1. Appropriate for recommended levels - accessible to young adults of varied abilities and must meet the informational and interest needs of all young adults. Materials should be provided to meet needs, interests, and learning styles of all teens at all levels.
   
   
2. Accurate in terms of content - should present facts in an objective manner. Authority of the author, organization, publisher/producer should be a consideration in selection. Materials concerning human development and family life should contain facts which are presented in a manner appropriate to the level of the students.
   
   
3. Reflective of the diverse nature of a global society - should provide a global
   perspective and promote diversity as a positive attribute of our society. It is
   important to include materials by authors and illustrators of all cultures.
   
   
4. Free of bias and stereotype - materials should reflect the basic humanity of all people and be free of stereotypes, distorted dialect, sexual bias, and other offensive characteristics. Materials concerning religious, social, and political content should inform rather than indoctrinate.
   
   
5. Representative of differing viewpoints on controversial subjects - YAs have the right to information on both sides of a controversial issue. By having access to a variety of resources, YAs will have the knowledge base to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
   
   
6. Variety of formats - materials should be available in variety of formats, (e.g., print, nonprint, electronic, multimedia), to meet the needs and learning styles of a diverse YA population.
   
   
7. Recent copyright date as appropriate to the subject - materials should be assessed for currency of the information as it relates to the content and purpose of the item.
   
   
8. Acceptable in literary style and technical quality - Literary quality, technical merit, physical arrangement, and aesthetic characteristics should be considered as integral components in the evaluation of all media formats.
   
   
9. Cost effective in terms of use - materials should be evaluated for cost effectiveness in terms of accessibility, projected use, and durability.

Considerations for Selection of Print Materials

" Books were given positive reviews in selection materials such as Best Books for Young Adults (2000), School Library Journal, Booklist, etc.

" Comparative worth with other publications by the same author, in the same genre, or by other authors.

Books - Nonfiction

1. Purpose - fulfills the information need of emotional health in a clear and concise manner. Nonfiction books should include a variety of books that are browsable (quick reads) or for extensive research.
   
   
2. Readability - Style of writing appropriate to the purpose; text is clear and concise; language and content appropriate for intended audience (age/maturity of reader).
   
   
3. Content - appropriate for purpose and intended audience; unbiased viewpoints; subject content is accurate.
   
   
4. Accuracy - information is accurate and up to date.
   
   
5. Organization - clear and functional; contains index, table of contents, and/or bibliography; clearly defined chapters or sections.

Books - Fiction

1. Purpose - provides enjoyment or entertainment; extends the reader's experience.
   
   
2. Readability - Style of writing appropriate to the purpose; text is clear and concise; language and content appropriate for intended audience (age/maturity of reader).
   
   
3. Content - story is interesting or entertaining - characters, plot, and theme should be related to an emotional health experience; encourages awareness of issues; characters should be convincing and credible and should grow through experience; content is unbiased and free of stereotypes.
   
   
4. Accuracy - factual information is correct and supported by a bibliography.
   
   
5. Organization - sequence of events is logical

Considerations for Selection of Nonprint Materials

" Qualifications, expertise, and background information should be considered in selection of websites, videos, and computer software.

" Videos and computer software should be reviewed in journals such as School Library Journal, Booklist, etc.

" The quality of auditory and visual presentation should be considered as well as accuracy of information and the appropriateness of format.

" Provide a variety of media formats to meet the needs of Young Adults.

" Present content in appropriate format and acceptable technical quality.\

Electronic Resources - Websites

1. Purpose - Fulfills the information need of emotional health.
   
   
2. Content - Appropriate to level/maturity of users.
   
   
3. Security - sites are secure and free from viruses, data corruption or tampering.
   
   
4. Navigation - easy to use, keeps navigation time to a minimum, enhances students' information retrieval skills.
   
   
5. Presentation - text is clear and easy to read; graphics are clear, relevant, attractive and don't distract the user from the content and purpose of the page; links easy to identify and work; colors do not interfere with text.
   
   
6. Accuracy - site is updated often and information is recent and accurate, and reliably maintained.
   
   
7. Ease of Access - site must be readily available to users at all times.

Videos

1. Purpose - fulfills the information need of emotional health.
   
   
2. Content - Appropriate to level/maturity of viewers.
   
   
3. Production - Sound and images are clear and visually appealing; video is well-paced; variety in the presentation.
   
   
4. Length - appropriate for intended viewer.

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