LIS 518 Young Adult Literature & Related Media


CLASS DESCRIPTION
LIS 518: Young Adult Literature and Related Materials looked at adolescent literature and related materials for young people in grades 7-12. The course included weekly readings, video assignments, and discussion posts exploring the history of young adult literature, teen privacy rights, inclusive programming, and other issues affecting teens in libraries. I wrote book reviews on titles from YALSA book lists, created a booktalk video to engage teen readers, and created a resource list on a topic relevant to young adult services. Through these assignments, I improved my understanding of YA literature and its role in supporting, engaging, and empowering teens.

ASSIGNMENT
This assignment was to create a resource list on a theme of my choice. I chose this theme to introduce teen girls to various career opportunities and encourage them to explore possibilities they may not have considered. Many young people are unaware of the diverse career paths available, and career assessments may not accurately reflect their unique passions and interests. I selected five books along with five additional media resources: two games, two documentaries, and one website that aligned with this theme. I included an image and a brief summary for each book and resource. 

REFLECTION

Creating a young adult resource list is an effective way to enhance reader advisory skills by learning more about the library's collection and resources available through other avenues such as databases and interlibrary loan, as well as improving my book-matching abilities. This helps me become more familiar with available titles, discover hidden gems, and identify gaps in genres, formats, or representation. It also enables me to assess reader preferences and consider themes, pacing, tone, and patron needs. The process sharpens my communication and marketing skills as I present books in a clear and compelling manner. The more I engage with reader advisory, the greater my confidence and ability to recommend diverse materials. By sharing content in a digital format, I gain experience interacting with my audience in a different setting that can increase my reach and impact. 

Developing my technical skills in researching materials, creating blog posts, and utilizing images and links enhances library services and community engagement. Researching materials keeps me informed about new books, diverse resources, and trends, while strengthening my reader advisory and collection development skills. I can use blog posts to showcase library programs, highlight books and resources, and extend the library's reach, connecting patrons with our digital offerings. Engaging, well-structured content will draw readers in and encourage them to explore what the library has to offer. These skills also enhance communication, advocacy, and professional development by illustrating the library's mission and impact as we share our resources with patrons and stakeholders.