Children’s Services in The New York Public Library

Abstract

This report is based on the author’s own experiences with the children’s work in the New York Public Library.
The report briefly mentions the historical background of the New York Public Library and its wide and varied services. The NYPL’s unique organization is pointed out.
The children’s services in the NYPL is discussed in several aspects: development of the children’s work in the United States and in New York, organization and administration of the Office of Children’s Services, function and duties of the advisory specialists (Literature Specialist, Supervisor of Story-telling, and School Library Specialist), and training of children’s librarians, etc.
In his evaluation, the author pointed out different characteristics of libraries in the west and the east within the United States. Great contribution made by pioneer librarians and influences and leadership not only in the library work but also in the field of children’s literature by current outstanding librarians are highly praised.
At the end, the author analyses obstacles that delay the development of children’s work in public libraries in our country.