Jennifer Velasquez, a lecturer with the San Jose School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), was recently named a 2011 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.  The award program recognizes information professionals across the continent who are “doing extraordinary work” as they implement innovations and improve library services.

In addition to her role as a SLIS faculty member, Velasquez is the Coordinator of Teen Services for the San Antonio Public Library.  When she started working there in 2000, the library didn’t have any consistent teen programming, budget, or even dedicated spaces at any of the system’s 26 branches.

Velasquez implemented a shift in the library’s service culture to create an environment where teens take ownership of spaces, services, and programming. As part of that transformation, San Antonio now has a system-wide network of “teen liaisons,” library staff members who act as designated teen programming facilitators and advocates for teens at each of the library’s 26 locations.

The successful approach resulted in a dramatic increase in circulation of teen materials, rising 250% between 2003 and 2009, as well as attendance at teen library programs, which increased by more than 150% between 2005 and 2009.  Teen spaces are now an essential part of the library system’s branch building program whenever new facilities are constructed.

To read more about Velasquez and her work with the San Antonio Public Library and the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, visit http://slisapps.sjsu.edu/blogs/meet/?p=260

For more information about this year’s Library Journal award winners, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/LJInPrint/MoversAndShakers/profiles2011/moversandshakersVelasquez.csp

Marcia Laughrey

Administrative Services

School of Library and Information Science

San Jose State University

One Washington Square

San Jose, CA  95192-0029

Phone: 408-924-2490

Fax: 408-924-2476