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YALSA, in partnership with the (COSLA), is implementing "Transforming Teen Services: a Train the Trainer Approach" from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021. This effort brings together state library agency (SLA) youth consultants and front-line library staff for a robust training program. In the first year of the project a pilot cohort made up of SLA and front-line staff from AL, ME, MN, RI and WI received training and began facilitating learning for library staff in their states. In year two, 109 more SLA and front-line staff will be trained and they will then train others in their states.

A is available.

This project is supported by a grant from the (IMLS). Read the grant proposal (.pdf) and the .

Project Background

Recent reports such as the Aspen Institute’s and YALSA’s IMLS-funded outline a new vision for public libraries and teen services that can only be achieved by building the knowledge and skills of library staff. While some schools of library and information science are looking at how to re-imagine their curricula for pre-service library staff, it is also essential that at the same time there is a united effort to develop strategic directions for cultivating the skills of those already working in the field. This latest project builds on the earlier work YALSA and COSLA did via their .

State Library Agency staff play a critical leadership role in the development and delivery of library-related continuing education (CE) to front line library staff. By implementing a training program for and with youth services representative from each of the 50 SLAs as well as front-line library staff, YALSA and COSLA will achieve the next step toward developing a coordinated, efficient, and effective process for transforming teen services throughout the U.S., so that teen programs and services enhance civic and cultural engagement, facilitate lifelong learning, promote digital inclusion, and support economic vitality.

Contact YALSA at yalsa@ala.org with questions.