Youth Services Librarian

Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, knowledge of children’s interests and popular culture useful, proficient with Microsoft Office/Office 365 applications. Valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Ability to arrange items in alphanumeric and/or subject order. Ability to develop a rapport with children, young adults, parents and teachers. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and to maintain accurate records. Ability to prepare and conduct programs for children, young adults, parents and teachers. Ability to prioritize work, engage in a variety of tasks simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines. Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate with and work with patrons and staff in a personable and professional manner. Ability to interact with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds. Ability to work cooperatively with schools and community organizations. Ability to work effectively with current and emerging technologies. Ability to work within budgetary restraints. Knowledge of a wide range of children’s and young adult books and authors. Knowledge of children’s and young adult interests and popular culture. Knowledge of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights. Knowledge of library services, policies and procedures. Proficient with print and online resources; including searching skills. Understanding of patron confidentiality requirements and ethics responsibilities under Ohio law. Requires the ability to operate business office and library equipment; the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set up and maintain work files; lift, retrieve and provide materials to patrons in a timely manner. Work performed in good working conditions – occasionally subjected to poor physical or environmental conditions and/or occasional health and safety hazards. Position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and requires periodic participation and attendance at library events and meetings 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Fundraising & Budgeting: Participates in budget preparation and administration; manages assigned budget, maximizes benefit to cost ratios and reports. Secures and allocates alternative funding sources to support programs and services. Customer Service: Provides excellent customer service and is committed to public service values. Provides effective reference and reader’s advisory services to patrons; offers in-person assistance for the use of technology (including electronic devices and library e-resources) to adults and youth. Analyzes and responds to community interests and concerns regarding youth services. Fairly and tactfully enforces library policies with patrons while balancing the importance of patron satisfaction. Provides timely and clear information to other library staff about youth services. 

Collection Development and Cataloging: Works with staff to manage print and nonprint collections in areas of expertise and interest. All collections are managed in the context of customer demand, curriculum-support needs, and community trends. Evaluates donated materials to determine if they warrant addition to assigned collection areas. Performs cataloging and processing/repair activities related to youth materials in cooperation with staff. Creates tools to facilitate access to and raise awareness of the collections including display. Programming: Plans, produces, and coordinates programs for youth to allow greatest access (including afternoons, evenings, weekends). Collaborates with other staff to provide programs/services to youth visiting the library. Plans and executes summer reading program. Conducts school and community visits. Maintains files of stories and songs for programs 

Community Collaboration and Outreach: Helps plan youth outreach to schools, preschools and other locations providing literacy support and other services. Publicity and Marketing : Uses print, social media, electronic communications, web pages, and other forms of communication effectively to promote the library, services, programs, and collections. Maintains high visibility in community and represents the library in a positive way. 

Professional Development, Library, and Community Trends: Identifies and analyzes emerging community issues/needs to determine direction for related library services and collections. Participates in workshops and training for staff development. Maintains active membership in local and regional professional groups and associations. 

Support Library Mission & Goals: Understands and can advocate for the library’s mission and goals in the community. Maintains records and statistics related to the collection, programs & services; uses as tool for evaluation, to direct future decisions, and to communicate about the library. Assists with long-range planning; represents the library at community meetings as required. Flexibility and willingness to work in different service areas of the library. Maintains a safe and secure library environment through enforcing patron adherence to library policies, procedures 

OTHER DUTIES: Shelves materials and reads shelves to maintain order and collection accessibility. Checks for overdue materials and contacts patrons. Participates on town committees or initiatives as requested. Provides direct circulation service to patrons, including new card registrations, information requests, reader advisory services, using Evergreen, and all functions available in SEO. Provides service by phone (making and receiving calls) to patrons following business phone etiquette. Performs opening and closing tasks. 

COMPETENCIES AND JOB ATTITUDES Works independently on many tasks at one time despite frequent distractions. Ability to establish and maintain courteous and effective working relationships with colleagues, town personnel, and the general public; maintains professional demeanor, tone, and conversations in all public areas of the library (including while working behind circulation desks). Prioritizes work and exercises independent, sound judgment particularly in stressful situations. Ability to understand and follow oral and or written policies, procedures, and instructions. Demonstrates patience, tact, optimism, a friendly disposition, and the willingness to handle difficult staff, patrons, and situations. Is selfmotivated and proactive; demonstrates creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm. Works positively and effectively within a team model. Is open to criticism and ideas. Is sensitive to patron privacy and intellectual freedom issues. Adaptability to frequent change; ability and willingness to quickly learn and apply new skills and knowledge. Uses library and town resources responsibly. Attends work on a regular, punctual, and dependable basis. Maintains flexibility in scheduling and availability. Knows and follows library and town safety procedures, reporting problems and keeping equipment and work areas in satisfactory condition. Is flexible, has a good sense of humor about the irritations of daily work life, and respects the feelings and needs of coworkers. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS; WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed primarily in an office/retail environment and will include sitting at a desk or computer, standing at a counter, or moving around within the library building. Activities may need to be sustained for an extended period of time or may be brief and change quickly. Some travel to other locations to perform work and/or attend meetings is required. Physical exertion is required to lift supplies and library materials from overhead, varying heights of shelving, and the floor. Boxes needing to be moved may weigh up to 30 lbs. Work is subject to regular interruptions, noise, and other disruptions natural to working in a public space and with children. Work atmosphere is frequently dusty with potential exposure to airborne pathogens and may be subject to drafts and temperature variations. Sufficient vision, hearing, and other powers of observation are essential to permit the employee to read and sort library materials, interact positively with the public and colleagues, and supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff or volunteers. Needs high energy to work with the public for sustained periods while maintaining positive and enthusiastic interaction and communication. Work involves bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. 

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS Full-time, 35+ hours per week distributed over library open hours which include evenings and weekends. Occasional work will be scheduled outside of library open hours to accommodate programming or community outreach. Schedule will be determined by library director. 

NECESSARY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES Must have excellent written, verbal, and non-verbal communication. Must be comfortable working with youth both individually and in groups; must have empathy with children, care about their interests, activities, and problems. Solid analytical skills including the ability to gather and analyze data, identify problems and opportunities, compare results and consider options for solutions. Uses computers and the internet effectively for providing customer service/ ability to provide basic user maintenance on computer and printer hardware. Experience with and interest in mobile devices for information and recreational use.  Experience or demonstrated ability in storytelling, book talking, and other public performance techniques. Ability to apply library procedures and policies and other professional knowledge to the practical problems of the job. Ability and interest to make effective presentations to groups of any size. Proven leadership qualities. Capable of physically performing the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Must be able to drive an automobile in the course of library business and possess a valid OH State driver’s license. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION  Criminal background check  I-9 Form EEO STATEMENT The Mount Gilead Public Library provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin. In addition to federal law requirements, Mount Gilead Public Library complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which it has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. 

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY Employees in this class analyze and evaluate the needs of the community to provide library services that meet educational, informational, and recreational needs. The primary function of the Youth Services Librarian includes planning and implementing services and programs, managing collections, and allocating resources. Work is performed independently under the broad direction and guidance of the Library Director who reviews work for the quality of program implementation, services provided to patrons, and professional library standards. Errors in judgment could have substantial impact on library’s fiscal condition and the public’s acceptance of programs, personnel, and facilities

Please email Resume and Cover Letter to will@mglibrary.org