The children’s and youth librarian works within the public library service. They cater for the needs of children from 0 -16. According to ‘A survey of Library Services to Schools and Children in the UK 2003-04’, LISU, 2004. There are around 570 professional children’s librarians, with a further 112 in integrated public schools library services.
Job description
The children’s librarians’ primary objective is to encourage and support the interest of children and young people in books and reading and the use of libraries.
Listed below is a range of tasks typically undertaken:
- Creates an attractive, lively and welcoming library environment for children and young people.
- Selects and acquires books and audiovisual materials of interest to children to promote lifelong learning and self-development.
- Help children to gain skills and confidence in using all types of materials. Works with teachers, parents, and community groups to assist in developing programmes to encourage and improve children’s information literacy skills.
- Compiles lists of materials of interest to children to help promote the love of books and reading.
- Plans and conducts children’s activities to encourage reading, viewing, and listening and use of library materials and facilities. This includes activities such as story telling, book talks, puppet shows, and homework clubs.
- Ensure that all public library staff are trained in listening and enquiry skills to help children find what they want.
- Provides the transition from children’s services to adult services.
- Supports the policies of the Education Department especially those relating to literacy and language development and multicultural education.
- To encourage lifelong use of the library for learning purposes.
Pay and conditions
CILIP publishes a regular survey of members’ salaries in Public Libraries.
Further Information
CILIP members can join a special interest group, the Youth Libraries Group (YLG).
Updated: 01 April 2005