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The Library & Information Science Professional's Career Development Center |
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An
Advocate for Teens: the Young Adult Librarian by Dora Ho |
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In my career as a librarian, I feel the most fulfilling and
challenging work I have so far experienced is working with teenagers.
In our library system, teens/or young adults are between the ages
of 12 and 18. Most Young
Adult Librarians do not have previous formal training working with
teens. It is important to
read and familiarize yourself with the body of literature written for
this age group. Staying
abreast of media reviews in publications like VOYA, School Library
Journal, Kirkus, and Booklist is important to know what is
current in the literature and materials.
I am active in the Young Adult Reviewers of Southern California (YAR)
and find this membership to be particularly invaluable.
In this group, Young Adult Librarians come together to review and
discuss materials currently published for teenagers.
Recently, manga (Japanese comics and graphic novels) has gained
in popularity with teens, and it is important to be aware of popular
trends in teen materials in addition to knowing about homework
assignment material and literary classics. Networking with colleagues is useful in finding out what has
been useful in their experiences working with teens. They will tell you about successful and unsuccessful
activities in their libraries that might be of help to you. Talk to teens in your library.
They are forthcoming in sharing their interests, their likes and
dislikes. Talk to teens
hanging out in the library, waiting for their parents to pick them up,
or the ones using the computers. I
established a Teen Council/Teen Advisory Board in my branch library. I seek their advice and input regarding materials selection,
including books, magazines, videos, and music CDs. We also do fun activities together. I established a Reading
Theater Program where teens do dramatic readings from a variety of
plays and literary classics. At
the beginning of program, many of the teens were reluctant to
participate because of shyness or problems with reading. As
time passed, they immersed themselves in the plot and characters and
participation increased. The program has been very successful in
introducing and enhancing interest in library materials they might not
have previously considered. When I started as a Young Adult Librarian, I found it
difficult to get teens to attend programs in the library, especially if
the programs were of a serious nature.
Programs like how to be a
successful student, improving your
study habits, learning about college scholarships & grants,
and SAT preparation, are examples of hard to sell programs.
I now do these kinds of library programs in conjunction with one
of my local school’s guidance or careers classes.
This works out well. In
addition to the more serious programs, our library creates and sponsors
a variety of programs of interest to teens, including a Sidewalk
Astronomy Program, Drawing Comics and Animation Workshops, and Wildlife
on Wheels to name a few. Recently, we went on a walking field trip to a nearby, newly
completed subway station in our community.
They enjoyed learning about how it was built, and had the
experience of seeing the finished product before the general public.
I try to strike a balance between serious and fun programs so
teens can have a well rounded experience in their library. One of the major challenges I encounter as a teen advocate is
the struggle to get a larger portion of the materials budget and library
space for the young adult section.
Staffing the reference desk is a priority and some times I cannot
spend as much time as I would like working and interacting with teens.
However, if your branch manager is a teen advocate, they will
make it possible for you to create a vision and plan for library
services to teens in your community and time to implement the plan.
Each time I find out that one of my students is going to
college, it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. Many times, students ask me to write them reference letters.
I love writing these letters because I know this is going to
enhance their chances of getting into college and ultimately better
their lives and improve their chances for a brighter future. Nothing can compare with the rewards I receive working and
interacting with teens in the library environment. If you enjoy spending time with teens and you want to make a
difference in young people’s live, a career as a Young Adult Librarian
might be the choice for you! Dora Ho is Young Adult Librarian at the North Hollywood
Regional Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. She received her M.L.S. from UCLA in 1992.
She is a member of the Young Adult Reviewers of Southern
California, American Library Association, Young Adult Library Services
Association, and is President of the ALA New Members Round Table
(2001-2002). Article submitted March 2002 Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in LIScareer articles are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the LIScareer editors.
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Page last updated
10/03/2005
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