Youth Services Librarian

Job Summary:

The position supports the Youth Services Department by participating in the creation and presentation of programs, as well as developing and maintaining collections. It involves providing courteous and reliable customer service to patrons while upholding the core values and mission of the Library. The role includes recommending improvements within areas of responsibility, keeping the manager informed of ongoing projects and progress, and maintaining effective communication with both the manager and fellow staff. Additionally, the position promotes collaboration and strong communication across departments to help achieve Library-wide goals and may include participation in cross-functional Library teams. This position will be expected to work nights and weekends.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular patron contact by providing courteous, prompt, reliable public library reference service, readers’ advisory, computer assistance, and general assistance.
• Participates in the operation of the Youth Services Department reference desk.
• Responds swiftly and professionally to resolve patron conflict equitably and tactfully addresses those involved in inappropriate behavior.
• Interacts regularly with Library staff, patrons, and general public.
• Serve as Person in Charge as needed or requested.

• Prepares and presents age-appropriate programs.
• Represents the Library by visiting and presenting programs at schools, preschools, and childcare facilities in the community.
• Responsible for presenting topics to groups and for educating the public on how to use Library resources effectively.
• Prepares and ensures proper documentation/recording of outreach and teacher loans.
• Develops and maintains promotional floor displays.

• Maintains materials budget for designated areas and orders materials within scope of available funds.

• Works with manager to set annual performance goals and objectives that support the Library’s core values.
• Participate in Library teams, meetings, in-service training, workshops, and conferences.
• Maintains knowledge of library profession by attending training and workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional organizations outside of the library.

• Maintains paper and digital records/files for respective areas.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to operate computer and web applications, departmental technology, and the Library’s automation and email systems.
• Ability to provide consistently high-quality customer service.
• Knowledge of youth library services, youth literature, and popular youth materials.
• Ability to relate to children and teens with an understanding of their developmental needs.
• Ability to tactfully and effectively work with and to design age-appropriate programs for preschool, school-age, and teen patrons and their parents and caregivers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgement in handling information and records.
• Ability to resolve complex problems.
• Consistently maintains and displays a positive attitude.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends.

Qualifications:

• Master’s in Library Science or Library Information Sciences from an ALA accredited school is required.
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in a public library youth services department environment is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to reach overhead and stoop to floor level.
• Operate standard business office equipment.
• Travel is required frequently to visit local schools and community events, off-site training sessions and/or meetings.

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Rocky River Public Library. Since no position description can detail all the duties and the responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of the job, duties that may be inherent in a position, reasonably required for performance, or required due to the changing nature of the position shall also be considered part of the position holder’s responsibility.