Children's Librarian (Merrill Memorial Library)

Merrill Memorial Library

Children's Librarian

Full Time

Summary of responsibilities:

A Full Time Position under supervision of the Director.

Specific responsibilities include working with the public and other library staff to provide a wide

range of library services to all Library patrons, children ages 0-8yrs and families in particular.

Job Qualifications:

• Ability to give friendly, helpful service to all Library patrons.

• Ability to communicate effectively with patrons and staff.

• Requires a working knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library

work and Children’s services in particular.

• Requires sound judgment, initiative, tact and courtesy, attention to detail, and the ability

to work as a team with a small staff, making real time adjustments to best meet the needs

of the patrons & co-workers.

• Requires a thorough knowledge of children’s literature and appropriate techniques for

working with children.

• Maintains good relations with public, staff, and volunteers.

Circulation and Reference desk responsibilities:

• Greets, assists, and refers library users according to their needs and performs a wide

range of clerical public contact duties.

• Uses library automated circulation system to lend materials to library users including

checking materials in and out, processing holds, registering borrowers, collecting fees,

informing patrons of the status of their accounts, and conveying information about library

policy. Opens and closes library building.

• Instructs patrons needing help on library PC’s and various devices

• Assists patrons using library equipment and performs basic trouble shooting on copiers,

printers, computers, projectors, and other equipment as needed.

Children's Reference and Reader's Advisory:

• Assists patrons on the selection of reading materials appropriate for their needs and

assists in interpretation of library materials.

• Answers reference questions and conducts research as needed.

Children's Programs:

• Plans and presents programs and activities for diverse age groups to encourage reading

and stimulate use of the library including weekly Story Time, summer reading programs,

school tours, class visits, outreach programs, and special events.

• Participates with other community agencies and schools to extend and promote library

programs.

• With adequate notice, covers in the absence of the Youth Services Librarian.

Children’s Library Collection:

• Responsible for children’s materials budget.

• Selects materials by reading and evaluating reviews, patrons’ requests, and popular

trends.

• Manages collection, adding, weeding and withdrawing as needed.

• Shelves, reads, and organizes materials in children’s collection.

• Repairs books.

• Evaluates children’s services, implements improvements.

• Assists Youth Services Librarian to train, direct and supervise department volunteers.

• Solicits donations

• Creates & maintains displays, develops bibliographies, brochures & other appropriate

materials

• Attends workshops, meetings and conferences as appropriate.

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Peripheral Responsibilities:

• Checks library materials in and out.

• Processes charges and payments.

• Inputs patron data to operating system.

• Answers telephone calls and emails and provides information or otherwise assists

• Maintains necessary operating records.

• Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as running errands, picking up

setting up tables and chairs for events, etc.

• Must be available to work one evening per week 1 Saturday/month in rotation.

• Attends professional library conferences, seminars and network committees, reads

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library systems including

consortial lending; Some knowledge of library circulation or processing techniques;

Working knowledge of library classification systems; Working knowledge of basic office

procedures; Adept with a variety of electronic devices.

• Ability to accurately maintain library filing systems; Ability to orally communicate

effectively; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons,

co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Library computer system; other personal electronic devices as necessary: copier, scanner, smart

phones, tablets, e-readers and associated software and apps.

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 or crouch.

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 noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.

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.

Rev 051926