SCPL Teen Library Advisor Job Description and Qualifications
Summary: A teen library advisor will shadow the Smyth County Public Library trustee for the district in which they reside during one academic year (August-May). One teen advisor will be selected for each district. The purpose of the program is to give teens direct experience with citizen oversight of local government institutions and to provide SCPL with teen perspectives on library programs and collections. Responsibilities of the advisors will include reviewing materials for monthly board meetings, attending monthly board meetings, and providing feedback to the board about issues under discussion. Library staff and trustees will provide orientation and educational opportunities to the teen advisors over the course of the school year. Teen advisors will receive a $250 stipend (Grades 9-11) or a $500 scholarship (Seniors) upon successful conclusion of the full program in May. Estimated time commitment: 5 hours per month.
Responsibilities:
- Meet (in person, online, or by phone) regularly with the SCPL Trustee for their district of residence.
- Review materials provided by library staff in preparation for monthly meetings of the SCPL Board of Trustees.
- Attend monthly meetings of the SCPL Board of Trustees in Marion, Chilhowie, and Saltville.
- Provide feedback to the SCPL Board of Trustees concerning issues under consideration.
- Provide library staff with at least one list of recommended books to be added to the library collection during the course of the school year.
- Attend one town council or Board of Supervisors meeting with the SCPL Director.
- Participate in research essentials presentation by SCPL staff.
Qualifications:
- Student at a Smyth County high school or registered homeschool student pursuing a high school curriculum.
- Interest in local government and/or public libraries.
- Ability to participate in monthly meetings of the SCPL Board of Trustees ( 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month except December).
- Willingness to collaborate with other teen adviosrs on group projects.
