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Home – Courses – Program Specializations – Youth Librarianship

Youth Librarianship

The MLIS program requires an introductory technology course (LIBR 203); three core courses (LIBR 200, LIBR 202, LIBR 204); one additional required course (LIBR 285); and the culminating electronic portfolio OR a thesis (LIBR 289 or LIBR 299) for graduation. Beyond these requirements, a student is free to select electives reflecting individual interests and aspirations.

Program specializations are thus provided here solely for advising purposes. No such designation appears on your transcript or diploma. Many students find these introductions to different program areas useful, however, for course selection and career planning.

Description

The Youth Librarianship specialization is designed to prepare students for positions as children's or YA librarians or library coordinators in public libraries, youth specialists on a regional or state level, or collection development librarians specializing in materials for youth, as well as offer library generalists appropriate coursework to help them prepare for serving a public that includes youth. Students who want to become school librarians or school district library coordinators will be taking some of the courses from this specialization, but they would follow the teacher librarianship track. This track will focus on physical and social development of youth, assets and needs of youth, and materials and services for youth, ages 0-18.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities for students in this specialization include positions in public schools, private schools, public libraries, academic libraries with special collections in materials for youth, or special libraries focusing on materials for youth. Positions might include:

• Children's Librarian
• Young Adult or Teen Librarian
• School Librarian
• School District Library Coordinator
• Collection Development Librarian for Youth Materials
• Public Library Coordinator Of Children's, Young Adult or Youth Services
• Outreach Librarian
• Public School Library Coordinator
• Regional or State Youth Specialist

Core Theory and Knowledge

1. Knowledge of developmental needs and processes, leading to an understanding of the behaviors exhibited by youth
2. The ability to evaluate and select materials for youth, in order to build a collection that includes a variety of media and formats
3. Ability to create a comfortable space appropriate for children or for young adults, so they understand that they are welcome in the library
4. Ability to create a coordinated plan for programming and outreach to youth, encouraging them to become library users
5. Presentation skills, including but not limited to reading aloud, storytelling and booktalking
6. Knowledge of the recreational and informational resources for youth, and how they can be used
7. Skill with a variety of technologies used by youth
8. A deep understanding and belief in the principles of intellectual freedom, including how to prepare for and deal with challenges of all kinds
9. Ability to involve youth, especially young adults, in the library in a variety of ways, including but not limited to young adult advisory groups, participation on library committees, collection development recommendations, volunteering and involvement in programming

Recommended Coursework

Required Courses:

• LIBR 203 Online Social Networking: Technology and Tools
• LIBR 200 Information and Society
• LIBR 202 Information Retrieval
• LIBR 204 Information Organizations and Management
• LIBR 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science
• LIBR 289 or LIBR 299 Culminating Experience

Foundation Courses:

The following courses provide a very thorough grounding in programming and materials for children and young adults for those to wish to concentrate very heavily in this area. However it is smart to make sure that you also take courses outside of the specialized courses so you might want to select only a few from the following list depending on your interest (children or young adults).

• LIBR 260A Programming and Services for Children
• LIBR 261A Programming and Services for Young Adults
• LIBR 262A Materials for Children Ages 0-4
• LIBR 263 Materials for Children Ages 5-8
• LIBR 264 Materials for Tweens
• LIBR 265 Materials for Young Adults
• LIBR 267 Seminar in Services to Children and Young Adults

Recommended Courses:

Note: Choose either LIBR 232 or LIBR 233.

• LIBR 210 Reference and Information Sources
• LIBR 232 Issues in Public Libraries
• LIBR 233 School Library Media Centers
• LIBR 234 Intellectual Freedom Seminar
• LIBR 240 Information Technology Tools and Applications
• LIBR 266 Collection Management
• LIBR 283 Marketing of Information Products and Services

Course selection will necessarily vary. Student interests will affect course selection. Interest in particular types of libraries will determine the relevance of courses focusing on academic, public, or school libraries, etc. Internships and special studies may also serve to provide application opportunities, or a research focus in areas of particular interest.

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