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!