Children and Youth Library Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for future professionals in youth-focused information environments, this program equips learners with the expertise to develop and deliver impactful library services tailored to children and young adults. It emphasizes the development of inclusive, engaging, and educationally sound programming that supports literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information across diverse communities.
- Information Needs of Youth: Explores how children and adolescents seek, process, and use information, enabling librarians to design responsive services that meet developmental and cognitive stages.
- Resources and Services for Youth: Focuses on selecting, organizing, and delivering age-appropriate materials and programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Examines genres, award-winning works, and literary trends to support book selection, reading promotion, and literacy advocacy.
- Storytelling and Engagement Techniques: Develops skills in narrative delivery, interactive reading, and creative programming to captivate young audiences and strengthen early literacy foundations.
- Multi-Ethnic and Inclusive Materials: Addresses the importance of diverse representation in collections, ensuring equitable access to materials that reflect varied cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds.
- Library Management for Youth Programs: Covers operational aspects such as budgeting, staffing, space planning, and policy development specific to youth services in public, school, and academic libraries.
- Information Technology for Librarians: Integrates digital tools, databases, e-resources, and emerging technologies to enhance discovery, accessibility, and user experience for young patrons.
Children and Youth Library Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Children and Youth Library Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Children and Youth Library Services degrees, including Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Librarians and Media Collections Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 135,930 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1082 | $78,630 | $53,590 - $126,200 | 4,100 | N/A |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 25-4022 | $64,320 | $38,920 - $100,880 | 131,830 | $30.92 |
Children and Youth Library Services Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,290 in Wyoming to $102,675 in California—a 113% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 135,930 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Children and Youth Library Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Children and Youth Library Services programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Children and Youth Library Services is found at Simmons University (26 graduates), Wayne State University (WSU) (6 graduates), and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 34 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simmons University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
26 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | simmons.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Children and Youth Library Services programs
How much can I earn with a Children and Youth Library Services degree?
Salaries for Children and Youth Library Services graduates vary by role and location. Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,630 annually, while Librarians and Media Collections Specialists earn around $64,320. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $102,675 compared to $48,290 in Wyoming. Approximately 135,930 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Children and Youth Library Services programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Children and Youth Library Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Simmons University (26 graduates), Wayne State University (WSU) (6 graduates), and Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) (2 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Children and Youth Library Services degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Librarians and Media Collections Specialists, . Related occupations employ approximately 135,930 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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