ILS 512  Materials and Services for Adolescents



Course Description:  The needs, interests, and motivation of young people as related to reading are examined
through a critical study of resources suitable for teens.

Course Objectives:  Student will:
  • Analyze types of current material for adolescents using accepted standards of criticism and evaluation.
  • Discuss the reviewing media, bibliographic tools and sources of materials with particular emphasis on scope, authority, accuracy and inclusiveness.
  • Read and review a large variety of current materials for adolescents for self-knowledge and use with adolescents.
  • Display some knowledge of programming for adolescents in different types of libraries and for special types of adolescents.
  • Articulate a collection building philosophy and policy for various types of libraries for adolescents and for various groups of adolescents. 
     
      
      ILS 512 provided a practical foundation in collection development.  Extensive reading of young adult literature across all genres provided a broad exposure to popular literature over the past forty years. Analyzing these resources through personal exposure in addition to reading many critical reviews built a knowledge base from which a solid collection of young adult resources could be designed. An assignment to develop a bibliography of resources  which would present multiple viewpoints of an event in history required the evaluation and selection of resources supporting core competency 2B.  The value of each resource was judged critically for its value in supporting the middle school curriculum.  Similarly, the development of a programming lesson on Post Revolutionary War America for seventh grade students required the collaboration of content area and information literacy skills to align the objectives and resources to be used.  This exercise introduced the issues involved in managing  various collections within the school library collection, and ensuring their alignment with curriculum needs (2C).  The greatest personal and professional value that was gained in this course was the accumulation of knowledge regarding young adult literature and the exposure to reliable sources of review.  As a school media specialist, I am often asked for recommendations for reading materials.  It is incumbent upon me to keep abreast of current literature and be able to explain the value and pleasure to be derived from each resource.  The creation of a summer reading list of contemporary titles that will motivate young adults to read was a testament to the value of staying abreast of literature that keeps the interest of the young adult audience.