Description

Position: Youth Services Librarian

Area of Focus: Preschool through Lower Elementary

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hrs./Week, Including Evenings & Weekends

Pay Range: $44,410 - $61,474

Job Summary:

This is a professional position performing highly technical work involving the delivery of library services to library patrons of all ages. Incumbents in this category are expected to develop and maintain a collection of materials which match the educational, reference, and recreational needs of the community. Librarians instruct and assist patrons in use of library materials, equipment, and computers. Incumbents develop library programs and activities which are age relevant for the group to which it is directed. Incumbents also use social media to communicate with library patrons and participate in community outreach through collaboration, programming, and serving on boards and committees at the local and state level. The position requires the ability to work under job demanding circumstances in personally demanding situations. Incumbents in this position supervise other staff, volunteers and the library as necessary. The incumbent in this position is under the direct supervision of the Department Head.

Area of Focus: 

Incumbent will be a warm, creative, team player who is especially passionate about serving our youngest library users, from birth to lower elementary. As a member of our Youth Services staff, you will share responsibilities for outreach and programming geared toward children lower elementary age and younger, while providing reference services and collections to children, teenagers, and families.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Selects materials that ensure the collections are diverse, current, relevant, and meet the needs of the community.
2. Provides reference services and reader recommendations using print and digital sources. Maintains a current knowledge of the collections. Continually works to engage youth and families with the collection.
3. Prepares and presents innovative programs that build children’s and caregivers’ connection with reading and the community.
4. Maintains a working knowledge of the trends in youth services, continually seeking new information and methods to improve materials, services, and programming through professional literature, courses, or connections with other professionals.
5. Conducts outreach and collaborates with community-based organizations and schools.
6. Participates in the development of the physical space of the Youth Department ensuring a safe and inviting area.
7. Orients library patrons to the library and its services.
8. Develops and maintains content for the library’s social media platforms.
9. Assists in the preparation of reports and information for staff and Library Board reports.
10. Assists in the supervision, training, and development of volunteers and staff through on-site instruction.
11. Supervises library operations and closing of facility during evening and weekend hours in the absence of senior management.
12. Supervises departmental operations in the absence of department head.
13. Initiates and maintains community contacts and serves on committees and boards at the state and local level.
14. Participates in the formation, development, and implementation of planning a visioning for the department.
15. Pursues professional development by attending webinars and conferences, and serving on PDL committees.
16. Provides circulation services, as operations require.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

1. Working knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and practices of public library operations, including search methods, reader’s advisory and reference interviews. Incumbent is also required to acquire knowledge of the policies and procedures of Portage District Library.
2. Considerable knowledge of available circulating materials and basic reference sources.
3. Working knowledge of public library technology.
4. Ability to work under general supervision with latitude in exercising independent judgment and discretion subject to Library policies, procedures and professional practices.
5. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with various library staff and patrons in an effective and courteous manner. Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
6. Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
7. Visual acuity and physical skills necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves and storage areas, maintain library materials and operate equipment. The incumbent is required to have the physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
8. Hearing ability to answer telephone and patron inquiries.
9. Skills necessary to effectively access information on the computer.
10. Ability to operate a variety of library equipment including, but limited to, a computer, fax and copy machine.
11. Must possess the ability to assign, supervise, instruct, and train personnel in a manner conducive and effective to the resources of the library. 
12. Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with diverse users of all ages.
13. Ability to create and conduct innovative programming for a variety of ages and interests.
14. Ability to work in a busy, rapidly evolving work environment, comfortable shifting activities to reflect changes in the day’s priorities.

Working Conditions:

1. Generally will work within a normal office environment with minimal discomfort due to extreme temperatures, dust, and noise.
2. Job requires walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping and reaching. Requires the use of a video display monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
3. Employees may interact with upset staff and /or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing library policies and procedures.
4. Work hours may be varied, including evenings and weekend hours. 

Education, Experience and Training:

1. The job requires a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.
2. One year of professional Librarian work experience preferred.
3. Library of Michigan Professional Certificate.