Children and Young Adults Specialization
Dear Readers,
Last month Bibliofile began a new series focusing on different
tracks available within the MLIS degree. This month we continue
this feature by looking at the classes offered for someone interested in
working with children and young adults. Charity Leonette was kind enough
to write up a summary of the classes and opportunities offered. Thanks
again, Charity!
Services to Children and Young Adults Specialization
Graduates of Children and Young Adults Specialization have found job opportunities
in schools, public libraries, museums, publishing companies, education agencies
and more. Students interested in work with children and young people
take the five required courses of all MLIS students in addition to the following
related courses:
LIS 2322 - RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
Survey of literature, film, video, and other formats for children from infancy
to adolescence with an emphasis on contemporary sources. Critical evaluation
of materials for use in a multicultural society and strategies to encourage
the use of those materials by children and those who work with children.
LIS 2323 - RESOURCES FOR YOUNG ADULTS
Survey of literature, periodicals, video, and other formats of interest
to and importance for young adults with an emphasis on contemporary sources.
Critical evaluation of materials for use in a multicultural society and strategies
to encourage the use of those materials by young adults and those who work
with young adults.
LIS 2326 - STORYTELLING
The historical role of the storyteller as preserver of culture and the contemporary
role as performer in the context of traditional and contemporary sources of
stories and techniques of presentation.
LIS 2324 - HISTORY OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Introduction to literature for children from the Anglo-Saxon period in England
through the 19th century in England and America. Emphasis on social and cultural
history as reflected by literature for young people.
A wide variety of field experiences can also be arranged for students
wanting more first-hand knowledge about working with children and young adults.
Various scholarships are available to students with an interest in
working with children upon graduation. Our Department of Library and Information
Science offers the Elva Smith Scholarship and Margaret Hodges Scholarship.
In addition, the American Library Association and the Association of Library
Services to Children (http://www.ala.org/work/awards/scholars.html) offer
the Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship, Mary V. Gaver Scholarship, and Bound
to Stay Bound Books Scholarship with applications taken annually from September
to March 1st.
With an undergraduate degree in English, I thought about preparing to work
in an academic environment; however, the idea of working with children and
young adults appealed to me more because of the excitement I have seen in
children, and remembering myself as a child, after reading a good book.
I anticipate being part of that experience with other children.
Publication of the Department of Library &
Information Science
University of Pittsburgh
135 N. Bellefield Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Last updated February 26, 2003