Recently on YALSA-YAAC there has been some discussion regarding the terminology used to define library services to 12 – 18 year olds- is the term “young adults” an appropriate label for this age? Or is “young adults” more appropriate for the’ 19 – 35 age range?’ ‘ What ages should we be providing services for?’ Check out the discussion at http://lists.ala.org/wws/info/ya-yaac.
I’ve always struggled with the term “young adult” because as someone in the under 30 set, I’ve always considered myself a young adult.’ I have begun refering to my department “Teen Services” because not only is that the terminology that my target audience identifies for themselves, but it also clarifies the confusion for patrons unfamiliar with the ‘ library terminology.’ The biggest adjustment has been for staff, who struggle to no longer refer to the Young Adult area (recently named The Teen Zone through a vote of’ teen regulars) or me as the Young Adult Librarian (I go by Teen Services Librarian now).’ Officially, my library defines my service age as 13 – 18, truly the teen years, however I also provide services to the 10 – 12 year old set as well in collaboration with the Youth Services department.’ I believe that is how teen librarians should address the 19 – 25 set as well, through collaboration with Adult services.’
