Youth Services and Outreach Librarian I

About Us: The Guilderland Public Library is a vibrant suburban community hub dedicated to providing exceptional library services and resources to residents of all ages. We are a school district public library, serving a population of over 36,000 Guilderland residents and beyond as part of the Upper Hudson Library System. Our building has been recently renovated, and includes ample study and meeting rooms for the public, colorful office spaces with adjustable height desks and dual monitors for workers, plentiful off street parking, large banks of windows, a cozy reading garden, electric car charging, and a variety of fun details to discover. We are seeking a new full time Librarian I to join our team in our Programs & Public Services Department (PPS), in the Youth Services unit.

Position Summary: The Youth Services and Outreach Librarian focuses on youth programs and collections management for ages 0-11. The Librarian collaborates with the Assistant Director for Administrative Services and other outreach staff to address the needs of diverse and underserved youth populations and builds a strong relationship between the library and local schools. The Librarian also creates reports, documentation, and proposals in support of departmental functions and goals, and provides supervision of service operations in the absence of a PPS Department Head.

Key Responsibilities:

● Public Service: ○ Assists the public with reference inquiries, device and technology questions, study room access, and placing requests and holds at library service points, including the Adult and Youth Information desks, and via phone/email ○ Educates early readers about library principles, research strategies, and social strategies ○ Provides readers’ advisory services to the public, including at the desk and via displays, handouts, and digital or printed materials ○ Creates instructional handouts and guides ○ Ensures patrons are educated on policies and enforces rules of public behavior

● Programs: ○ Designs, leads, and evaluates events and classes for members of the community aged 0-11 and their families, including: ■ Storytimes ■ Early Literacy Programs ■ Special events ■ Summer reading programs ○ Selects and coordinates with outside performers and presenters ○ Represents the library via public speaking at events, including introducing performers

● Outreach: ○ Liaises with community groups, organizations, schools, and other library partners ○ Provides off site storytimes and activities for children and families and represents the library at community events ○ Creates and distributes materials to promote the library, collections, and services ○ Collaborates with the Assistant Director for Administrative Services on grant applications ○ Recommends new services or partnerships aimed at underserved audiences

● Collection Development ○ Selects materials, with a focus on youth audiences ○ Conducts weeding and participates in shelving/reorganization projects to maintain a relevant and accessible collection ○ Assesses materials and runs reports as assigned using the Sierra ILS (including Create Lists), Decision Center, Collection HQ, and UHLS ad hoc interface

● Supervision and Coordination: ○ Assigns tasks and supervises program and collections work of Library Assistants and volunteers ○ Trains library paraprofessionals on services, reporting, and collections topics ○ Manages partner relationships and keeps a database of prior performers and community connections ○ Participates in a nights and weekends rotation for the Programs and Public Services department, exercising good judgment, supervising routine operations, and enforcing policy in the absence of the PPS Department Heads

● Documentation and Reporting Duties: ○ Collects and compiles community feedback, keeps accurate statistics of service use and program attendance, and assesses data ○ Keeps accurate records about spending on programs and collections ○ Keeps detailed records of performers, speakers, and community connections ○ Prepares statistical and narrative reports ○ Drafts proposals ○ Creates documentation of workflows as assigned

● Professional Development: ○ Keeps informed of trends and best practices for library service via professional organizations, conferences, system meetings, workshops, continuing education courses, and by reading professional materials Civil Service Requirements:

● Employment at the Guilderland Public Library is governed by Albany County Civil Service law. Applicants must qualify for appointment under the Librarian I title (see attached description for full details). Appointment will be provisional until the candidate successfully completes a civil service exam for the title.

Minimum requirements include: ○ Possession of a graduate library degree from a library school program which is accredited by the American Library Association -OR- from a library school located within New York State, which is registered by the State Education Department ○ Possession of a current New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate

Preferred Qualifications: ● Bachelor's degree or interest in Education, Arts, Music, Theater, Communications, or Hospitality preferred but not required ● Knowledge of Early Literacy principles ● Experience designing and leading storytimes ● Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills ● High level of creativity and willingness to experiment ● Flexibility and passion for working with patrons of all ages

Compensation: $27.97/hour, 37.5 hour workweek for an annual salary of $54,541. Benefits include NYS Retirement, health/dental/vision insurance, personal/sick/vacation time, EAP, dependent care and health spending accounts, and deferred compensation.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Assistant Director, Natalie Hurteau at HurteauN@guilderlandlibrary.org. Portfolio of previous library programs, writing samples, or other supporting materials encouraged, but not required.

Deadline: September 13, 2024

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.97 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating shift

Ability to Commute:

• Guilderland, NY 12084 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Guilderland, NY 12084: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $54,541