How to Be Youth Services Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 16, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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Youth services librarians play a key role in providing resources to young people and helping them develop into well-informed, responsible citizens. They work to create a safe and welcoming environment in libraries that encourages learning and exploration. By providing educational materials and activities, they are able to help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, while also fostering an appreciation for the library as an important community resource.

they are often involved in outreach efforts to bring library services to underserved populations of youth. By engaging with the community and providing access to the library, youth services librarians can promote literacy, increase access to resources, and build respect for the library among young people.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a library science degree. A Master of Library Science (MLS) degree is the minimum education requirement to become a youth services librarian. Many employers may prefer applicants who hold more advanced degrees, such as a Doctor of Library Science (DLS) degree.
Become certified. Obtaining certification from the American Library Association (ALA) is not required, but it may be beneficial in the job search process. Certification requires that an individual hold a library science degree and pass an exam.
Seek experience. Most employers prefer to hire youth services librarians with prior experience with children and in a library setting. Internships, volunteer opportunities, and part-time jobs with public libraries provide excellent ways to gain relevant experience.
Apply for jobs. Job listings for youth services librarians can be found on library websites, job boards, and through professional organizations such as the ALA.
Participate in professional development opportunities. Youth services librarians should stay abreast of current trends in the field and participate in continuing education and development opportunities to remain competitive in the job market.

The lack of youth services librarians can have a negative effect on youth literacy and access to learning resources. Young people often rely on access to books and other materials to help them explore their interests and develop their skills. Without the guidance of a knowledgeable librarian, many young people may not know what resources are available to them or how best to access them.

without a librarian to provide age-appropriate programs, young people can miss out on important opportunities to learn and grow. The lack of youth services librarians can also lead to inadequate staffing in the library, resulting in fewer programs and resources for young people. This can ultimately lead to increased illiteracy among youth and reduced access to learning tools.

You may want to check Library Outreach Coordinator, Cataloging Technician, and Digital Services Librarian for alternative.

Job Description

Plan and conduct library programs for children and teens.
Develop and implement collections of materials that appeal to young people.
Provide individualized reference services to children and teens.
Collaborate with teachers, schools, and community organizations to promote library services.
Develop and maintain reading lists, book reviews, and other materials to support reading activities.
Train volunteers in the use of library resources and prepare them for their roles in providing assistance to young people using the library.
Develop and implement outreach activities in the community to promote library services to children and teens.
Develop and maintain a web presence for youth services.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on library programs and collections for youth services.
Evaluate current library services for children and teens and make recommendations for changes or improvements as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of library services and programs for young people
Ability to plan and implement library services and programs designed to meet the needs of youth
Knowledge of youth literature and resources
Understanding of developmental stages of youth
Knowledge of current trends in youth services
Ability to develop relationships with young people and adult stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
Ability to create and maintain a positive and inviting environment for youth
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to work with a variety of technologies, including software for digital literacy programs
Knowledge of copyright regulations and ethical use of information
Ability to collaborate with other community organizations to promote youth services
Knowledge of library policies, procedures, and safety regulations

Good youth services librarians require a variety of skills to provide effective and meaningful services to young patrons. Perhaps the most important skill to have is the ability to understand and relate to young people. Building strong relationships with youth is key to helping them find the best resources and materials for their needs.

youth services librarians should have strong communication skills, a passion for learning, and a deep knowledge of library resources. These skills are essential for librarians to be able to provide the best support for young patrons as they develop interests and pursue their goals. Furthermore, having strong organizational skills is important for keeping track of resources, organizing programming and activities, and promoting the librarys services.

Finally, a youth services librarian should be comfortable with technology and adept at using it for library services. With all these skills in place, a youth services librarian can have a lasting positive impact on their young patrons.

Cataloging Librarian, Preservation Specialist, and Instructional Librarian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What motivated you to pursue a career in Youth Services Librarianship?
How would you best engage with young patrons in the library?
What strategies do you employ to create a welcoming atmosphere for youth in the library?
What experience do you have developing and delivering youth programming?
How would you use technology to enhance your youth services?
How do you evaluate the success of youth services initiatives?
How have you handled challenging situations with young patrons in the past?
What techniques do you use to encourage young patrons to read more?
What do you think are the most important elements of successful youth services programming?
What initiatives do you think are essential to ensure libraries meet the needs of young patrons?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Office Suite. A suite of popular office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (eg: creating documents and reports, tracking data, creating presentations).
Adobe Creative Cloud. A suite of creative software applications for photo and video editing, animation, web design, and graphic design (eg: creating logos and graphics, editing photos and videos).
Google Suite. A set of productivity and collaboration tools including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive (eg: writing documents and reports, tracking data, creating presentations).
Social Media Platforms. Applications used to share information and connect with others (eg: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
Library Management System. Software used to manage library collections, patrons, and services (eg: cataloging books, tracking patrons).
Online Reference Databases. Databases providing access to electronic reference materials (eg: EBSCOhost, ProQuest).
Virtual Meeting Platforms. Applications used for virtual meetings, conferences, and webinars (eg: Skype, Zoom).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association
American Association of School Librarians
Young Adult Library Services Association
Public Library Association
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
Library and Information Technology Association
Special Library Association
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
National Education Association
National Council of Teachers of English

We also have Technical Support Specialist, Library Development Officer, and Chief Librarian jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Library Science. The study of library management, organization, and information systems.
Collection Development. A process used by libraries to acquire, organize, and manage library materials.
Cataloging. The process of organizing information resources into a library catalog so that they can be accessed and used by patrons.
Information Literacy. The ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
Reference Service. A service provided by librarians to assist patrons in locating and using library resources.
Technology Literacy. The ability to use technology tools to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
Circulation. The process of lending library materials to patrons and tracking the status of library materials.
Reader's Advisory. A service provided by librarians to assist patrons in finding books and other materials to read.
Programming. The process of designing and implementing library programs for patrons of all ages.
Outreach. The process of providing library services to people who do not have access to a physical library or who may not be able to access it due to physical or financial barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Youth Services Librarian?

A Youth Services Librarian is a professional librarian who specializes in providing library services to children, teens, and young adults.

What qualifications do you need to become a Youth Services Librarian?

A Youth Services Librarian typically needs a Masters degree in Library Science from an accredited university, as well as experience in library services, particularly working with children.

What duties does a Youth Services Librarian perform?

A Youth Services Librarian typically plans and delivers library programs and services for children, teens, and young adults, such as storytime, book clubs, homework help, and research assistance. They also select library materials to ensure that the library has age-appropriate materials available.

What skills are needed to be a successful Youth Services Librarian?

A successful Youth Services Librarian needs strong communication skills, organizational skills, and a passion for working with children and helping them succeed. They should also have an understanding of current educational trends and be comfortable adapting to new technologies.

How many hours does a Youth Services Librarian typically work?

The hours worked by a Youth Services Librarian can vary depending on the library and its needs. Generally, a Youth Services Librarian will work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Web Resources

Youth Services in Libraries | Department of Information Science informationscience.unt.edu
Youth Services Librarianship Pathway - School of Information sis.utk.edu
Youth Services Librarian Fruitville Library Ecampus Career careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu