Article #2

Chalton, Mary K. (2006). Perspectives on Practice: Young Adult Collections are more than Young Adult Literature. Young Adult Library Services. 4(3), 10-11. Retrieved from Wilson Web database.
Summary:
Chalton explains in this article that as a Young Adult librarians should be up to date with the newest media formats. This will help keep young people using the library for more than just homework. It tells of how through the years libraries have had to adapt to fast changing technology. No longer are we talking about YA fiction novels as the most important section for young people. Now it has changed more to magazines and surprisingly more non-fiction materials. She explains that children today need to have variety so they do not get bored. She makes the point to have a variety of magazines available based on the observed interests of young patrons. Information pamphlets based on issues facing these young adults everyday as well as local, regional, and national newspapers. Now that most information can be located on the internet it is important to have multimedia formats of different library products. Audiobooks are becoming more popular but most are in CD format which many children do not use anymore. They want books to be available for download to their IPOD or other Mp3 players. The main idea of this article is keep your YA section up to date and research what young people like and focus on technology. Do you research carefully because you do not want to spend your money on materials no one will use.
Reaction:
This article is extremely important, especially in today’s society. With technology growing so fast it is hard for libraries to keep up. Plus, technology is expensive so money has to be spent wisely. I really liked the fact the article spoke about how non-fiction is becoming more popular with the young adults. Catering to this trend is a way for libraries to use materials already in the library, just promote them differently toward young people. Multimedia resources are a definite for a YA section nowadays. Kids have active lives and television has made it hard for them to sit down and read. Having audiobooks on hand is important so these kids can have a “real” book read to them. I think the Kindle offered by Amazon.com is a fantastic way for young adults to get their literature. It meets the latest technology fashion: it’s small, electronic, has other features, and will keep kids’ attention. I think these should be available in all literature classes from ninth grade through college. The library could become an outlet for this type of media. Meaning, where young people can come and download anything they want for free (or small fee).