Young Adult Library Services Association Core Professional Values

In contemporary society, libraries have evolved beyond their traditional role of providing books. Instead, they have become community hubs offering various services and resources, particularly for young adults. As a result, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has established a set of core professional values that guide library professionals working with teens. These values, developed by YALSA's Professional Values Task Force, provide a foundation for delivering the best possible service to our youth.

Professionals in Teen Services strive to understand the lives of teenagers from their perspective to create genuine connections and place the needs of teens above their own. This approach helps them to build trust and establish long-lasting relationships with their teenage customers.

By taking the time to understand teenagers' unique challenges and experiences, professionals can tailor their products and services to meet their needs better. This benefits the teens and helps the organization build a loyal customer base and stay ahead of the competition.

Compassion is a complex emotion that involves striving to identify with others' experiences and showing concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others. It is an essential component of human relationships and is often associated with acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. Compassion can be expressed in many ways, from offering a listening ear to providing practical support. It is a powerful force that can help to build stronger, more resilient communities and foster a greater sense of connection and understanding between people.

A compassionate professional communicates effectively with others, considering individual differences in learning styles, language, cognitive abilities, etc. This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. Effective communication is essential in any professional setting, and a compassionate professional understands the importance of clear and respectful communication. A compassionate professional can build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers by being mindful of individual differences and adapting their communication styles accordingly.

Accountability is crucial to any profession, and library professionals are no exception. It entails actively accepting the diverse roles, obligations, and actions that come with the job, including self-regulation and behaviors that positively influence the teens, the profession, and the community. Accountability means taking responsibility for actions and being willing to answer for them. It also means being transparent and honest in all dealings with colleagues and clients. In short, accountability is a cornerstone of professionalism and is essential for building trust and credibility in any field.

A professional who practices accountability responds to the needs of teenagers, seeks and responds to feedback from multiple sources, and adheres to codes of ethics, standards of practice, and other policies that govern the profession. They are committed to providing the best possible service to their clients and are willing to take responsibility for their actions. They understand the importance of being accountable for their work and strive to maintain high standards of professionalism at all times. By doing so, they help to build trust and confidence in their clients and contribute to the overall success of their profession.

Collaboration is crucial in fostering strong relationships within the library and the community, aiming to provide the best possible service to teenagers. By working together, librarians and community members can identify teens' unique needs and interests and develop tailored programs and services to meet those needs. This collaboration can take various forms, such as partnering with local schools, youth organizations, or businesses to provide resources and support for teens. In addition, by building robust relationships with the community, libraries can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages teens to explore their interests and engage with their peers. Ultimately, this collaboration can help libraries better serve teens' needs and promote lifelong learning and engagement.

To deliver services that resonate with the needs and values of the teens, professionals working with teenagers must practice accountability, collaboration, and compassion. Accountability involves taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions and being transparent about them. Collaboration entails working together with others to achieve common goals and sharing knowledge and resources. Finally, compassion means showing empathy and understanding toward the challenges that teenagers face and providing support and guidance in a non-judgmental way. When these three values are implemented, professionals can create a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to grow and thrive.

Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and responsive environment ensures teenagers feel valued, understood, and empowered. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for teenagers to express themselves, encouraging open communication, and fostering a sense of community. When teenagers feel their voices are heard and their opinions are valued, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors and make healthy choices. Additionally, creating a safe and supportive environment can help teenagers build resilience and develop the skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. By prioritizing the well-being of teenagers and creating an environment that supports their growth and development, we can help them thrive and reach their full potential.

Creating a safe and supportive space for young people to grow and develop is crucial. One of the critical factors in achieving this is by upholding specific values. These values serve as a foundation for the environment that we want to create. By instilling these values, we can ensure that young people feel secure and supported as they navigate life's challenges. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to provide a space that fosters growth and development, and values play a critical role in achieving this goal.

Fostering an environment that prioritizes inclusivity and responsiveness is crucial in helping teenagers feel more connected to their community and more confident in their ability to navigate the challenges of adolescence. When teenagers feel included and valued, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors and develop healthy relationships. Additionally, when they feel that their voices are heard and their needs are being met, they are more likely to seek support and resources when facing difficult situations. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we can help teenagers build the skills and resilience they need to thrive during this critical stage of development.

Prioritizing values is crucial for creating a brighter future for the next generation. We can instill these values in our children and future leaders by prioritizing honesty, integrity, and compassion. This can lead to a more just, equitable, and empathetic society. Ultimately, we must prioritize these values and create a better world for those who come after us.

In conclusion, the core professional values for the Teen Services Profession, developed by YALSA, provide an invaluable framework for library professionals working with teens. These values include accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. By adhering to these values, library professionals can create a safe and welcoming environment for teens to learn, grow, and explore their interests. Additionally, these values help ensure that library services and programs are relevant, engaging, and responsive to the community's needs. Overall, the core professional values of the Teen Services Profession are essential for providing high-quality library services to teens.

For those interested in exploring the core professional values of the Teen Services Profession, we invite you to visit YALSA's website (https://www.abc-clio.com/products/A3820P/) to download the entire document and discover the remaining core values that guide our work with and for teens. Together, we can create libraries that serve as dynamic, inclusive spaces for all our youth.

Deeper Understanding of the Debate on Censorship

Censorship is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of extensive academic discourse for centuries. 

Throughout history, it has been employed for various purposes, including maintaining social order, preserving cultural values, and protecting national security. The concept encompasses various forms of restriction or suppression of information, ideas, or artistic expressions, and its prevalence and impact on society remain subjects of ongoing debate and discussion.

Proponents of censorship argue that it is necessary to safeguard society from harmful or offensive content, protect vulnerable populations, maintain social harmony, and prevent the spread of misinformation. 

In addition, they assert that censorship can shield individuals and groups from emotional distress, foster a sense of shared values, and impede the dissemination of false or misleading information that may incite panic, confusion, or harm.

On the other hand, opponents of censorship contend that it infringes upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech, which is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and democratic discourse. 

Moreover, critics argue that suppressing information and ideas can stifle intellectual progress, hinder the open exchange of knowledge and perspectives, and enable those in power to silence dissenting voices and maintain control over the populace.

Historically, censorship has taken different forms across various political systems and contexts. Governments have often resorted to it to suppress dissent, silence opposition, and consolidate power.

 Preserving cultural values and societal norms is another rationale for censorship, with governments or authorities restricting access to materials deemed offensive, obscene, or contrary to societal standards.

The debate around censorship also includes discussions of its efficacy, criteria for determining what content should be censored, and who should make these decisions. 

Concerns arise about the objectivity and fairness of such determinations and the potential for censorship to be applied unevenly or to target specific groups or individuals disproportionately, perpetuating existing power dynamics and inequalities.

Moreover, censorship's effectiveness in the internet and digital media age remains contested, with some arguing that it is increasingly challenging to enforce and may even prove counterproductive. The rise of digital technology has made it difficult to control the flow of information, as individuals and groups can find new ways to circumvent restrictions and share information across borders.

In conclusion, the debate over censorship is complex and multifaceted, with proponents and opponents presenting divergent arguments regarding its necessity and efficacy. Nevertheless, it is crucial to safeguard intellectual freedom and ensure that all voices are heard, even if unpopular or controversial, to foster a more informed and open-minded society that values diversity and critical thinking.

Year	Event / Development
213 BCE	The burning of books and burying of scholars under the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang during the Qin Dynasty.
1559	The Catholic Church created the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books) to prevent the reading of heretical works.
1800s	The rise of public libraries in Europe and the United States led to debates about which materials should be included or excluded from library collections.
1933	Nazi book burnings occurred in Germany, targeting books written by Jews, political dissidents, and others considered "un-German."
1938	The American Library Association (ALA) adopts the Library Bill of Rights, which opposes censorship and promotes intellectual freedom.
1953	Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," a dystopian story about book burning and censorship, is published.
1960	The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Grove Press, Inc. v. Gerstein that the book "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence is not obscene, setting a new precedent for determining what is considered obscene.
1967	The Office for Intellectual Freedom is established within the ALA to provide resources and support for libraries facing censorship challenges.
1982	Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read is founded in the United States.
1990	The first challenge to J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series occurs, with many more to follow in the subsequent years, making it one of the most frequently challenged library books.
2000	The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was passed in the United States, requiring libraries and schools to filter internet content to receive federal funding.
2010	The rise of e-books leads to new debates about censorship and access to library digital materials.
2021	The American Library Association reports increased book challenges and bans, including efforts to remove books that address racism, social justice, and LGBTQ+ themes.

Enhancements to the Library of Congress and Protecting Copyrighted Works | Carla Hayden

During a Senate hearing, Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, discussed the Library of Congress' plans to enhance the visitor experience by 2026. The proposed improvements include an orientation gallery, a youth learning center, and a special collections gallery. 

The hearing also addressed the role of the U.S. Copyright Office in safeguarding copyrighted works, particularly in light of the growing use of artificial intelligence. The Library of Congress, which houses over 175 million books, manuscripts, and other materials, is the most extensive in the world.

The hearing's primary objective was to discuss the Library of Congress' future plans and its role in protecting copyrighted works, which is relevant to ChatGPT librarianship. For example, as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, AI language models like ChatGPT may have implications for copyright protection. 

Moreover, the Library of Congress' proposed visitor experience improvements reflects a commitment to enhancing public access to information, which aligns with the goals of ChatGPT and its application in librarianship.

During the hearing, Carla Hayden shared that the Library of Congress had 370,000 visitors in the previous year, with a 75% increase in events. In addition, online visits to the library also increased, with over 151 million visits. 

In addition, the library celebrated various aspects of American culture, such as hosting Lizzo, who played the James Madison crystal flute at the library. The library's five-year strategic plan and 2019 digital strategy have focused on modernizing its technology and infrastructure.

The library's visitor experience master plan, a multi-year proposal approved in 2019, aims to improve the visitor experience. It includes an orientation gallery, learning resources for younger visitors, and new displays. In addition, changes have been made to the plan for the main reading room to respect and preserve the library's historic buildings. 

The Library of Congress also oversees the U.S. Copyright Office, which is critical in protecting artists and creators' works. With the advent of artificial intelligence, modernizing the Copyright Office is a priority for the nation.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides nonpartisan support to members of Congress and staff, responding to over 73,000 requests in the last fiscal year. In addition, thousands of CRS reports are available to the public, extending its impact beyond Congress. Lastly, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled serves as the primary provider of reading material for Americans with such disabilities.

The Library of Congress has been modernizing its information technology systems to better serve its users, including Congress, copyright users, researchers, visitors, and the general public. Since Dr. Hayden was appointed the 14th Librarian of Congress in 2016, the library has made significant progress in centralizing its IT systems and addressing recommendations from the Government Accountability Office. Additionally, $20 million in private pledges have been secured for the visitor experience project in the Thomas Jefferson building.

The library has also been working to increase digital access to its collection for members of the public. The Library of Congress' focus on modernizing its services and increasing access aligns with the goals of AI language models like ChatGPT. By providing free and open access to information, the Library of Congress and AI models like ChatGPT work together to improve the availability of knowledge and resources for the public.

During the hearing, Dr. Carla Hayden provided an update on the Library of Congress' operations and the progress made in expanding access, enhancing services, and becoming more digitally enabled. In fiscal year 2022, the library has seen increased engagement, with hundreds of thousands of reference requests, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) publishing nearly 1,100 new products, and the U.S. Copyright Office issuing over 484,000 registrations. 

In addition, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) circulated more than 22 million copies of Braille, audio, and extensive print material to patrons nationwide. The library also welcomed approximately 370,000 visitors to its buildings and launched a new public event series, "Live at the Library," to increase access to its programming and exhibits.

In partnership with the library's authorization and appropriations committees and the Architect of the Capitol, the library is creating a new visitor experience that will invite visitors to discover more of the library's treasures, programs, and services. This plan includes an orientation gallery, a youth learning center, and a special collections gallery. 

The library is committed to ensuring the project is implemented for the America 250 celebrations in 2026. The Library of Congress also has a robust and expanding online presence, with virtual programming and live streaming of signature events like the National Book Festival. This increased digital accessibility aligns with the goals of AI language models like ChatGPT, which seek to provide open access to information and resources for the public.

The timetable for the visitor experience master plan includes the Treasures Gallery opening in 2024, the gift shop also opened in 2024 on both wings of the first floor of the Great Hall, the Youth Center (The Source) opening in the fall of 2025, and the Orientation Space opening in 2026, in tandem with the celebration of America 250. This plan aims to transform the visitor experience at the library while respecting and preserving the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. 

The library has been working closely with focus groups of young people, including congressional children and grandchildren, to ensure the Youth Center is engaging and appealing. Additionally, the library is working with the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that any changes made to the building are consistent with historic preservation standards, particularly in sensitive areas like the Great Hall and the Main Reading Room.

The Library of Congress is committed to expanding its digital reach and making its extensive collections available to people across the country and worldwide, regardless of whether they can visit the library in person. 

By modernizing its technology and infrastructure, the library can better serve its users and fulfill its mission of providing free and open access to information. The Library of Congress and AI language models like ChatGPT shares a common goal of improving the availability of knowledge and resources for the public.

Protecting Students' Right to Read Without Censorship - National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

The Students' Right to Read is a statement issued by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) to ensure that students have unrestricted access to all texts. First developed in 1981, the document has undergone several revisions, highlighting the history and dangers associated with text censorship while emphasizing the importance of allowing students to choose what they read.

One key issue this statement addresses concerns attempts to censor specific works within American schools. Classics and modern literature are often criticized for containing obscene content or promoting controversial ideas. Even books about minoritized ethnic or racial groups can be targeted for censorship. According to NCTE's guidelines, such efforts pose significant risks, limiting critical inquiry and creating an environment hostile towards dialogue.

In essence, these guidelines underscore how important it is for educators and administrators alike not just to allow free access but actively promote reading materials without any restrictions on their contents, regardless of whether some individuals may find them objectionable due to personal beliefs or cultural norms. 

By doing so, we foster intellectual curiosity among our youth, who will become tomorrow's leaders capable of tackling complex issues facing society today head-on through informed discussions based upon diverse perspectives gleaned from various literary sources available freely accessible throughout educational institutions nationwide, thus ensuring future generations remain open-minded thinkers committed to creating positive change both locally and globally.

The NCTE has recommended the establishment of professional committees in every school to combat censorship. These committees would be responsible for setting up procedures for book selection, working towards community support, and reviewing complaints against texts. The NCTE's recommendation responds to concerns about intellectual freedom and access to diverse student texts.

In addition, the Students' Right to Read statement is an essential resource for educators, parents, and communities who wish to engage in conversations regarding these issues. This document outlines fundamental principles that should guide school text selection decisions. Students can read and express ideas without fear or intimidation from others seeking control over their reading choices.

The role of English teachers in selecting texts for their students is a crucial aspect of the educational process. The NCTE recognizes that educators must consider various factors when choosing literary works, such as their relevance to student interests and abilities, the potential appeal to young readers, and overall educational value. However, it is essential not to limit text selection based on censorship pressures or concerns about controversial subject matter.

In promoting intellectual freedom within the classroom, NCTE emphasizes that teachers should be free to use diverse literary works without fear of reprisal from outside groups seeking censorship or control over curriculum content. This approach allows students access to literature reflecting real-world experiences while fostering critical thinking skills for navigating complex social issues effectively.

Furthermore, an inclusive approach toward text selection can foster respect among peers by encouraging the exploration of different cultural perspectives represented through literature. By supporting engagement with diverse texts despite the controversy surrounding them at times – primarily because they challenge dominant narratives – we create opportunities where all voices are heard equally. This inclusive approach allows students to engage with topics that might be uncomfortable or challenging intellectually or morally. However, it is crucial in fostering understanding, empathy, and critical thinking skills.

By embracing diversity in the texts and materials used in the classroom, we help students develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world around them and the diverse perspectives that exist within it. This inclusive approach benefits students' educational experiences and creates more equitable classrooms, schools, and cultures.

Censorship within educational settings can profoundly impact students' comprehension of their culture's values, ideals, and issues. When specific topics or perspectives are censored, students may receive an incomplete and distorted understanding of the world around them. This can impede their ability to think critically and develop their viewpoints. Therefore, educational institutions must foster open and candid discussions, even if they may be uncomfortable or contentious. By doing so, students can better understand the world and be better equipped to navigate it.

In addition, due to censorship or fear of censorship, many writers are underrepresented or misrepresented in public schools, often only showcased by their safest or most miniature offensive works. 

Censorship pressures, often from small groups protesting a limited number of books, can damage students' educational experience and hinder the creativity of exceptional English teachers. However, the real victims in this situation are the students, who are denied the freedom to explore ideas and pursue truth. 

Therefore, individuals who care about education are urged to join forces with students, teachers, librarians, administrators, boards of education, and professional organizations to support students' right to read. By doing so, we can ensure that students have access to a diverse range of literature and can develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

To combat censorship in schools, teachers of English, librarians, and school administrators should be prepared to face pressures sensibly and defend their literacy programs with intelligence and courage. Accordingly, the Council recommends that schools undertake a two-step program to protect students' reading rights. T

The first step is to establish a written policy on intellectual freedom that includes a statement of the school's commitment to the First Amendment and the rights of students to read and inquire.

By promoting informed and widespread support within communities, numerous benefits can be achieved for the education system. Engaged residents can play a pivotal role in ensuring a robust educational system by actively participating in its development and maintenance, guaranteeing a rigorous school system. 

Furthermore, communities can prevent the spread of false information that may harm the educational system by challenging and correcting malicious gossip, ignorant rumors, internet posts, and deceptive letters, thus resisting the circulation of misinformation.

Encouraging news media to provide objective reporting about education without slanting or editorializing helps build confidence in and support for schools, leading to objective and unbiased reporting on education. 

Communities can also focus on improving the education system by not allowing resources and energy to be wasted in conflicts driven by groups with specific ideologies or biases, preventing conflicts created by special interest groups.

By supporting a transparent and accountable education system, communities can help maintain and promote faith in democratic processes, ensuring everyone's voice is heard and considered. In addition, this fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are acknowledged, which ultimately contributes to a more inclusive and understanding society.

In summary, fostering widespread and informed support in communities can lead to a more robust and well-rounded education system that is resilient against external pressures and focused on the best interests of the students. Furthermore, by working together, communities can create a stronger foundation for education that benefits everyone involved and promotes a more equitable and inclusive future for all.