Youth Services Librarian - Job Description

Position Title:    Youth Services Librarian

 

Reporting Relationship:   Supervised by the Library Director.

 

Overview of the Position:  Part Time Position

 

Under the general direction of the Director and in collaboration with the Program Coordinator, this employee performs work in planning, managing, implementing, and executing a comprehensive program of library services for youth and families in the community.

The work involves planning, developing, coordinating, and executing programs designed to serve youth, ages birth through 17 and their families. The goals of the service include fostering literacy, encouraging reading for enrichment and pleasure, providing materials to support school assignments, and teaching the use of the public library as a lifelong resource. The work requires the exercise of professional skill, initiative, and independent judgment.

Knowledge of library services, principles, practices, and procedures, including copyright and confidentiality laws are desired. This position requires accuracy, self-direction, and the ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. Knowledge of child development and best practices for engaging and interacting with youth is required. Strong customer service skills are essential.

 

Essential Functions of the Position:

 

• Responsible for the planning, programming, development, and implementation of services.
• Plans, promotes, and conducts an interesting variety of activities and programs for the youth services department independently and in cooperation with the Program Coordinator.
• Plans, promotes, and conducts programs for children and their families.
• Develops and maintains the library website page for youth, as well as the calendar of events.
• Provides reference services and assistance from the library collections, materials, and computer searches.
• Plans, implements and maintains effective public relations, including press releases, services to community organizations and schools, and special programs, e.g., Summer Reading Program, National Library Week, Children’s Book Week, etc.
• Develops, weeds, and maintains the collection of all materials pertaining to the Youth Department in conjunction with the selection policy.
• Maintains budget records and monitors expenditures for material acquisitions assigned to Youth Services as well as supplies and/or equipment to support programs/activities to stay within approved budget.
• Submit budget(s) for special events in a timely manner for approval by the Library Director.
• Arranges displays and exhibits and creates tools to stimulate interest in the library and youth services collection.
• Attends professional meetings at the discretion of the Director.
• Advocates within the library and community for children’s rights and responsibilities as library users.
• Communicates with other libraries, local schools, and home-schooling families in order to promote the library services and collections.

• Provides assistance at the circulation desk.
• Assists patrons by analyzing inquiries, providing readers advisory, identifying material and providing telephone and/or email reference service to respond to specialized patron needs.
• Carry out policies established by the Board of Trustees, always dealing with the public in a professional manner.
• Expected to effectively communicate the library’s activities and services to the public in the library.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Participate in all staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director.

 

Required Knowledge:

 

• Strong background in providing services to youth of all ages with a focus on school age children.
• Knowledge of children’s services and knowledge of library services, principles, practices, and procedures, including copyright and confidentiality laws.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Operational knowledge of standard office and AV equipment.
• Knowledge of computer technology (hardware/software) including automated library systems, word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and the Internet.
• Knowledge of social networking sites and promotion of events thereon.

 

Required Skills:

 

• Skills in communication to ensure quality services to diverse public library users.
• Technology skills, including use of computers, tablets, and other devices.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at one time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evening, weekends, and emergencies.

 

Education/Experience:

 

Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Experience working with children of all ages, as well as parents/caregivers.  Library experience is preferred, but not required. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skill, and ability, may be considered.

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