Youth Services Librarian

About us

“From a tiny spark may burst a mighty flame”
-Dante

Welcome to the Hales Corners Library. We are a quaint library that offers a friendly staff, lots of exciting events and programs, and access to a fantastic collection of books, movies, media, and more!

Reports to: Library Director

Job Overview:

Do young people think you are magic? Do you use jazz hands on a regular basis? Are you a "Jack of All Trades" librarian looking for a job that suits your many talents and skills? Then this opportunity is for you! This position manages children’s and young adult services, including programs, marketing materials, and collection development and maintenance. Provides reference service to the general public and serves as librarian-in-charge when so designated. This person shall be an active member of the community and well-known within the area schools. Work assignments are general given with broad statements of objectives and performed with a considerable degree of independence. Work is reviewed for achievement of desired results.

Essential Functions:

1. Plans, organizes, and provides library services and programs for youth from birth to 18 years, parents, teachers, and community groups related to youth services.

2. Provides reference services, including interlibrary loan, reader's advisory, computer assistance and training on databases, internet, and MS Office, and other patron assistance services.

3. Develops all areas and formats of the youth collections, selects materials for purchase and maintains the collections including weeding and space management.

4. Manages and purchases program and craft supplies. Maintains the storage areas for these supplies.

5. Oversees staff assigned to create promotional drafts of digital signage, social media posts, and other types of marketing to insure timely postings with a consistent voice. Assists in creating bulletin boards and displays. Helps to maintain the library’s online presence.

6. Schedules and conducts library tours and outreach activities for area schools and for other organizations and groups that work with youth from birth to 18 years.

7. Serves on appropriate committees of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS) as the Hales Corners Library contact regarding youth services matters.

8. Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of youth services and reference policies and procedures, and provides in-service training to staff.

9. Advises the library director in regard to policies and procedures in the areas of responsibility; writes reports and recommendations; implements decisions.

10. Compiles statistical information on areas of service.

11. Provides backup assistance at the circulation desk as need arises.

12. Follows and carries out library policies and procedures. Reports all breaches of policy to the library director.

13. Performs light housekeeping.

14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities Required for the Position:

1. Enthusiasm and enjoyment in working with youth (birth to 18 years) and their parents or caregivers.

2. Skill in effective storytelling or background in public performance.

3. Extensive knowledge in planning, organizing, and presenting programs.

4. Proficiency in locating and presenting information to public inquiries.

5. Friendly and helpful demeanor, crucial for maintaining good public relations in a role with constant public interaction.

6. Ability to maintain the confidentiality of library patron information.

7. Competence in selecting materials that cater to the interests and needs of youth (birth to 18 years), their parents, and caregivers.

8. Expertise in creating publicity materials, displays, bulletin boards, and marketing library materials, programs, and services through social media, computer software, and electronic resources. Experience with Canva a plus.

9. Capability to present the library accessibly to the community, including conducting library tours and informal classes.

10. Skill in gathering statistics, analyzing information, and writing reports.

11. Proficiency in identifying problems and opportunities, evaluating alternative actions, and using information and resources for decision-making.

12. Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize tasks, respond to varying work demands, and make necessary decisions.

13. Skill in organizing, coordinating, and training library staff and volunteers in various tasks.

14. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain cooperative and courteous relationships with the public, peers, and supervisors.

15. Ability to travel to off-site locations for meetings, conferences, workshops, etc.

16. Solid knowledge of English grammar and spelling.

17. Commitment to maintaining and enhancing skills in the aforementioned areas through active participation in relevant learning opportunities.

Physical Demands of Position: 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.

1. Ability to work in confined spaces.

2. Bending / twisting and reaching.

3. Far vision at 20 feet or further, and near vision at 20 inches or less.

4. Fingering: keyboarding, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, and processing.

5. Handling: processing, picking up and shelving books.

6. Lifting and carrying: 50 pounds or less.

7. Pushing, pulling: objects weighing 300-400 pounds on wheels.

8. Sitting, standing, walking, climbing and stooping.

9. Talking and hearing; use of the telephone.

Mental Requirements:

1. Ability to exercise mature judgment, maintain confidentiality and make responsible decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.

2. Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform work independently, and to manage multiple priorities and projects, making changes as circumstances dictate.

3. Ability to maintain efficient and timely work flows through organization and maintaining schedules.

4. Ability to research, order and manage the systematic storage of library materials, program and craft supplies.

5. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

6. Ability to deal with the public efficiently, tactfully, and courteously.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other employees, and public officials, and to effectively and discreetly convey information.

8. Skill in the operation and care of items listed in equipment used.

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. Work is performed primarily in a library environment. The noise level in the work environments is usually quiet to moderate.

Equipment Used: Automated shared resource system (CountyCat and Sierra), audiovisual equipment, book truck, building systems such as heating and air conditioning and fire protection, calculator, copier, electrical equipment, iPad, networked personal computer and peripherals, mobile devices, printers, e-readers, wireless router, payment kiosk, other library technology equipment, point of sale system, telephone system.

Job Requirement: Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, days, evenings, and weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

Education / License / Certification Requirements:

1. American Library Association accredited Master's degree in library science (M.L.S.) or library and information science (M.L.I.S.), or an equivalent combination of education and experience, as demonstrated by prior work experience or documented accomplishments.

2. One year or more of successful professional public library experience preferred.

3. Experience providing children's programs in a public library or educational setting preferred.

4. Strong customer service orientation.

5. Extensive experience in organizing and planning.

6. Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Wages and Benefits: Wages and benefits set annually by the Library Board.

Residency: The Hales Corners Library does not have a residency requirement.

Application Information: Desired start in early April 2025. Job is open until filled; however, review of applications begins February 28, 2025. Please include a cover letter (suggested to upload with your resume in one pdf) that highlights relevant projects or experience and why you feel you are the best fit for this position. We will consider MLS/MLIS applicants with a graduation date of May/June 2025. AA/EEO/ADA Employer.

For more information about the library and the Village of Hales Corners please check the library’s website www.halescornerslibrary.org and the Village’s website http://www.halescornerswi.org/.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,294.00 - $55,328.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

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

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,294 - $55,328