NSW public library wiki

Module 11 Young Adults (Reference Excellence)

Suggested answers for Module 11 exercises - Discuss the questions and your answers with your supervisor, trainer or colleagues.

Young adults

1. Check your library's collection development policy regarding resources for young adults.
2. What kind of materials which relate to reference are collected for young adults?
3. Does your library collect textbooks and study guides?
4. What eBooks are available through your library to suit young adults?

Check your website and Intranet in case you have one. It may also still be available in print, check your catalogue. You may need to talk with your Collection's staff.

High school curriculum and HSC

Carry out these exercises using high school and HSC support materials.

1. Look in the catalogue - what subject headings are used for school and HSC resources?
2. Look at the shelves - do you have a separate school and HSC collection?
3. Look at online resources - which databases and websites are the most relevant for students?
4. Does your library use mobile apps to access your catalogue and collection?
5. What eBooks can students access through your library?

Hint - If your library has an app, use it to see what the search looks like compared to the computer view. Are the results the same?

How easy were these for you to find? Discuss your findings with your supervisor, trainer or colleagues.

Readers' advisory

1. Use the catalogue to find books suitable for young adult readers. What subject headings are in the record?
2. Find a book about Minecraft or Lego suitable for a 13 year old. What additional resource would you suggest you library purchase on either of these topics?
3. What coding resources does you library hold or have access to that would suit young adult readers?
4. How would you go about satisfying a request for a historical novel for a young adult reader? List three titles.
5. What 'self help' guides are available in the library for young adults who prefer to search independently without staff intervention?
6. Use the library catalogue to locate any resources suitable for young adults with English as a second language.
7. Access your library's Novelist or Gale Books and Authors subscription and search for a read-a-like young adult novel for The Hunger Games. How many titles did you find?

Discuss your findings with your supervisor, trainer or colleagues.

• Don't hesitate to assist young adults.
• Be welcoming and approachable.
• Developed your knowledge of young adult collections.

What to do when you finish the module…

When you have completed the exercises for this module, you may want to talk to your supervisor, trainer or colleagues about them.

Please fill out and submit the evaluation form

Reference Excellence - self paced reference and information services training

About Reference Excellence

Module 1 Overview of the reference process

Module 2 Reference interview skills and question types

Module 3 People skills, reference behaviours

Module 4 Search strategies

Module 5 Reference resources

Module 6 Ethics and legislation

Module 7 Roving reference

Module 8 Local studies

Module 9 Family history

Module 10 Children

Module 11 Young adults

Module 12 Corporate library services

Module 13 Technology reference services