Job Analysis Pt. 2

The job description for the Teen Librarian would definitely be a dream job. Because it is always what I have wanted to do, I plan on making my track go that direction. Getting my MLS is the first step in that journey and it has been a long journey to just begin that piece. That being said, I still have a lot to learn about being a teen librarian. 

I really need to work on learning how to do reference and how the collection is maintained. I would need to learn about effective teen programming. The library is also currently changing from a repository of knowledge into a social hub of sorts for a community, so I need to study how that affects how I would do that job. How would I attract teens? How do I keep the teens engaged? One way I plan on doing this is attending PLA this year (it’s in Indy) and I will be going to a few breakout sessions on how the library is changing and how to keep the collection current, particularly for teens. I currently do read a lot of YA, but I would need to learn more about what is and is not appropriate for certain ages and learn to read outside of just what I enjoy. 

 

Another skill that I think I need to work on, not just for this particular job, but also any career path I choose, I need to work on being more assertive and being a leader. I can definitely put myself out there. Being a circulation assistant already, I have to be the front line, although I am naturally a shy person. Because I’m naturally shy, it is hard for me to be in front of a crowd and in charge of a group. This is a skill I think I will get better at as I go through school and my work allows me more opportunities to do more of that type of work. 

I am passionate about being a teen librarian and I think passion for your work is important. If you don’t love what you do, you are not going to excel at it. I am familiar with how a public library operates, having worked in one for 8.5 years, even if just observing various librarians go through that position. 

Another skill that I bring is that I just naturally read a lot of young adult fiction and so readers’ advisory would, for the most part be a strength for me.