Understanding How Students Develop is a one-stop source of practical advice for both librarians who are just beginning to work with students from elementary school through college, as well as helpful tips for seasoned library user services professionals, including school, reference, instruction, and outreach librarians.

The book supplies a detailed roadmap for applying key development theories to daily interactions with students.

Subjects covered include:

Integrating development theories into practiceIntellectual development theoriesIdentity development theoryInvolvement theoryAssessing the impact of using development theoriesThroughout the book sidebars highlight practical applications, important quotations from key texts, and case studies for consideration. After reading this book, librarians who work with a wide range of users will have a practical approach for incorporating development theories into their daily practice, making them more responsive to the varying needs of their users, and more understanding of what elements of their user services programs can be better tailored to meet students at a range of developmental stages.