A 30-60-90 day plan is a strategic roadmap that guides new youth services librarians through their initial months, ensuring they acclimate effectively and make meaningful contributions to the library community. This plan helps set clear objectives, establish relationships with patrons and colleagues, and develop impactful youth programming.
This customized 30-60-90 day onboarding plan enables you to:
- Define specific goals related to youth engagement, literacy promotion, and community outreach.
- Track progress on program development, resource curation, and partnership building.
- Identify essential skills such as storytelling, digital literacy facilitation, and event coordination.
Whether you are stepping into a youth services librarian role for the first time or transitioning from another library department, this plan equips you with the tools to thrive and make a positive impact.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan for Youth Services Librarians
Implementing this plan offers several advantages:
- Provides a clear framework to prioritize tasks like collection assessment, program planning, and community engagement.
- Accelerates relationship-building with children, parents, educators, and local organizations.
- Helps establish your role as a trusted resource and advocate for youth literacy.
- Focuses your efforts on initiatives that enhance library services and foster a welcoming environment for young patrons.
Core Elements of the Youth Services Librarian 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan is structured into three key phases:
First 30 Days: Orientation and Assessment
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the library’s youth collections, policies, and existing programs. Meet with colleagues, local schools, and community groups to understand current needs and opportunities. Document observations and set initial goals for program development and outreach.
31-60 Days: Program Development and Relationship Building
Design and pilot youth programs such as storytimes, literacy workshops, or digital learning sessions. Collaborate with educators and parents to tailor offerings. Continue building partnerships with community organizations to expand resources and support.
61-90 Days: Evaluation and Expansion
Assess the effectiveness of initial programs through feedback and participation metrics. Refine and expand successful initiatives. Develop a calendar of recurring events and establish ongoing communication channels with stakeholders to sustain engagement.
Throughout each phase, maintain detailed notes, track progress against goals, and seek feedback from supervisors and peers. Assign responsibilities clearly and hold yourself accountable to milestones to ensure continuous growth and contribution to the library’s mission.
