Analysis+&+Evaluation

** The Children’s Library: Promoting Positive Experiences for the Youngest Patrons **

Compared to other libraries I've worked and observed in, the Darien Children's Library is one of the most inviting and well-managed.I have seen. The librarians plan programming using developmentally appropriate practices, which resonates with what I concluded after conducting my Literature Review. Also, it is simply a pleasant place to be, as the staff genuinely love what they do and have a constant audience with needs waiting to be met. To that end, It is also one of the busiest libraries I've ever been in. While I've sat for hours at other reference desks without interacting verbally with a single patron, I find myself constantly working while on duty in the Children's Library.

One of the many lessons I’ve learned while interning in the Darien Children’s Library is that loving the job is essential to serving as an effective children’s librarian. Never before have I worked with such a dedicated, driven, group of people, from whom I’ve learned so much about how to improve my own practice. In Darien, I’ve seen the power of a library to unite large and small groups of people, and have observed children and their caregivers using the library to meet a variety of needs.

For example, children of all ages use the library to find books for independent reading. It’s been so refreshing to be in such a literate community, where reading seems to be a valued and revered activity within many different age groups. Every day, kids come in to look for books to read for pleasure, and it is often exciting to provide Reader’s Advisory to young patrons who are eager to find their next favorite story. I’ve learned so much about the newest and most popular publications for children, and have had access to a great collection for developing my knowledge of excellent children’s literature.

Through my many interactions and discussions with library staff and patrons, I’ve learned what a great value is placed on hospitality and providing excellent customer service. Library users expect it, and staff members know this. There is no doubt that the librarians are great at performing the variety of duties encompassed in their job descriptions. Professionals in every sense of the word, they are well-educated and knowledgeable of all aspects of library service to children and their caregivers. Nevertheless, they still know that hospitality and customer service are key to facilitating positive user experiences. They have built real relationships with many patrons, and understand that it does not benefit the library to brush things off as “not part of their job.”

 One of the biggest ways that the children’s library staff serves the community is through programming. Many options are offered for a variety of ages, and while one full-time librarian is in chare of program administration and development, all staff members participate in leading individual program sessions. I was fortunate enough to receive the charge of planning and leading the story/craft program “7, 8, Create”! Drawing heavily on the articles discussed in my Literature Review, I made sure to consider developmentally appropriate practices when planning, as well as ways I could use the activities to help the children develop various emergent literacy skills. It was also interesting to see the challenges inherent in public library programming. My experiences working at the reference desk, leading my own program, and observing several other programs have led me to believe that children generally feel a greater sense of freedom in the public library, and aren’t always aware of the behavioral expectations. As opposed to a school library, we aren’t filled with teachers, and there isn’t a poster to declare what the rules and consequences for misbehavior are. Also, as public librarians we must respect the management practices of the various caregivers, even when such practices are nonexistent, thus resulting in tantrums, fits, and meltdowns.

Programming is also one way in which the Children's Library integrates digital tools into its services. There is a dedicated computer class for preschool students called "Little Clickers," and the children's librarians led a series of classes about raising 21st Century Kids, featuring sessions devoted to topics like social media and cyber safety. Other means of technology that are used consistently include AIM for virtual reference, Google Tools for staff communication, and, most recently, circulation of e-books and e-readers. It's been so interesting to observe these tools and topics in actions, and to get a strong sense of the future of children’s services in terns of technology and digital content.

It's also been helpful to observe the Importance of collecting and analyzing data, for a variety of purposes. I had first-hand experience in recording information about how many patron interactions we had in the Children's Library, and sat in on meetings where discussion of circulation statistics and funding data were prioritized. I understand clearly how using quantitative information can help improve services and better meet patron needs, and can also help justify requests of funds and materials.

In reflecting on my experience in an attempt to really evaluate what I've learned and what I will carry with me into my new career, many incidents and people come to mind. I will never forget the four-year-old twin boys who always wanted help finding Batman and Superman early readers, despite the fact that they knew every book by heart and their nanny almost always told them they couldn't check those books out anymore. From them I learned that, as a children's librarian, my duty is to each child, despite how impractical their information need may seem to others. I will remember how inspiring it was to witness such unabashed creativity and curiosity from the kids in my programs, and try to continue to encourage students to take risks, ask questions, and find the courage to make something their own. I will also use the experiences of frustration I sometimes felt when it came to managing behavior during both my own and other programs. I will remember the kids who attended almost every "7, 8, Create!" program; who were always so engaged, excited and eager to participate. From these patrons and so many more, I learned that a strong public library staffed by smart professional children's librarians can be a hugely influential place for young people. The Darien Children's Library is a positive place where even the youngest members of the community can come to learn and socialize. Programming allows librarians to help parents support literacy development, but more than that it helps establish the library itself as an important place in children's lives.