New Year, New Attitude

I've been pushing myself to start a blog like this, so here I am! Actually doing something that I said I was going to do! Shocking.

It's been a little over six months that I began my journey as a Teen Librarian, and it's been both rewarding and frustrating. However, I wanted to leave 2017 behind and focus on the positive for 2018.

Here's my New Year resolutions (as a librarian):

1. Never be behind on programming -- stay at least a month ahead of the game.

This year I found myself playing catch-up an awful lot. Suddenly the newsletter was due. Suddenly it was the next month and I forgot to send out that eNewsletter. Suddenly that big expensive program is tomorrow and you spent your whole paycheck on junk food... This is a huge goal that I need to work on in order to conserve my sanity.

2. Keep providing graphics with dates, times, and registration for various programs! Make sure everything is straight forward.

I've been playing with ideas of how to advertise programming in an efficient way and encourage patrons to actually sign up rather than just show up. I want that perfected.

3. Start that blog!! (Well, hello there!)

4. Be confident in your programming abilities.

This is a given. I tend to put myself down too easily.

5. Keep the snacks F L O W I N G !!

6. Don't be afraid to say "NO"!

Sometimes when I have a program set for 5th grade and up, a parent with push their child into the program with their older sibling, regardless of how hard it would be to comprehend. I gotta confidently learn how to say no.

7. Prepare 1 self directed program for each month.

Even something small that will get everyone participating. I've done both big and small things. It's always successful. I feel as though these programs are very successful, especially for those who may not be comfortable coming to a program where a bunch of kids are running around. It also gives time to patrons who may not be able to come to an event at a certain time but still give them the freedom to have fun.

8. (Try to) Keep your desk clean!

Is it just me or do Teen and Children librarians have messy desks? Doesn't that have something to do with how fun we are?

9. Find your core teen group.

Easier said than done, but this year I'm going to make it happen.

10. Bring back the Teen Advisory Board after a few months of hiatus.

I will certainly have a whole blog post dedicated to my TAB Conundrum, but I feel like having one is so important for a library with such a new Teen Space carved into it. And, it helps me know what they want to do and how I can better serve them.

This will be added to frequently as I begin to think about other ways to better myself as a librarian in 2018. Feel free to comment your Librarian Resolutions.