Use of This Document

These standards have been developed for use by:

• youth service librarians
• library staff in all departments
• library directors
• library trustees
• school and town administrators
• local and regional youth services consultants
• Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
• Massachusetts Library Association
• library school faculty
• library architects and planners
• members of the community
• Friends of the Library

These standards should be used to:

• Provide a blueprint for optimum library service for youth.
• Provide a tool to support requests for increased financial resources for youth services.
• Develop a long range plan for the youth services department which includes long and short term goals.
• Maintain an ongoing effort directed to library staff and members of the community which highlights the need for a strong youth services program.
• Lobby library planners for youth services space which prioritizes functionality before form.
• Support the efforts of youth service staff to provide optimum service to members of their community.
• Advocate the strengthening of existing youth services and the creation of new services.
• Strengthen the professional education of youth service librarians.
• Develop an action plan at the state board level for financially supporting optimum youth services.
• Support inclusion of the youth services librarian on any committee or group whose decisions will impact the delivery of services to youth.
• Maintain an ongoing effort directed to library staff and members of their community which highlights the importance and need for a strong youth services program.