Youth Services Librarian  

Statement of Duties: Professional position that is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive youth services program for the benefit of all youth and their caregivers; includes development of collection; publicizing and presenting programs. Performs all other related work as required.

Supervision: Incumbent works under the general direction of the Library Director receiving oral instructions and general suggestions. Incumbent has responsibility for determining actions in planning and organizing work activities. Work performed is reviewed on an ongoing basis through regular discussions and annual evaluation. Incumbent decides most methods and practices for completing work assignments, referring unusual or questionable issues to Library Director.  Incumbent provides direct supervision to part-time staff and volunteers assigned to youth services.

Position Requirements:

  • Planning, implementing and evaluating youth library services and programs which capture the attention and interest of young patrons; Develops dynamic and useful children's collections; Plans and implements young adult programming and maintains the young adult collection.
  • Library Youth services are structured to complement school/library, and community child care services. The Children's Librarian maintains contact with peers in schools and other children's service agencies. Incumbent must be able to manage all situations in order to ensure that the library youth service operation is well received, managed within library space constraints, and valued by the community.
  • The incumbent has frequent contact with the public for the purpose of answering circulation, reference and reader's advisory questions, and performing or coordinating children's programs. Other contacts are with other town departments, school teachers, and professional performers for the purpose of presenting programs to children.
  • The incumbent should have working knowledge of Microsoft software and basic computer troubleshooting.

Essential Functions:

  • Plans, prepares, and presents story times and other programs for children, both on and offsite.
  • Plans, implements, publicize and evaluate programs for holidays and school/summer vacations.
  • Reads review sources to recommend age-appropriate materials for purchase; reviews children's collection to identify materials to discard and new subjects to purchase.
  • Circulation services include: charging materials in and out to patrons, shelving and organizing materials; processing overdue fines; completing reserve requests; updating patron cards and registering new patrons.
  • Performs reader's advisory and reference services, suggesting appropriate titles in response to parent, children and teacher requests.
  • Performs information literacy services in response to the research needs of school age children.
  • Maintains appearance of children's room, and develops attractive displays in the children's room and on the downstairs bulletin board.
  • Controls patrons' behavior in accordance with the Library policies as set forth by the Library Board of Trustees.
  • Consults with the Library Director for children's room needs, services and program planning.
  • Performs other tasks as assigned by Library Director.

Other Functions:  May be required to supervise the operation of the Library and to open/secure the building, in the absence of the Library Director and Adult Services Librarian.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Education and Experience: Masters Degree in Library and Information Science or received within 6 months of employment; one to two years prior experience in children's library services, including collection development, programming, circulation, reference and reader's advisory services.
  • A strong desire to work with children of all ages is essential.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Considerable knowledge of children's literature, past and present, knowledge of children's developmental stages, knowledge of appropriate materials and programs for various age groups, knowledge of computer software, systems and basic troubleshooting; the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, the ability to treat patrons' requests with respect and confidentiality; the ability to get along with the public and co-workers; and a commitment to connecting children with literature.
  • Working knowledge of CW MARS, Millenium Circulation System, a plus.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Driver’s License or ability to obtain one upon employment.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Library computer system; personal computer, including word processing and data base management software; calculator; copy and fax machine; phone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or craw.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The incumbent works in a moderately noisy setting with frequent interruptions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary: Union position; $19.23/ hour with 6 step-raises, M – F, 35 hrs/week

Closing Date: Open until position filled

Send cover letter, resume and three references to Lamend@cwmars.org or mail to:  

Lee Ann Amend, Director   Chester C. Corbin Public Library,   2 Lake Street,  Webster, MA 01570