Competencies (standards) are always colorful and of interest They must come first of course, but in addition to the Competencies there needs to be a list of "Look fors". What data or evidence supports the fact that this competency is being met? I find when I have examples of "evidence" and data" that I am better able to determine whether I am meeting that standard. This extensive list of Competencies is too much. If I were a head of a library system I might find it of interest and a great "framework". I'm a doer, not a deliberator.

Susan, your reflection on competencies in general are great! For the past 3 years I've been working collaboratively to develop statewide competencies for afterschool program and care providers. Once we shared our thorough, research-based draft it became clear that while it was great information, it was pretty useless for providers. This year we are taking those competencies and creating simplified check lists for providers where they can rate on a scale of 1-4 what they are doing to meet each competencies. A rating of 1 is entry level expectations, and a rating of 4 is mastery of that competency. The goal is to help supervisors develop job descriptions and later evaluate employee performance, and for providers to identify areas for professional development. I think this approach would also be more useful to libraries.

The listing approach YALSA has taken can be used as a checklist and is much better than many text heavy competencies I've seen. I can see how it would be useful to a supervisor during the hiring and review process, and establishing a vision of teen services in their library. However it is still too overwhelming to be used on the floor by teen librarians on a regular basis. Perhaps YALSA should look into developing a simplified checklist version for librarians to use on a more practical level.

I agree competencies are needed, but I feel soft skills should come first.
Is the individual a people person? Many individuals enter the field thinking they do not have to interact with others.
Can they handle unusual requests without being flustered? I really do not want people who look like a deer looking at a headlight.
Are they respectful of the colleagues?
It is those skills that you can not teach that concern me the most.

I found the competencies to be way too complicated and not clear. It needs to be simplified and stream-lined.

I like the idea of a checklist too and making it useful for librarians serving teens.