Statement on public library services to young people in Australia

The Australian Library and Information Association believes that all young people should have access to free public library services which provide materials and resources to meet their informational and recreational needs.

The term young people comprises both children and young adults. The term children for the purposes of this document is understood to refer to children aged from birth to twelve years inclusive. The term young adult for the purpose of this document is understood to refer to young people aged from thirteen to eighteen years inclusive.

This statement highlights the basic requirements of library service for young people and determines future directions of those services. It should be read in conjunction with Towards a quality service: goals, objectives and standards for public libraries in Australia [ALIA 1992].

The Association recommends that all public libraries:

1. Establish and maintain an accessible, well-balanced collection of material for young people:
   • by providing material on a wide range of subjects in a variety of formats for differing age levels and abilities;
   • by making this collection accessible to those of different ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and others with limited community resources, [for example, pre-schoolers];
   • by providing a well-balanced selection of current material which reflects the diverse interests of young people;
   • by maintaining the collection with regular reassessment, the discarding of old stock and replacement of standard titles.
2. Appoint specialist staff responsible for the co-ordination, management and operation of services for young people who should:
   • be eligible for Associate (professional) membership of ALIA;
   • be committed to developing knowledge of young people's material by wide reading, in-service training and networking and attendance seminars;
   • be considered as part of the senior management team;
   • liaise with other individuals and groups concerned with children's education, health and welfare at local, state and federal level.
3. Establish, develop, maintain and promote relevant services for young people:
   • by designing and implementing specific programs and activities for young people based on their needs and interests;
   • by serving the child as an individual and catering for those who have limited access to other community resources.
4. Establish a separate budget allocation for young people's materials and that:
   • this allocation should reflect the percentage of young people in the community and the diversity of their backgrounds, library use patterns and potential use;
   • staff responsible for service to young people should be responsible for management of the budget.

Library service to young people should be developed in response to: changing demographic data, funding implications, changing trends in the community and in concepts of library service, research development, client needs and yearly performance analysis.