Library Programs for New Youth Services Librarians
In October of last year, I started my first official librarian position. It was a part-time maternity leave position for a children's librarian. I worked four days a week and did 5 programs a week. It was a surreal environment for me because I was new and new to doing library programs.
In early December, I was offered the position that I am doing now.
When I started, I was given a lot of free range on what I wanted to do. I have so many ideas for programs that sometimes I get too ahead of myself that I forget that the programs need to have actual children interested in them.
So, while I might think that my idea is awesome and fun, that does not mean that the children think it is awesome and fun. Due to this, I have began doing 3 month intervals when it comes to my new programs.
What does this mean? A lot of times programs can be a hit or miss. You either figure out exactly what interesting programs work and stick to them. However, sometimes you can invest so much time developing a program that no one comes to. So, for the three month intervals. I run my programs three months at a time. If the program is a hit then I will continue it. If it is a miss then, I can focus my energy and time on finding something else to try.
Being a new librarian is difficult due to the stress that you should have programs. It can be very difficult figuring out which programs will work when you are not even sure of the community you are working for. The other stressful thing is that not all libraries have a high budget, so you cannot afford to go out and invest a great deal of money into a program that will not work.
I have read a lot of countless ideas on how to get your program attendance up, but no matter how many surveys you have filled out, and how much you outreach - if they are not interested then you won't get the attendance you desire.
Jan of 2012 will mark my one year mark as a full-time librarian, and while I am stilll learning. I do feel that my experiences can be helpful for someone just starting out.
My tips to new librarians that work with or want to work with children:
1. Do not blame yourself if a program does not work out. Children (i.e. I work with tweens and teens) can be be fickle.
2. If the weather is nice, have your program outside. Outside programs make you seem more approachable, and not that scary person sitting behind the desk
3. Let your patrons help you. Always ask for volunteers - even the most simplest task assures them that you want them there.
4. Have a real conversation with them. Do not only talk to them when you want their feedback. It is important that they know that you care.
5. Make sure your programs are easy to attend. Registration does not always have to be a requirement. Explore passive programs where teens can do it yourself activities.
6. Remember programs are supposed to be fun and educational.
7. Have both after school and evening programs - children are busy people!
8. Listen to the conversations that your teens are having. Even being a listening bystander, you can hear what interests they have and understand why they have them a little bit more.
9. Keep record of your attendance. Knowing how many children arrive and their ages is a great way to make your future programs more focused.
10. Talk to other librarians, teachers, and community members.
