Job Description Children s Librarian

Transcription

1 Burley Public Library February 3, Job Description Children s Librarian Job Summary: Professional position that is responsible for children s services, programs, and library material collections ages 0 to 9 (babies through third grade). Position is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and maintaining comprehensive programs for children and their caregivers that includes the development of children s collections, publicizing events, and presenting programs. Incumbent is accountable for accomplishing the Burley Public Library s goals and objectives, and for furthering City of Burley goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. Performs all other related work as required. Supervision: Incumbent works under the general direction of the Library Director. Incumbent has responsibility for determining actions and planning and organizing the work activities. Work performed is reviewed on an ongoing basis through regular discussions and written reviews. Incumbent decides most methods and practices for completing work assignments, referring unusual or questionable issues to Library Director. Incumbent also provides support to Youth Librarian with some programs and program duties intended for school-age children to be performed by both Children and Youth Librarians. Incumbent assists with direct supervision to library staff and volunteers. Incumbent works through Youth Librarian to oversee work duties and scheduling of Homework Helpers-Library Interns. Examples of Duties: Management and Supervision: Assume responsibility for how the library is perceived by the public and the staff. Provide leadership within the library through advocacy and collaborative problem solving. Assume responsibility for the administration of the children s areas, including the budget process and procurement of additional resources through a variety of sources including grants and support of area service organizations. Participate in all aspects of the library s planning process to represent and support children s services. Set long and short-range goals and establish priorities. Expect to be a leader within the organization.

2 2 Service: Provide through in-person public deskwork, programs, and electronic and digital delivery, the highest quality of public service to children, parents, caregivers and other adults who use the resources of the general library and the children s services areas. Public Deskwork: Perform reader s advisory and reference services in children s and youth areas, suggesting appropriate titles in response to parent, children and teacher requests. Provide patron assistance with accounts. Maintain appearance in children s areas, keeping it neat and attractive; developing attractive displays. Answer telephone calls promptly and provide information as appropriate. Monitor the use of public computers and assist all patrons with technical needs and questions. Manage patrons behavior as needed to maintain appropriate noise levels. Provide support to circulation area by assisting patrons as needed and training volunteers when necessary. Oversee volunteer activities within the children s area. Recruit, engage, involve and train when necessary community members for volunteer library services, partner with community agencies to provide assistance with outreach service. Collection and Program Development: Develop, plan, supervise and/or present children s library programs, instruction in the use of the library and resources, exhibits, displays, library tours, guest presentations and other programs with general direction from the Library Director. Develop curriculum and produce publicity primarily for children. Develop digital collections and digital connections such as programs for children, parents and caregivers. Encourage a love of reading by promoting, executing and evaluating programs for children of all ages, based on their developmental needs, their interests and the goals of the library. Present a variety of programs such as storytelling, book talks, book discussions, puppet programs and other appropriate activities. Contract with other skilled resource people to present programs, when appropriate. Develop and promote balanced, relevant, responsive children s collections and utilize tools as required to facilitate and encourage their use. Utilize effective public relations techniques and media contacts to publicize library activities. Collaborate with staff to maximize publicity efforts.

3 3 Communication: Work with community members, volunteers and civic groups to promote and execute library services and programs. Includes Friends of the Burley Library book sales, fund-raisers, and additional library programs. Develop and maintain effective relationships with schools, community and business groups, and government and civic agencies. Advise staff of and seek staff support for programs and collection maintenance. Produce reports, written communications, and grants. Draft thank you notes. Library Science: Prepare to maintain skills and expertise through continuing education and participation in professional activities. Other duties as may be assigned. Requirements: The best combination of education, training, experience, motivation, and skills to perform the job effectively. Knowledge of Children s literature. Knowledge of software applications, social media, and emerging technology as it applies to young people and the community at large. Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the public, including children, in a courteous and tactful manner, both verbally and in writing. Exceptional interpersonal communication, problem solving, customer relations and teamwork skills. High energy and an enthusiasm for public library services. Ability to handle a great many details, some simultaneously, with accuracy. Ability to handle a sizable number of young people simultaneously, with skill. Ability to persuade, negotiate, resolve conflict. Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety, respond to emergencies. Flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work independently. Working knowledge of PCs in a Windows environment, applications and new technology. Ability to use Internet searching methods and information resources. Willingness to work some evenings each week and some Saturdays each month. Ability to pass drug tests and background checks. Idaho State Driver s License.

4 4 Minimum Qualifications: Education: Some College-level classes required College-level courses or degrees preferred in: o Early Childhood or o Children s Literature or o Library Science or o Education courses in Teaching Work Experience: Minimum two years of work experience required Customer Service experience required o Work experience in either a library or education setting preferred o Professional experience with supervisory and administrative experience preferred o Experience with children s programming will be given preference Proficiency exams: Proficiency exams as defined by Department of Labor: o Basic Computer Literacy score of at least 80 o Customer Service Mind Survey score of at least 70 o General Typing of at least 30 Adjusted Words Per Minute Requirements: Knowledge of Children s literature Knowledge of software applications, social media, and emerging technology as it applies to children, young adults, and adults and the community at large. Working knowledge of PCs, various devices and other technologies and of library applications Keyboarding and clerical skills Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the public, including children, in a courteous and tactful manner, both verbally and in writing. Exceptional interpersonal communication, problem solving, customer relations and teamwork skills. High energy and an enthusiasm for public library services. Ability to handle a great many details, some simultaneously, with accuracy. Ability to handle a sizable number of children, simultaneously, with skill. Ability to persuade, negotiate, resolve conflict. Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety, respond to emergencies. Flexibility, adaptability and the ability to work independently. Ability to use Internet searching methods, apps, devices, and information resources. Willingness to work evenings and Saturdays. Ability to pass drug tests and background checks. Idaho State Driver s License.

5 5 Physical Abilities While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various office equipment. The employee is required to bend, climb, balance, stoop, crouch and use stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 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. General and Physical Abilities: Must be able to speak distinctly to large groups. Must be able to drive a car and hold a valid driver s license. Must be available to work evenings and weekends. Must possess physical mobility involving bending, lifting, reading, and hearing. Any offer of employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug test and background check. Applicants will be expected to complete typing, computer literacy and customer service assessments and other job-related assessments as part of the application process. The City of Burley is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans Preference Employer, and is a drug-free workplace.