Starting from Scratch

Being a new YA librarian can be difficult, especially if one is coming into a library in which serving teens is a new concept or has been an afterthought in the past. Ludwig provides plenty of real-world advice and ideas to invigorate and educate new librarians and reenergize those who have been working with teens for awhile. She gives great advice on how to start teen programs, from developing a department mission statement to what to do when no one shows up. Her well-thought-out chapters focus on the main points, starting from scratch with the space, and moving on to the collection, programming, outreach, the budget, and professional development. New technologies are also examined; social networking and gaming are represented throughout. Anecdotal examples are offered as well. This well-written and helpful book will be invaluable to both new and seasoned teen librarians as well as those thinking about pursuing a career working with teens.—Traci Glass, Eugene Public Library, OR