Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library
Children’s Librarian
SUMMARY
The Children’s Librarian is a professional level position responsible for the development and implementation of a full range of library services for children ages zero to twelve. Within the context of the Children's Room, responsibilities include: collection development, programming, outreach services, maintenance, provision of reference services, and supervision of library users, staff and volunteers. This position requires both a high degree of independent initiative and coordination with Library
Administration.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintenance of the Children’s Room
- Assessing and making recommendations to the Director regarding the physical design of the Children’s Room, including furnishings and equipment.
- Maintaining all materials, collections, and equipment in good condition and orderly fashion.
- Working to create an environment that is appealing to children, and which speaks to their interests.
- Classifying and arranging all materials in a manner that is clearly understood and that make materials easily accessible.
- Creating regular displays in various areas of the Children’s Room that are appealing and that reflect traditional and contemporary themes of interest to young people, and that promote library resources.
- Installing signage that is appealing, clearly informs, and is prominently displayed.
Collection Development
- Selecting of materials in accordance with professional library practice and the Goodall Library
Materials Selection Policy, placing orders within the children’s materials budget, using the standard ordering format used by the Library.
- Selecting materials based on assessment of the needs of library users, appeal, and requests, reflecting knowledge of current cultural, personal, and educational interests of young people.
- Selection of materials reflecting a knowledge of children’s literature, Maine literature, and regional and national award winners.
Programming
- Developing and implementing a variety of innovative, regularly scheduled, special event programming that speak to and capture the interest of young people. To include: age appropriate story hours, public school vacation programs, summer programs, and special evening programs.
- Managing all aspects of programming including appropriation of resources, coordinating with
Library Administration, and promotion/publicity.
Outreach Services
- Serving as a liaison between the Library and schools, caregivers, home-schoolers, and agencies serving children. Initiative is taken in seeking out, developing, and maintaining effective relationships with these groups.
- When possible, conducts visits to schools and agencies, presenting appealing programs that inform children, teachers, and caregivers of the resources and programs offered by the Library. Effectively coordinates with librarians and administrators.
- Identifying agencies such as nursery schools and other care givers, working to implement programs.
- Identifying and promoting referrals linking children and caregivers to support services and community activities.
Reference Services
- Providing informational services to children and adults in the Children’s Room.
- Applying professional referencing skills in accurately assessing needs and in helping to locate materials.
- Instructing children in information gathering skills and the use of Minerva.
Supervision
- Supervising all library users in the Children’s Room, enforcing the Library’s rules for conduct.
- Monitoring the conduct of children and adults in the hall area immediately outside the Children’s Room, enforcing the Library’s rules for conduct.
- Assisting in monitoring the conduct of children and adults in the Community Room, enforcing the
Library’s rules of conduct when practical, or alerting Library Administration when necessary.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency and enthusiasm for current technologies.
- Ability to develop and implement a variety of age-appropriate programs that speak to the interests of young people.
- Ability to identify, prepare, submit, and manage grants of benefit to children’s services.
- Possess a broad background of knowledge useful in assisting young people with reference questions.
- Stays apprised of state, regional, and national library youth resources.
- Alertness to changes in society which may necessitate changes in services.
INERPERSONAL/PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Interacts with library users in a manner that is courteous, engaging, and effective (assesses and fulfils user needs.)
- Interacts with children in a warm and engaging manner that stimulates their interest.
- Is responsive to comments, suggestions, and requests, incorporating them into services.
- Interacts cooperatively and effectively with all Library Staff and with Library Administration.
- Communicates with Staff, keeping them informed of the operations of the Children’s Services.
- Seeks discussion with Library Administration regarding initiatives and general operations issues,
communicating in writing when appropriate. Obtains approval from the Director before implementing significant initiatives.
- Communicates effectively with library users, Staff, Administration, and representatives of outside agencies, both orally and in writing.
- Effectively promotes children’s services, including programming, through the use of in-house and outside publicity. Participates in promoting programs and services utilizing various media outlets, including social media and other online resources.
- Assists with tasks outside the Children’s Room when requested such as creating signage, bookmarks and brochures.
SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS
- Reports to the Library Director and the Assistant Director.
- Supervises Staff assistants and volunteers in the Children's Room.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in a related field is required; Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an
ALA accredited program is a plus.
- Experience in and a working knowledge of children’s services are required.
- Knowledge, proficiency and enthusiasm for current technologies is required.
- Demonstrated excellent public relations ability with all ages is required.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Work Location: One location