PUBYAC is a listserv designed for Children and Young Adult librarians in Public Libraries. It was originally begun in the University of Pittsburgh's School of (then) Library and Information Science in June of 1993. Now four years old, the subscriber list numbers almost 3000 people from all over the world, connecting librarians of similar interest and profession as never before possible. My role in PUBYAC is to catch error messages before they go out to the subscribers and to keep the listserv running smoothly. It takes 15 to 45 minutes six days a week to "put PUBYAC to bed," which I try to do either well before or after I put my two boys to bed. For more information about PUBYAC, you can either e-mail me at pymoderate@pallasinc.com or read an article about the listserv in the Journal of Youth Services (Vol. 9, No. 1 [Fall 1995] pp. 79-85.

Youth librarianship is a rewarding career, with many side benefits. Judith Drescher, a director of a large urban public library, credits her years as a children's librarian for preparing her for library leadership. You probably started with a high degree e of energy. Then you learn to pull out of shy or recalcitrant people what their needs are. You learn how to hold the attention of a large room of unruly people. You learn to speak in public with ease. You learn to stage public events. You learn to be incredibly organized since Youth Services is so demanding and often understaffed. You learn how to delegate and work with volunteers and other staff in your building. You learn how to build ties and relationships with people and other organizations in the community. These skills stand you in good stead for any endeavor in your life, whether you remain a youth librarian, or go onto other (though not necessarily better) endeavors.

-- Shannon VanHemert
Head, Children's Dept., Columbine Branch
Jefferson County Public Library

I'm currently the Education Resource Manager (a.k.a Head Librarian) for the Brooklyn Children's Museum, in Brooklyn, NY. Working in a museum library is a lot different than a public library, which is where I worked first, and what I studied in graduate school. I've had to learn some new things, and new ways of thinking, to get into the museum frame of mind.

I oversee two libraries -- the Children's Resource Library, which serves the children and families visiting the museum, as well as staff -- and the Resource Center, which is a library I'm developing for staff, parents, and teachers.

My daily duties can range from shelving books to re-wiring the computer network, and everything in between. (I have a staff of only one assistant, so we do everything!) I'm here to help the staff of the museum find materials they need to develop exhibits, and to create programs for the museum visitors, as well as being here to help the visitors find what they are looking for. None of our books circulate to the public, so I don't have to worry about overdue books or library cards.

I try to spend as much time as I can on the floor actually interacting with our visitors, although I'm often pulled away for meetings and other administrative stuff. But the time I spend with the children and their families is crucial, because it's how I know what is going on, and how to develop a collection that serves everyone's needs. It also keeps me grounded, and reminds me why I got into this field in the first place.

If you have any questions about what I do, feel free to e-mail me at: dsherman@bchildmus.org

Or come visit if you're in Brooklyn!

--Dina Sherman
Education Resource Manager (a.k.a Head Librarian)
Brooklyn Children's Museum