University Library Participation in the Neighborhood Youth Corps Program

The Oakland University Kresge Library in Rochester, Michigan placed 10 Neighborhood Youth Corps (NYC) enrollees in their library following assurances that they would be tested prior to placement and assigned to areas of their occupational choice. The project required 32 hours of work per week for 9 weeks at $2.00 per hour, paid by the NYC Program. The NYC Program was also to provide the enrollees with counseling and instructional sessions related to their work experiences. It was found that heeding the NYC "Success Model" criteria, analyzing jobs prior to the start of the Program, taking into account the gregariousness of the youth, providing continuous training, and encouraging positive attitudes on the part of supervisors are essential to a successful NYC Program. Four people were terminated during the program; 6 did a commendable job and received good recommendations from their supervisors. Almost all of the library supervisors expressed concern with the structure and lack of cooperation on the part of the NYC supervisory staff. The Program was expensive in terms of training and supervision, but it was concluded that, overall, the Program was mutually beneficial, and would be participated in again. (KKC)