Literature and References

I have focused on youth services in public libraries.

"The youth of today are digital natives.  Born after 1980, this generation has always experienced the digital world as an everyday part of their lives.These youth multitask, communicate constantly, are globally and visually oriented, and learn not just through reading but through viewing, listening, writing, creating, and networking." (Southon & Vespa, 2013)  Successful Youth Services Librarians will realize this, and understanding, will give them freedom and encouragement, Many use their phones, not only for communication, but for recording and preserving information.  "Sharing, and doing so instantly, is of utmost importance to them." (Dey, 2013)  Having their phone out, to them is useful, not rude.

Linda Braun offers some very good advice in her article, Listen First (2015), in which she suggests we do just that.  Youth Services Librarians need to first listen to the youth and their caregivers, to learn what they need.  To serve young people, librarians need to serve them, by providing programs, services, and educational opportunities that interest them.

The youth of today are the taxpayers of tomorrow.  If we do not convince them that libraries are necessary, useful, and fun, the future of public libraries might not look great.  Youth Services Librarians have a unique privilege - to shape the future, one youth at a time.

Works Cited

American Library Associatio. (2015, October 20). Careers in Libraries. Retrieved from American Library Association: https://ilfonline.site-ym.com/networking/apply_now.aspx?view=2&id=315397

Braun, L. (2015). Listen First. americanlibrariesmagazine.org, 28.

Dey, S. (2013). Changing Youth: Intuitive Technology. Feliciter, 24-25.

Indiana State Library. (2014). ISL: 2014 Statistics. Retrieved from Indiana.gov: http://www.in.gov/library/5410.htm

Smith, M., & English, S. (2009). A Map, A Life Vest, and A Navigator: Required Supplies for Youth Services Training. Children and Libraries: the Journal of the Association for Library Services to Children, 46-47.

Southon, K., & Vespa, Cecilia. (2013). Changing Youth: Future Chameleons. Feliciter.

Current trends and predictions for the future of Youth Services

Of the 240 libraries listed in the Indiana State Library 2014 public library statistics, 141 listed a Children's or Youth Services Librarian position.  The lowest salary range listed was $15,000 - $20,000 and the highest was $50,000 - $60,000, with the average being around $28,000 - $37,000. The certification level required varied from LC6 to LC1.

With many baby boomers getting close to retirement, the outlook for new hires is good, although decreasing budgets is a continuing concern.  Budget concerns make grant writing a skill that is particularly valuable for public librarians.

The typical career path for Youth Services Librarians varies greatly.  Gisela Vore, the Syracuse Public Library's Children's Librarian began as a clerk and worked her way up.  Allison McLean, the Elkhart Public Library's Youth Services Librarian earned her position right out of grad school.  Quite a few youth services employees are retired school teachers.

Professional issues faced in Youth Services include maintaining confidentiality of patron information, continuing professional development for staff, establishing liaisons with community organizations to provide service to community youth, and collaborating with school systems and community stakeholders.

Social and ethical issues include preserving the intellectual freedom of youth, and balancing intellectual property rights with the interests of information users.  Youth Services Librarians must balance service to youth of all ages with service to their parents, caregivers, educators, and mentors.

Libraries are the great equalizer, providing technology for those who cannot afford it.  While computer usage remains high in inner city libraries, some smaller libraries are seeing a decrease in computer usage. As the price of technology continues to decrease and the number of patrons having smart phones or internet at home increases.

Maker spaces are becoming more popular in libraries, and will continue to do so.  Maker spaces for youth allow them to learn how to use technology and equipment and gain needed skills as well as creating a welcoming environment for educational play.  As print materials decrease and electronic materials increase, libraries continue to reinvent themselves.  Libraries will evolve to stay relevant, which will include becoming a "third place" where communities gather.

Where to look for jobs in Youth Services

If you're looking for a youth services job in Indiana, the Indiana Library Federation Career Center is a good place to start.  https://ilfonline.site-ym.com/networking/opening_search.asp 

The Indiana State Library website has resources for librarians including a listing of jobs in Indiana Libraries http://continuinged.isl.in.gov/jobs/ 

ALA JobLIST (part of the American Library Association) offers a listing of jobs in Library & Information Science & Technology.  http://joblist.ala.org/  The jobs listed here are all around the county, but it is fun to peruse.

Local Library Websites and social media are also a good source for job opportunities.  Networking and keeping your eyes and ears open can be the best way to find possibilities.

Resources for Youth Services Librarians

Relevant Professional and Scholarly Journals:

• Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
• Publisher's Weekly
• Library Journal
• Children and Libraries: the Journal of the Association for Library Services to Children

Relevant Associations:

• ALA- American Library Association 
• ALSC - Association for Library Service to Children
• YALSA - Young Adult Library Services Association
• PLA - Public Library Association
• ILF - Indiana Library Federation
• CYPD - Children's and Young People's Division  
• NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young People 

Helpful blogs:

• ALSC blog
• Tiny Tips for Library Fun
• Wendy on the Web
• The Show Me Librarian
• No Flying No Tights
• Pinterest - a great source for crafts and activities

Youth Services Librarian Job Description

I have a passion for library service and I enjoy patrons of all ages.  My dream job, Youth Services Librarian, (sometimes called Children's librarian) involves service to children and young adults.  However, "the children’s librarian must do more than simply provide age-appropriate service . . . they must also demonstrate the full range of professional and managerial skills demanded of any other librarians."(Smith & English)  According to ALA, (Careers in Libraries, 2015) Youth Services Librarians job responsibilities include:

• Work with children and young adults
• Reach out to diverse communities
• Share your love of books
• Keep up with the latest technology
• Develop leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills, Use your dramatic and artistic talents
• Bring positive change to individuals, families, schools, and neighborhoods
• Empower and motivate young people
• Promote and nurture the habit of reading
• Introduce students to the latest electronic resources
• Collaborate with other educators
• Build programs to link the library to community groups
• Choose resources to enhance the library collections
• Provide parenting education and family literacy programs
• Design and provide engaging activities that help young people develop their creativity, interests,  and talents
• Provide reference and readers' advisory services. 

In addition, Youth Services Librarians manage the youth services department, order, catalog, and prepare items for circulation, hire and train clerks, and assist the director in many areas including maintaining building security, develop the space in their departments, maintain order and make all patrons visiting their department feel welcome. 

Of all the job descriptions I read, the most common traits necessary to be a successful candidate for a Youth Services position were enthusiasm, passion, and a sense of humor. It's always to maintain a sense of humor when you serve young people!