Librarian - a Real Leader

Does your troop have a library? What's in it? Does anyone use it?

We've got a library that contains at least one of every merit badge pamphlet. Each year, when pamphlets are updated, the troop Librarian is tasked with purchasing the new pamphlets and archiving previous versions. The library is actually a couple of big cardboard boxes and moves to the Librarian's home with each election.
We also have other resources in the library - books about knots, pioneering, mountain first aid, troop program resources, whittling, winter camping, games, and much more. There's Patrol Leader handbooks, Chaplain books, and songbooks. Unfortunately, these resources were very seldom used and scouts seemed never able to come up with new activities.

In the past two years, the role of Librarian has evolved with an emphasis on getting the library resources used more and providing the Librarian with more opportunities to demonstrate leadership. The two main changes to the Librarian's duties are maintaining an online library page and promoting the library. Here are all the duties that make this troop position one of leadership:

• Main Role - keep troop library and materials organized and accessible
• Maintain and organize all troop books, pamphlets, and related materials
• Make troop resources available on the web site for scouts to check out - a page lists all the merit badge pamphlets and another page lists all the scouting resources that are available for use.
• Maintain a record of which scouts have checked out materials - when a scout checks out a book, the web page lists his name and date; when he checks it in, his name is removed.
• Retrieve all checked out materials before the end of my term - before a new scout takes over, he needs to have all resources accounted for. This can be the most challenging duty but provides opportunity to exert authority needed to complete a task.
• Report at least twice to the PLC on materials needing replacement or updating - this ensures he has organized the resources and is aware of needs. It also gives him opportunity to interact with the rest of the leadership team.
• Purchase merit badge pamphlets and other materials as needed - he follows through with the identified needs and provides a solution.
• Report to the troop on new library resources - gives him presentation practice and promotes the library to other scouts so the resources are used more.
• Two Personal Goals - he is asked to come up with two goals that will improve the library or the troop's use of it. Possibly archiving old versions of pamphlets, or donating them to the community library, or making a better library container.
• Wear my uniform correctly, set a good example, practice the Scout Oath and Law - a standard responsibility of all the troop leadership positions.
• Fulfill the requirements of this position for 6 months - the troop's chosen term of office

The Librarian meets with the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader at least every 2 months to report on his progress towards his goals. This ensures he is fulfilling his duties and will receive rank advancement credit. The Librarian also has an adult mentor that he can go to with ideas and for advice. The mentor is a consistent resource from term to term and s/he knows what the last few librarians have done and can help with ideas for improvement.

Scout On