By Teens, For Teens
Sara Grajek -- School Library Journal, 5/20/2009
In “Magazines Going Digital” (March/April 2009 Public Libraries), David Lee King and Michael Porter ponder changes resulting from the loss of print. The article made me think about teen magazines and how they could be used more efficiently—for example, “What to do with the periodical room if and when magazines are completely digitized?” Although most teen areas don’t have a separate teen periodical room, teen mags often have their own small space. It seems like we could take much more advantage of the resources on those shelves now, and even more so when the print versions go digital.Teen Ink .2009. 10/yr. $35. Ed: Stephanie Meyer. ISSN 1545-1283 Illus. (Subject: Youth Writings. Issue examined: May 2009)
The great thing about Teen Ink is that there are no staff writers. You must be between the ages of 13 and 18 to submit work and be published. Teen Ink offers art, poetry, stories, nonfiction, book reviews, and interviews. Imagine the possibilities in programming! Encourage your teen patrons to enter their contests. You don’t even have to spend time thinking them up—the staff at Teen Ink has done all the hard work for you. Their publications have great content, are relevant to teens, and are a good choice for the teen area.
Teen Voices. 2009.12/yr. $20. Ed: Becca Steinitz. ISSN 1074-7974 Illus. (Subject: Teenage girls. Issue examined: May 2009)
This positively voiced magazine, which is geared toward girls, features monthly online issues as well as print editions twice a year, Like Teen Ink, the magazine accepts submissions from teens, but also has staff writers. All the pieces are upbeat, supportive, and work toward showing teen girls they don’t have to be like everyone else or live up to a media stereotype. Articles include online safety, how real life compares to Gossip Girls, and job-hunting tips. This online magazine makes for a great starting point for discussion groups, book clubs, and writing groups at your library.
