NSW public library wiki

What you will learn about reference services for young adults

This module will cover reference and information services for young adults aged from 12 to 24. You can use many of your existing skills in providing a reference service, but there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. This module is for all staff who provide a reference service in public libraries. Providing a positive library experience for young adults is important so they continue to use the library services.

Role of specialist staff

Your library may have someone with a specialist role providing services to young adults. Generally specialist young adult staff will have detailed knowledge of relevant collections and services. They will be happy to share their expertise and experience with you.

Young adults

Young adult as patrons

It is important to show respect for young adults and their information needs. What the young adult is asking is just as important as any other query you may deal with.

Talk with young adults

Talk to the young adults as a priority, rather than with their parent or carer.
The young adult is doing the assignment or asking the question and they need to be the focus of your attention.
Make sure the young person understands what you are saying.
Show that you are enthusiastic and approachable. It is encouraged to come out from behind the desk as this removes barriers, or under this as part of roving services.
Have a look at Module 7 Roving reference for some pointers.
There will be times when you will be talking to the parents when the young adult is not with them. Obtain as much information about the assignment or information need as possible.
Encourage the parent to bring their young adult to the library.
If the parent is asking for the information, remind them to check with the young adult that the resources are suitable.

Look at this article on brain development and this one on the health of young people. See the Module 10 for information about working with younger patrons.

Exercises for young adults

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

Module 11 Answers and review

High school curriculum and HSC

Find out what HSC resources and services your library has.

The NSW Education Standards Authority has links to all the syllabus requirements. Some universities have developed HSC focused resources.Charles Sturt is an example you can look at. Be sure to put some time aside to explore these resources.

Some libraries have already done the hard work for you. Websites like

Find Legal Answers
State Library HSC
State Library of NSW Study guides have plenty of HSC resources that are easily accessed and provide in-depth and reliable information.

Make students aware of plagiarism, copyright and the repercussions. NSW Board of Studies teaches All my own work to HSC students - however this information is relevant to all years

Ask your library's young adult specialist or your supervisor about how they work with local schools.

Exercises for high school curriculum and HSC

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

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

Discuss your findings with your colleagues or supervisor.

Module 11 Answers and review

Young adult readers advisory

Readers' advisory = information requests

What tools does your library have to help you with enquiries about young adults reading for recreation?
Does your library have young adult reading lists?
What websites, databases and print resources are available to help? Have a look for yourself and talk with your colleagues about this.
Have a look at how your young adult collection is shelved. How are series shelved? Are there any subject or genre headings to help? Are the subject headings in the catalogue?
How is the collection divided by age? Read a couple of titles from the young adult collection.
When suggesting a “book to read”, a good place to start is to ask what other books the person has read and why they enjoyed them. Remember it is important to be unjudgmental when assisting readers with suggestions.
The Readers' Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction Third Edition by Neal Wyatt and Joyce Saricks which is available on indyreads is very useful and includes discussion of pacing, characterization, story line, frame/setting, tone and language/style.
Indyreads resources for readers' advisory.

Has someone at your library attended readers' advisory training? Discuss this with your supervisor, who can contact Ellen Forsyth for more information.

Exercises for readers' advisory

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