Professional Development for Delaware Library Staff: Young Adult Services

Definition - WJ Competency Index

Libraries and librarians can engage and empower young adults, providing opportunities for learning and growth. Spaces and resources are important, but staff who value and encourage young adults are key. Young Adult Services staff:

• Design and implement library services to meet the needs and interests of the young
  adult community.

• Articulate and communicate to stakeholders the needs of young adults to receive quality library service.

• Define and implement outreach services to increase young adults’ use of library services and to reach underserved populations.

• Use online tools and social networking communities to engage with and provide services to young adults.

• Build a collection designed to meet the needs and interests of young adults.

• Establish and pursue strategies to stay informed about current and relevant resources to meet young adult’s evolving needs.

• Facilitate young adults’ requests for information and provides accurate and appropriate answers.

• Connect young adults and their families with resources that encourage reading.

• Design, implement and sponsor library programs that offer information, special skills or entertainment for young adults.

• Develop and promote learning spaces and programs for young adults.

The Competency Index for the Library Field includes Young Adult Services on pages 55-59.

Young Adult Services ranked #15 out of 51 self-identified urgent training needs.  It ranked #25 out of 60 topics staff would like training in.  42% (47) of respondents indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 31% (35) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 27% (30) would like training at the Advanced level.

As part of Children's Services:

• 113 respondents indicated they would like training in Programming.  47% (53) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 27% (31) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 26% (29) would like training at the Advanced level.
• 112 respondents indicated they would like training in Readers' Advisory.  48% (54) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 28% (32) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 26% (23) would like training at the Advanced level.
• 106 respondents indicated they would like training in Reference.  52% (55) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 24% (25) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 24% (26) would like training at the Advanced level.
• 104 respondents indicated they would like training in Collection Development.  51% (53) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 24% (25) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 25% (26) would like training at the Advanced level.     

Safety - Provide a safe environment for staff and public, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and physical well-being.

Courtesy - Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Knowledge - Be aware of library policies, procedures, and resources.

Efficiency - Provide accurate and timely service with the best use of tangible and intangible resources.

Jaclyn Hale

Sarena Deglin

Susan Elizabeth Cordle