Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) | The American Library Association Archives

The Young Adult Library Services Organization (YALSA) as of 1991-1992, is interested in the improvement and extension of service to young people in all types of libraries.

The Young Adult Library Services Association is responsible for the evaluation and selection of books and non-book materials and the interpretation and use of materials for young adults.

YALSA has the reponsibility for:

1. Continuous study and review of the activities assigned to the division

2. Planning of special services and programs for this group

3. Synthesis of the activities of all units within the ALA that have a bearing on the type of activity represented

4. Representation, interpretation and promotion of mutual cooperation with youth-serving agencies in furthering activities for the welfare of the young people, and furtherance of the interests of young adults with publishers

5. Stimulation of the development of librarians engaged in its type of activity and the stimulation of participation in appropriate type-of-library divisions

6. Planning and development of programs of study and research for the total profession

The young Adult Library Services Association became a division on January 1, 1957.  It was called the Association of Young People's Librarians from that date until June 25, 1957, when the new name was adopted (1).  In 1991-92 the name was changed to Young Adult Library Services Association.