GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, the Librarian I – Youth Services – Main Branch is responsible for all aspects of programming and services for the demographic group (birth to 18 years of age). The position provides age-appropriate programming and other programmatic services to enhance the adoration of reading. Independent judgment, initiative, tact, and courtesy are required. Work evaluation is conducted by review of plans, programs, reports, and in conferences.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Develop and conduct programs for children from birth through eighteen years of age. Programs occur both inside and outside of the library, and they include regularly scheduled weekly and monthly programs, special events, group tours, puppet shows, visual presentations, etc.
Exercise basic program production skills including, but not limited to, planning age appropriate programs for all ages, and implementing and evaluating program success. Knowledge of readers’ advisory for all levels, with emphasis on learning styles for juvenile readers is essential.
Maintain a well-organized current children’s materials collection by making recommendations for new and retrospective materials purchases and by purging the collection of obsolete and/or worn materials on a regular basis.
Provide reference and individual reader’s advisory guidance to children, parents, teachers, and others interested in the resources of the library; identify the characteristics of the children’s service area to make recommendations regarding materials; plan and present necessary programs and services, while detailing all pertinent available resources, both print and electronic.
Compile, prepare, and maintain reports, records, and statistics. Submit monthly report of library activities to supervisor for distribution to library administration.
Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License for identification at educational institutions and travel between work sites for meetings, programming, and training using personal vehicle.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of contemporary library operations as applied in a public library setting.
Print and online resources to maintain knowledge of children’s literature and current trends in selecting and ordering materials for juvenile collections and program resources for a diverse environment.
Library collection classification and selection tools and techniques, as well as the principles and practices of office management, work organization, and supervision skills.
Online electronic databases and current technologies for the purpose of statistics reports, library procedures, and promoting library resources and programs for children.
Physical, mental, and emotional development of Children including their reading interest levels.
Skill to:
Introduce children to books and other library resources through storytelling, puppetry, and other visual and audio presentations.
Analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
Participate in grant writing to assist with program funding and to supplement library needs.
Perform basic duties in other areas of the library or outreach locations as needed.
Operate audio-visual equipment including sound systems, projectors, and electronic gaming devices.
Ability to:
Supervise, train, and direct technicians and clerks; organize tours and visits; compile statistics, reports, and presentations of library practices, procedures and materials for various age groups, including a teacher orientation, both in the library and in the community.
Evaluate the effectiveness of programs; make appropriate changes to content and/or program materials for small and large groups; make decisions under pressure.
Follow verbal and written instructions, organize work, and coordinate program activities.
Conduct programming aimed at youth through puppetry, storytelling, crafts, and other learning vehicles such as rhythm, music, writing, group work, etc.
Express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
Maintain an awareness of the safety needs associated with juvenile patrons and exercise good judgment when dealing with children and parents to maintain a pleasant learning environment for the entire family.
Maintain memberships in professional and regional library associations; attend professional meetings and conferences; and provide training to staff for continued library development.
Work on a team and provide leadership.
Meet deadlines and be service oriented.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in the field of children’s literature and/or early childhood education, preferably in a public library setting is preferred.
Education/Training:
A Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university is required.
Training or education that includes an emphasis on childhood or early childhood service is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid current Texas driver’s license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Special Requirements:
Outreach and other programming may necessitate working outside in seasonal weather conditions as needed.
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_M_ Standing
_M_ Sitting
_M_ Walking
_M_ Lifting
_M_ Carrying
_M_ Pushing/Pulling
_M_ Overhead Work
_E_ Fine Dexterity
_M_ Kneeling
_M_ Crouching
_M_ Crawling
_M_ Bending
_M_ Twisting
_I__ Climbing
_M_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
_I__ Other: _Work Outside in Elements__