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 school
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 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
REQUIRED COURSES
LIS 121 – LITERATURE AND RELATED RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
A survey of books and other materials for children, with emphasis
on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills, familiarity
with award-winning titles and book presentation. Requires
fieldwork.
LIS 125 – LIBRARY MATERIALS AND SERVICES FOR YOUNG
CHILDREN
Materials and services for the young child (infant through
preschool). Theories underlying services. Selection, analysis
and presentation of books, and other appropriate materials.
Requires fieldwork.
LIS 126 – LITERATURE AND RELATED RESOURCES FOR YOUNG
ADULTS
A survey of books and other materials for young adults, with
emphasis on selection criteria, developing evaluation skills,
familiarity with award-winning titles and book presentation.
Requires fieldwork.
LIS 127 – LIBRARY SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Serving children in the public library, with emphasis on user
needs, storytelling and book talk skills, programming, information
services, policies and guidelines, and maintaining collections.
Requires fieldwork.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED COURSES
LIS 213 – POPULAR CULTURE AND YOUNG ADULT
An exploration of contemporary, popular entertainment media
oriented toward and accepted by adolescents, with emphasis on film,
television, music, magazines, and the Internet.
To download concentration requirements as a pdf
click here.