The magazine serves as a mode of continuing education for librarians working with young adult populations (ages 12–18).
The content of the magazine includes current news in the field, showcasing the best practices, providing news from related fields, spotlighting significant events of YALSA, and providing in depth reviews of professional literature.
The fall issue contains award announcements, speeches by award-winning authors, and background information on books.
Top of the News was published by the Division for Children and Young Peoples, which had been created in 1941.
[1][6] Young Adult Library Services has been the recipient of the 2008,[7] 2009,[8] 2010,[9] 2011,[10] 2012,[11] and 2016[12] Apex Awards of Excellence for a magazine or journal over 32 pages.