggling readers, special-needs students, and English-language learners. They are also embraced by voracious readers.…