Are you a library staff member responsible for purchasing teen materials for your collection? If so, I encourage you to include listening to podcasts about teen literature and other teen media as part of your research into what to buy. In addition to tools such as collection analysis, surveys of your teen user population and media reviews, podcasts produced by those who have a passion for teen materials are a truly valuable resource. Podcasts also have the advantage of fitting easily into a busy schedule — you can listen while you eat lunch, walk or do things around the house…or just eat again…dessert?
In my research for this post, I sampled several podcasts dedicated to teen literature. Finding teen literature-focused podcasts was the main object of my search, although a couple of the podcasts which I will recommend do include discussion of other media. My main criteria for selecting a podcast to recommend were that it be currently active, largely focused on teen literature/media and hosted by someone with a background in teen literature/media (and ideally some experience working in teen library services or teaching).

The following is just a sampling of all the great teen literature podcasts out there—a place to start your listening. If you find that you enjoy a particular podcast, do provide feedback to its hosts to encourage them to continue their work! I also hope that you will add your own favorite teen literature or other media podcasts in the comments area of this post.
For each of the podcasts below, I have included a link to its accompanying Web site or blog. On each site or blog you will find links to podcast episodes as well as an indication regarding recommended listening apps to use. Continue reading Podcasts to Help You Build Your Teen Collection