There are five 21st century skills I believe are especially important in my role as a Youth Services Librarian include ways of thinking, social and civic competencies, tools for working, administration and management, and teen growth and development. These directly relate to my future job as all are skills I will use on a daily basis in working with children and teens in my community. Ways of thinking refers to “creativity and innovation, critical thinking/problem solving/decision making, learning to learn” (Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills, 2012). Being creative and having problem solving abilities will provide a strong foundation for success as a Youth Services librarian. This skill will help foster engagement in my young community members and ensure that their patronage at the library is significant to them and continuous. Social and Civic Competencies refers to “the ability to communicate constructively in different environments, to show tolerance, express and understand different viewpoints, to negotiate with the ability to create confidence, and to feel empathy” (European Communities, 2007). As a public venue, libraries are harbors for free speech. It is therefore my duty as a librarian to safeguard this right and ensure that I am not only teaching tolerance but exuding it as well, and confidently. Doing so through understanding and empathy is a crucial skill. Tools for working are “information literacy, information and communication technology and literacy” (Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills, 2012). Being able to decipher what information is useful, reliable and current is the core foundation for a librarian. The ability to communicate that information and effectively use technologies as they develop is what keeps libraries and librarians such a core piece of their communities. This skill is, perhaps, the most necessary. Administration and management, while not always something I will need to handle depending on the size of the library and/or location, is still a fundamental skill. This refers to budgeting, personnel practices, developing partnerships, and assessment and evaluation. Youth Services librarians are often called upon to plan and implement programs for children and teens. This planning frequently requires budgeting, community partnerships and evaluation of the programs success. Finally, Teen Growth and Development is the ability to “understand teen growth and development, respond to the needs of teens, and develop relationships, programs and services that support them in successfully preparing for adulthood” (American Library Association, 2009). Many people see Youth Services librarians as only focused on the children in the community. Teens are vastly different from their younger and older community members and therefore require a very specific understanding of their needs. One cannot implement a children’s program and expect it to be effective for a teen. Likewise, an adult program would not be adequate. Job Search: 1) Librarian I - Youth Services - Mission Bend Branch Library(Fort Bend County, Houston TX) Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited school. Knowledge of current library practices and technologies. No previous experience required. Computer skills; good verbal and written communication, and organizational skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with the public, other employees, and elected officials. Ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner. Night and weekend work is required. https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=9147f0d3db1ffad4&tk=1e3qc07dafc8i801&from=serp&vjs=3 I will not qualify for this job upon obtaining my Bachelor's degree as I will still need my Master’s Degree. 2) Library Supervisor (Youth Services)(City of Aurora, CO) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education:
I will not qualify for this job upon obtaining my Bachelor's degree as I will still need my Master’s Degree. Additionally, I will need 3 years of professional librarian experience. 3) Youth Services Librarian (underfill as a Youth Services Manager)(Yuma County, AZ) Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university and three (3) years of experience in youth services in a library environment; and two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR any combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position. https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=39e4964654bbe9d0&tk=1e3qbubkufc8i800&from=serp&vjs=3 I will not qualify for this job upon obtaining my Bachelor's degree as I will still need my Master’s Degree. While I do not have any professional librarian experience, I may qualify based on my education and training once my Master’s degree is obtained. It was interesting to see that the job titles and general functions of each job are similar, as were the pay ranges. However, I am not surprised by any of the requirements or job functions- they are as I expected them to be. I believe myself to be a good fit for these positions, once I meet the qualifications. I am on track for success in this field, and look forward to continuing my education so that I will meet the qualifications. References:
Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (2012) What are 21st-century skills? Retrieved from http://atc21s.org/ European Communities (2007). Key competencies for lifelong learning: European reference framework. Retrieved from http://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/britishcouncil.uk2/files/youth-in-action-keycomp-en.pdf (Links to an external site.) American Library Association. (2009, August 31). Core Competences. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp
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