Youth Services Librarian Onboarding Checklist

Youth Services Librarian Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Youth Services Librarian starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Library onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Youth Services Librarian, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Youth Services Librarian onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Youth Services Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Youth Services Librarian attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the library’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated staff member responsible for onboarding new employees.

2. Introduction to the Library’s Youth Services Department: The new librarian is introduced to the Youth Services Department, including meeting the department head and other team members. They are provided with an overview of the department’s goals, programs, and services. This task is performed by the department head or a senior staff member.

3. Tour of the Library: The new librarian is given a comprehensive tour of the library, including all relevant areas such as the children’s section, teen area, program rooms, and administrative offices. This task is typically performed by a staff member from the Youth Services Department or a designated tour guide.

4. Introduction to Library Systems and Software: The new librarian is trained on the library’s integrated library system (ILS), circulation software, cataloging tools, and any other software or systems specific to the library’s operations. This task is performed by the library’s IT department or a designated staff member responsible for training.

5. Familiarization with Collection: The new librarian is introduced to the library’s youth collection, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials. They learn about the library’s collection development policies, how to navigate the catalog, and how to assist patrons in finding materials. This task is typically performed by the department head or a senior librarian.

6. Understanding Youth Services Policies and Procedures: The new librarian is provided with a comprehensive overview of the library’s policies and procedures related to youth services, including programming guidelines, collection development policies, and behavior management strategies. This task is performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for policy training.

7. Training on Youth Programming: The new librarian receives training on planning, implementing, and evaluating youth programs, such as storytimes, book clubs, and summer reading initiatives. They learn about age-appropriate programming, community outreach, and collaboration with schools and other organizations. This task is typically performed by the department head or a senior librarian with expertise in youth programming.

8. Introduction to Reference and Reader’s Advisory Services: The new librarian is trained on providing reference services to youth, including assisting with research, answering questions, and recommending age-appropriate books. They learn about online databases, reference materials, and reader’s advisory techniques. This task is performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for reference services.

9. Understanding Library Policies and Procedures: The new librarian is provided with a comprehensive overview of the library’s general policies and procedures, such as circulation, interlibrary loan, and patron privacy. They learn how to handle challenging situations and follow established protocols. This task is typically performed by the library’s administration or a designated staff member responsible for policy training.

10. Introduction to Community Engagement: The new librarian learns about the library’s community engagement initiatives, including partnerships with local schools, organizations, and community events. They are provided with resources and strategies for building relationships with community stakeholders. This task is performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for community engagement.

11. Safety and Emergency Procedures: The new librarian receives training on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and evacuation plans specific to the library. They learn how to handle potential hazards and ensure the safety of patrons and staff. This task is typically performed by the library’s administration or a designated staff member responsible for safety training.

12. Introduction to Professional Development Opportunities: The new librarian is informed about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of youth services librarianship. They are provided with resources and guidance on pursuing continuing education. This task is performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for professional development.

13. Introduction to Library Committees and Staff Meetings: The new librarian is introduced to various library committees and staff meetings, where they can actively participate in decision-making processes, contribute ideas, and collaborate with colleagues. They learn about the library’s organizational structure and communication channels. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for staff coordination.

14. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new librarian is provided with clear performance expectations and an understanding of the evaluation process. They learn about performance metrics, goal-setting, and professional growth opportunities within the library. This task is performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for performance management.

15. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth with Special Needs: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth with special needs, including understanding accessibility requirements, adapting programs and services, and utilizing resources specifically designed for this population. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for special needs services.

16. Introduction to Library Advocacy: The new librarian learns about the library’s advocacy efforts, including legislative issues, community outreach, and the importance of promoting the value of libraries to stakeholders. They are provided with resources and strategies for advocating for youth services and the library as a whole. This task is performed by the library’s administration or a designated staff member responsible for advocacy.

17. Introduction to Library Technology and Digital Resources: The new librarian is trained on the library’s technology infrastructure, including public computers, printing systems, and digital resources available to youth. They learn how to troubleshoot common technology issues and assist patrons in utilizing digital resources effectively. This task is performed by the library’s IT department or a designated staff member responsible for technology training.

18. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Multicultural Youth: The new librarian is trained on how to serve multicultural youth, including understanding cultural competency, providing diverse programming, and utilizing resources that reflect the diversity of the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for multicultural services.

19. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for English Language Learners: The new librarian is trained on how to serve English language learners, including understanding language barriers, providing language learning resources, and collaborating with ESL programs in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for ESL services.

20. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth: The new librarian is trained on how to serve LGBTQ+ youth, including understanding LGBTQ+ issues, providing inclusive programming, and utilizing resources that support LGBTQ+ youth. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for LGBTQ+ services.

21. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Homeless Youth: The new librarian is trained on how to serve homeless youth, including understanding the unique challenges they face, providing resources for basic needs, and collaborating with local organizations that support homeless youth. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for homeless youth services.

22. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth with Mental Health Needs: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth with mental health needs, including understanding mental health issues, providing resources for mental health support, and collaborating with mental health organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for mental health services.

23. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth with Disabilities: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth with disabilities, including understanding accessibility requirements, providing adaptive resources, and collaborating with disability organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for disability services.

24. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth in Foster Care: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth in foster care, including understanding the unique needs of this population, providing resources for support, and collaborating with foster care agencies in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for foster care services.

25. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth in Juvenile Detention: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth in juvenile detention, including understanding the challenges they face, providing resources for education and rehabilitation, and collaborating with juvenile detention facilities. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for juvenile detention services.

26. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth with Substance Abuse Issues: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth with substance abuse issues, including understanding addiction, providing resources for support and recovery, and collaborating with substance abuse organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for substance abuse services.

27. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth Experiencing Domestic Violence: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth experiencing domestic violence, including understanding the signs of abuse, providing resources for support and safety, and collaborating with domestic violence organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for domestic violence services.

28. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth Experiencing Bullying: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth experiencing bullying, including understanding the impact of bullying, providing resources for support and prevention, and collaborating with anti-bullying organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for bullying prevention services.

29. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth Experiencing Grief and Loss: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth experiencing grief and loss, including understanding the grieving process, providing resources for support and healing, and collaborating with grief counseling organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for grief support services.

30. Introduction to Library Policies and Resources for Youth Experiencing Trauma: The new librarian is trained on how to serve youth experiencing trauma, including understanding the impact of trauma, providing resources for support and healing, and collaborating with trauma counseling organizations in the community. This task is typically performed by the department head or a designated staff member responsible for trauma support services.

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Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Youth Services Librarian checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Youth Services Librarian up to speed and working well in your Library team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.