Youth Services Librarian Job Description

DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

JOB DESCRIPTON

TITLE: Youth Services Librarian

Position Summary: Responsible for assisting library users with locating information, either from resources available within the library or from other sources. Reports to the Librarian II Department Manager.

Hours: Full Time, Exempt. Must work flexible schedule including evenings and weekend rotation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

General Functions:

• Provides reference service in person and by phone, email, and mail.
• Plans, implements, and assists with programming.
• Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures and services.
• Prepares coherent and persuasive written justifications for all requested funding.
• Delivers lectures and conducts instructional sessions on the use of departmental materials and services.
• Conducts tours and develops informational materials describing services and programs.
• Confers with individuals, teachers, and community groups to assist in developing programs to encourage and improve library usage.
• Stays abreast of current trends in information services through reading professional literature and attending professional conferences.
• Participates in library continuing education.
• Compiles subject bibliographies and specialized indexes.
• Takes responsibility for enforcing library policies and directs subordinates in helping to enforce library policies.
• Gives presentations on the library at community meetings.

 Specialized Department Functions:

• Provides collection development for the Children’s section.
• Assists with the supervision of children and teen services.
• Works with school librarians and community groups to develop and expand children and teen services.
• Plans and conducts storytimes on a weekly basis.
• Represents the library to other community agencies serving children.
• Works on grant funding for programming and support of the library.

 SUPERVISORY:

Responsible for assisting the Librarian II Department Manager with the direction and coordination of departmental functions. May carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include the following: training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge on how to conduct a storytime appropriate for children using stories, songs, finger plays, action rhymes, puppets, etc.
• Knowledge of current trends in library service to children and teens.
• Knowledge of children’s literature and materials.
• Ability to work with children, teens and their parents and/or caregivers.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance and maintaining morale.
• Committed to excellence in customer service.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries of complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of trustees.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to work with the public in a busy public service department.
• Ability to work with co-workers, both within the department and the library at-large.
• Ability to deal with difficult user behavior.
• Ability to create a welcoming environment for public and staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with public and staff while maintaining effective and courteous public relations at a written and verbal vocabulary level commensurate with position requirements.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and composition.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Knowledge and demonstrated understanding of library administrative theory and practices.
• Knowledge and understanding of reference tools, research skills, general literature and of basic library principles, procedures, technology, goals and philosophy of services.
• Knowledge and proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Word and Excel, use of library data systems and databases.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computers, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, cash register, phone, microfilm/fiche reader/printers/scanners, audio visual equipment, book trucks (carts) for transporting materials to proper areas for re-shelving, and sound system equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) and two to five years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Eligible for Kentucky Library Certificate.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) and three to seven years related experience and /or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Eligible for Kentucky Library Certificate.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

The mental and 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift, push or pull up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift, push or pull up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Stressful situations may occur when dealing with the public. Must be able to work flexible hours.

 

**The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in the position.

 The Daviess County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.