BayNet speaks with Peter Nguyen, who is a Young Adults Librarian & teensReach Coordinator for the San Jose Public Library’s Berryessa branch. He received his MLIS at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science in 2007, was BayNet’s webweaver from 2007 to 2008, and is now a representative for public libraries at the BayNet’s board meetings.
Peter Nguyen
What do you do as a YA librarian and teensRearch Coordinator?
I initiate and oversee teen programs and maintain the teen collections at my branch library. I also recruit and manage teen volunteers and give them opportunity to be involved in library programs and services.
What do the teens often do at the library when not volunteering?
Teens love to hang out with their friends and do activities together such as homework, playing games, using the computer and reading. Because of this, I am glad that there is a large teen room at my library to accommodate them and facilitate their activities.
What do you like best about your users?
I like their loyalty. Many of them have been proactive supporters of my library for years. They are longtime users and they continue to refer their friends and family members to visit my library.
What initially attracted you to library work?
I enjoy helping people and I love technology. The library work environment is a place where I can experience both; it is a place where I can assist customers, teach them how to use technology and learn to use new technologies to help meet customer needs.
What do you like most about working in the library?
I like giving teens an opportunity to to volunteer at the library. By giving teens this opportunity, this would enable them to have a positive experience at the library, develop new skills and gain confidence that would help them be successful in their life. This also helps them stay out of trouble.
What is most challenging about your job?
So far, I find it considerably challenging to anticipate the interests and needs of users because they often change depending on cultural trends and socioeconomic condition.
What was the most memorable experience you had at work?
The most memorable experience I had at work so far was initiating and facilitating the very first Teen Talent Show at my library last spring. I was inspired by the variety of skills and talents that was demonstrated by the teens from the community. I also had fun working with my teen volunteers and got to know them better.
Is there something else about your library that most people do not know?
My library now has Text a Librarian service. Customers can now text message their questions directly to a librarian and receive their answers as a text message. More information about this new service can be found here: Text a Librarian.
