Anderson (2007) conveys some of the difficulties at work in young adult librarianship. There is some confusion over which books are acceptable for tweens and which books are better suited to teens. I noticed this discrepancy myself when visiting my local library this past week. The “middle school” section of the Carlsbad library houses Newbery Medal books, however, Michael L. Printz award-winning books are located in the teen department. Both awards are suitable for tweens; the latter award is geared towards twelve to eighteen-year-olds, whereas the former applies to those up to fourteen years.
In addition to controversies over where to place tween literature within the library, librarians wrestle over whether children’s or young adult librarians should be held responsible for tween programming. As discussed, there exists substantial overlap in the tween age category. Some tweens may identify more with children, while others may readily relate with adolescent groups. The wide range of tweens makes programming especially difficult. Instead of offering programming for separate ages, why not focus on specific interests instead? Tweens can choose to attend programs that reflect their specific tastes. There may be some programs that tweens would prefer to keep to those their own age. For example, literature circles and informational literacy classes are best when the participants are of the same age.
Anderson, S. (2007). Serving young teens and ‘tweens. Westport, CT: Libraries
Unlimited.
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