What are the responsibilities and job description for the Children's Services Librarian position at Town of Simsbury, CT?

Salary : $39.16 - $46.80 Hourly

Location : Library - Simsbury, CT

Job Type : Full-Time (35 hours / week)

Job Number : 91715

Department : Library

Opening Date : 01 / 14 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 5 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Eastern

Summary

Position Definition

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Children's Services and the general supervision of the Library Director, the Children's Services Librarian is responsible for assisting in the oversight of Children's Department circulation, programming, promotion and marketing of the Children's Department, as well as assistance with collection development and maintenance. Additionally, the Children's Librarian coordinates and facilitates outreach to build knowledge and understanding of the breadth and scope of Library offerings, as well as to expand the use of the Library. Attention to detail, a spirit of collaboration and commitment to excellent customer service is imperative.

Position Description and Job Functions

Essential Duties

Assists in the oversight of the operation of circulation in the Children's Department and performs circulation duties as needed
Develops and facilitates programs, both inside and outside the Library, tailored to meet the developmental and enrichment needs of babies and children of all ages, their parents and caregivers
Designs, implements and publicizes initiatives to promote literacy, library resources, services and programs
Identifies and targets populations to develop and provide programming, resources and services which benefit their specific needs
Prepares and distributes promotional material, including but not limited to press releases, bibliographies, signage and displays to encourage the use of the Library
Uses a variety of tools, including social media, to further the reach of the Children's Department and Library
Assists users in locating appropriate material and engages in recommending items
Teaches patrons how to use the full range of library technology available to them so they can make effective use of the range of library resources, services and programs
Researches and answers reference questions
Manages and maintains the Children's Department events on the Library's virtual calendar
Coordinates, manages and maintains the Library's museum pass offerings
Assists with the development, organization and maintenance of the department collections
Participates in the cataloging, processing and data entry of Library materials to meet bibliographic standards of consortium database
Collaborates with Children's Department staff and all departments in order to provide the best possible service to the community
Develops and maintains effective relationships and partnerships with schools, both public and private, childcare agencies, town departments, local businesses, community and regional organizations to foster collaborative programming and service delivery
Contributes relevant material to the Library's web presence
Keeps abreast of new materials and trends in public libraries, children's services and literature, as well as technology and incorporates them, when relevant, into programs and services
Respects the facility and work environment by keeping work area neat, handling cleanups and reporting maintenance issues promptly and appropriately
Assures the confidentiality of library use and library patron accounts
Performs opening and closing procedures in the Children's Department
Assists in selecting departmental purchases
Assists with the administrative tasks of the Children's Department
Provides assistance and coaching on information services, programming and outreach delivery to Children's Department staff
Trains Pages, other staff and volunteers as needed
Assists with compilation and maintenance of statistical and narrative reports
Serves as an advocate for children's services and the Library
Keeps informed of current consortium policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner
Keeps informed of current Library policies, procedures and practices and interprets them to the public in a pleasant and effective manner
Performs other duties as assigned

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Seeks supplemental funding and grant opportunities, completes funding applications and administers grants to support children's services, programs and materials.

Attends professional meetings and participates in the activities of professional library associations.

Substitutes for Head of Children's Services at meetings when required

Assists in other departments as needed, including technology management and instruction

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Positive and enthusiastic approach to customer service, in person and on the phone

Ability to work with patrons of varied backgrounds, ages and abilities, in person and by phone

Knowledge of child development, children's literature and the available materials and services for children, families, caregivers and educators

Strong technology skills, including effective communication through social media

Demonstrates strong communication skills, both oral and written

Ability to work in a self-directed, independent manner

Ability to train both staff and volunteers

Ability to plan and organize both long and short term projects and programs

Ability to incorporate new trends into services and programming

Ability to work and interact effectively with staff, administrators and volunteers, as well as work as part of a cohesive team

Ability to interpret and follow a variety of instructions in oral and written format

Ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety and respond to emergencies

Demonstrates solid decision making, organizational and problem solving skills

Demonstrates desire to continually further professional knowledge

Exhibits flexibility and the willingness to work in a dynamic, busy and changing environment

Conditions and Qualifications

Required Physical and Mental Effort and Environmental Conditions

Ability to lift books and other materials, weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds, from shelves ranging from 6" to 8' from the floor and return them to their proper place(s)

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time; move throughout the Library; bend, reach and crouch to shelve and retrieve materials; push and pull carts loaded with materials

Ability to represent the Library in the community and at public gatherings and speak to public groups

Ability to use a PC terminal, laptop or tablet for extended periods of time

Ability to carry supplies and equipment in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds

Ability to move throughout the Library and other Town sites

Ability to read fine print materials

Ability to work in office and public settings subject to continuous interruptions and background noises

Ability to be flexible and adapt in a fast paced, complex and changing environment

Ability to work evenings and weekends

Required Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school, or completion of the degree within one year of hire. A genuine respect and consideration for children and the ability to establish a positive rapport with coworkers and the public are essential, as are strong overall customer service skills, creativity, acuity for detail and organization. Proficiency with current technology and applications, as well as familiarity with emerging technology trends and tools essential. Prior experience in Children's Services in a public library necessary.

License or Certificate

Motor Vehicle Operator's License

NOTE : The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

The Town of Simsbury offers a wide variety of benefits to employees.

New employees have access to :

Health Insurance (Choice of HMO or HDHP / HSA)

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance (up to 2x salary)

Long Term Disability Insurance

Retirement Pension Plan

Retiree Health & Dental Insurance

457 Retirement Savings Plan

2 Weeks of Vacation per Year

13 Paid Holidays plus 4 Floating Holidays / Personal Days

Please consult the t for additional details on the terms of the benefits referenced above.

Do you currently possess a Master of Library Science (MLS) Degree or have the ability to obtain one within 12 months?

Required Question

Salary : $39 - $47

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