Youth Services Librarian

POSITION TITLE: Youth Services Librarian

PURPOSE OF POSITION: This professional Librarian position provides administrative, supervisory, and direct service work for children and youth from birth through high school. This staff member also provides programming services for young library patrons, including programs such as the Summer Reading Program, story hours, and outreach that enhance the lives of and promote reading to young patrons. The incumbent of this position researches, selects, and manages the youth collection (books, resources, and other materials) in response to the changing demands of library patrons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Acts in the capacity of the Library Director or Assistant Director in their absence.

Working with library staff, parents, patrons, school district teachers and other officials and members of the public, the incumbent applies concepts and principles of child development research to prepare age-appropriate programs of interest for children and youth at the library, school and other locations; develops and refines program activities, purchases needed supplies and materials; engages third-party participants as required; coordinates space requirements, room set-up, and other logistics.

Markets and promotes the library and its activities and programs to schools and other audiences through on-site visits, flyers, brochures, displays, announcements and digital communication.

Manages collections of library books and materials; develops and maintains understanding of current child/youth patron interests and needs; purchases books, resource materials and prepares programming in response; determines books and other materials for deaccession.

Supervises staff and volunteers by directly assigning projects, duties, and conducting training; schedules staff accordingly; evaluates staff performance, progress and implements corrective action as required.

Assists in developing and implementing library policies, procedures, goals and objectives.

Tracks and maintains computer and hard-copy records of activities, collections, materials, resources and other data.

Assists patrons with information and resource requests, identifies and gathers materials, information and resources whether in the library or other locations.

Assists with circulation, reference desk, and overdue process; serves as a reader’s advisor; assists with computer questions.

Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

Knowledge of modern library science administration and programming, including collections management, patron engagement, research and personnel management.

Knowledge of child development concepts and principles as they relate to library collections, resources, materials, and programs.

Skill using computers and software applications as they pertain to automated library collection systems, research and data collection and management.

Ability to work effectively with a variety of children, youth and adults of different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, learning and physical abilities, behaviors and other differences.

Ability to understand and interpret city, state and federal laws, policies, regulations and standards related to library activities.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Ability to work independently, plan and organize personal and staff work schedule, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to manage frequent interruptions while using good judgment and maintaining work efficiency.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other employees, other libraries, other governmental agencies and municipal officials.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION AND/OR LICENSES:

1. Graduation from an American Library Association accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Library Science degree, Master of Library Science degree preferred or a closely related field; and

2. One year of responsible experience working with children and youth; and

3. State of Nebraska library accreditation certificate, or ability to obtain certification within time frame established by the employer; or

4. Any equivalent combination of education and training.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

Work is generally performed indoors in an office setting and requires routine bending, lifting and carrying office supplies, library books and other materials. The incumbent is required to frequently sit for extended periods of time at a computer.

The employee is frequently required to speak clearly and hear.

Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various other pieces of equipment. While performing the duties, the incumbent is required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and to reach with hands and arms. The work environment is generally indoors, with work hours occasionally required in time of darkness. Vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate, but may be intense depending upon the scheduled activity.

Work may be stressful due to dealing with citizens and/or meeting deadlines. Regularly working in front a computer screen may cause eyestrain.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person