YA Materials Resources

It is impossible to list only one resource for YA materials when there are so many that are valuable. It would also be impossible to use just one when working on creating a varied and useful teen collection. Each source will have its own spin or way of reviewing material and having a number of reviews for the same items (be it books, movies, or anything else) is a good idea. While one reviewer may find the work to be good everyone else could quite possibly find it to not to be worth ordering. Being able to have different points of view prior to spending budget money on a collection is a valuable option that could prevent wasting precious budget money. 

School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Voya are several sources that I typically use while at work for collection development purposes. Typically I use the print versions, as my library has subscriptions, though the online sources make nice additions to the print. These are the more scholarly sources and the ones that one could typically expect to find on the desk of any Young Adult or Children's librarian.

Other sources are used as well. They provide a bit more information or feedback on the various materials. some even cover materials other than books and movies, such as creating recaps of popular TV shows. Personally I find that useful as my library has a teen fandom club in which our teens get together once a month to discuss their favorite shows, movies, and sometimes books, as well as share their fan fiction. These are also sources that I had been reading prior to obtaining a job in which I was responsible for YA collection development. Most of these sources include various blogs and other websites, that while they make not be the professional and typical relied upon sources, are well composed and are generally fun to read, and quite a few are run and written by librarians. These sources are:

5 Minute Librarian

Forever Young Adult

Teen Librarian Toolbox


These are only a few of the many sources that one can find valuable in regards to YA materials. There are a number of others that I have used in the past, however the six listed are my most frequented websites and print magazines. Others may find different sources to be more useful, but these are my tried and true resources.