Information Professional Spotlight
A Talk with Chance Hunt, Youth Services Coordinator at Seattle Public Library
By Cheri Streby
One of the more interesting and useful classes that I have had
the opportunity to take here at the Information School has been Children’s
Materials: Evaluation and Use. I have been fortunate enough to take
the class this autumn quarter from Chance Hunt, the Youth Services
Coordinator for Seattle Public Libraries. All throughout the quarter,
Chance’s knowledge and enthusiasm for children’s literature,
in addition to his genuine interest and caring in the development
of children, have set an example of what it takes to be an outstanding
children’s librarian.
Chance received his Masters of Librarianship, as it was called
at the time, in the fall of 1992 here at the University of Washington. He
has also spent his entire library career in the Seattle area, first with
the King County Library System and now with Seattle Public. Because of his
background as both a student and now an instructor in the MLIS program here
at the UW, and his career in librarianship with both KCLS and SPL, I thought
that it would be interesting to talk with Chance and find out more about
his job and children’s librarianship.
Silverfish:
Talk about the career path to your current job.
Chance:
I started as a children's librarian in Issaquah for the King
County
Library System--many fond memories of wonderful families
that I got to
know, and the great branch staff that taught me so much. Next,
I was an
outreach librarian which took me on the road all over King
County
delivering story time and library resources to child care centers,
presenting training workshops, and coordinating deposit collections
for
day camp groups. When I started my current job I was responsible
for
managing the Central Library Children's Room and managing children's
collection development for the system as well. Now, as Youth
Services
Coordinator, I have swapped old responsibilities for new ones.
Overall
it has felt like a very logical path, and I have felt very
fortunate to
have had the opportunities presented to me along the way.
Silverfish:
Talk about a typical day at work.
Chance:
As the Youth Services Coordinator, I am responsible for
library services for children and teens for the entire city.
Fortunately, we have a strong group of children's and young
adult
librarians, as well as selection and program specialists,
to deliver an
amazing amount of work to the public.
Every day is different--so a typical day is hard to come by.
Much of my time is focused on advocating for quality service for youth whether it's
in
library policy development, representing the Library at City
Hall,
developing partnerships with the schools or youth agencies, or
brainstorming summer reading program--all of these projects require
me
to think about the best ways to deliver service and to seek
opportunities to expand The Seattle Public Library's reach into
the
community.
Silverfish:
What do you like best about your job?
Chance:
That I have the chance to do something positive for children
and teenagers every single day. There's nothing more important,
in my opinion.
Silverfish:
Talk about some of the challenges in your job.
Chance:
One of my personal challenges is to be patient. Public libraries
are faced with a variety of demands, and often times fighting
for tight budget dollars, so I can't do everything I would
like to do as fast as I would like. I am learning to appreciate
the long-term view and celebrate the small steps towards the
big impacts that libraries are so capable of making.
Silverfish:
What do you feel are some of the necessary skills for a children’s
librarian?
Chance:
First – they have to have a sincere interest and caring
in the development of children. Children's librarians show this
in a variety of ways and through their many talents, but you
can't fake it when it comes to caring about kids.
I think the ability to prioritize and make choices is an underrated
virtue. It's ok to focus on two to three key service areas to
build your strengths in as a librarian. We have wonderful colleagues,
and it's when we work together that we serve the kids best. Saying
no is not a bad thing, especially if you need to spend some time
with an overlooked group in your community.
A great immune system doesn't hurt either – the cold and
flu bugs find children's librarians very quickly!
Silverfish:
In your opinion, what is the job outlook for MLIS grads, especially
in the Seattle area? Chance:
The job outlook is bright in my opinion. There are a number of
school districts and public libraries that seek out MLIS librarians
to staff their buildings. Our communities want children's librarians
to serve their children – there will always be jobs.
I look forward to interviewing new grads because they come
with a whole host of skills and ways of problem solving that
will be essential to keep our libraries strong well into the
future.
Silverfish:
And finally, how do you feel about Captain Underpants?
Chance:
When you can combine comics, humor, and action in such an imaginative
way, you have the chance of exciting a new reader every time – and
let's face it, superheroes rock!
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