Why do I want to work with teenagers? This is the question I ask myself every so often as I continue to pursue my MLIS degree. At what point in my life did I decide I wanted to become a teen librarian? Is it only because I love to read YA lit? Is there more to it? As I participate in a young adult library services class this semester, I continue to examine the path that brought me to this program, and to my chosen career.

Of course, I love YA lit. I love all genres within YA lit, I enjoy the YA blogosphere, and I’ll read whatever I can get my hands on. But as I am slowly beginning to realize, that isn’t enough to be a teen librarian. Of course, I knew this, but as I learn about the developmental paths of teenagers, the programs and services that libraries offer them, and their general information wants and needs, I know that I have a lot to learn, and a lot of experiences to create, before I’ll be a great teen librarian.

I’m not worried about the future. I know working with teens won’t be easy, but I anticipate it will be rewarding. I’m learning what I need to know to build the foundation, and time and trial and hopefully few errors will get me to where I want to be. And I look forward to the teens I will work with, interact with, communicate with, and hopefully have an effect on in the future.

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