Staff Librarian (Children & Teens), Main Library Youth Services Dept, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge MA
Posted August 8, 2014
Cambridge Public Library
Staff Librarian (Children & Teens)
Main Library Youth Services Dept
#L412-724
37.5 hours per week, including at least one night and Saturday rotation
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree from an ALA accredited school of library science. Experience in providing direct service to children in a library or educational setting. Experience with young adults (ages 12 to 18) is preferred. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part of the educational requirements.
Requires: Knowledge and understanding of the library’s mission, goals, and objectives. A broad and current knowledge and appreciation of children’s literature, young adult literature, digital and multimedia materials, and electronic resources, including social media communication tools. Knowledge of current technology, technological trends, and operation of related equipment. A broad knowledge of the intellectual, emotional, psychological and physical development of children and adolescents is essential. A genuine caring and respect for children and teens and an ability to establish rapport with them. Good communication skills, including the ability to work well and communicate constructively with children, teens and adults. Ability to express oneself orally and in writing. Knowledge and experience in planning programs appropriate for the age level (children or teens) and capabilities of the target audience. Planning and organizational skills. Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and techniques. Knowledge of current issues and legislation affecting children and teens in the community and in society. Flexibility, initiative, energy, patience and tact to deal effectively with the public. Excellent people and reference skills. Familiarity with online circulation systems and online searching is required. Experience in working with children and teens individually and in group settings. Creativity Resourcefulness Patience Initiative Enthusiasm Maturity Adaptability and dependability to work well in a team situation, and flexibility in emergency staffing situations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, CD/DVD players
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time to use computer workstations, including keyboard and visual display terminal
- Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books
- Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work
- Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data or things
- Time management ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines
- Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to permit effective communication
- Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to permit employee to read books and patron requests and to supervise the Children’s Room and Teen Room
- Sufficient manual dexterity to permit the employee to type and record library files
- Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to permit the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Works in assigned areas, including office areas, training rooms, various library and off-site locations, as necessary. Normal exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions which occur in a large and busy children’s and teen public service space Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession
DUTIES:
- Performs duties necessary to the daily operation of the Main Library Children’s Room and Teen Room
- Working closely with other Main Library youth services staff, helps serve as a bridge for preteens and adolescents transitioning between the Children’s Room and the Teen Room spaces, staff and collections
- Provides reference, readers advisory and library orientation/instruction services to individuals and groups
- Assists in implementing the library collection development policy in accordance with the allocated departmental budget while selecting, evaluating, maintaining and weeding materials within designated sections of the children’s and teen collections
- Works closely with the Manager of Youth Services and other Main Library youth services staff to plan, implement, manage and evaluate programs for children, teens, parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers and others
- Participates in direct library outreach to schools, preschools, day care centers, youth centers and other community groups
- Any other duties required for the good of the service area and the library
- May be assigned special tasks like: Planning and implementing programs to meet the needs of children and/or teens. Preparing displays and merchandizing materials. Evaluating programs and analyzing successes and failures. Assisting in compiling statistics. Compiling booklists. Maintaining good public relations and collaborating with the schools and other agencies. Preparing press releases and in-house publicity. Attending system-wide meetings of children’s librarians for in-service training and/or to plan and implement system-wide children’s programs. Conducts outreach (e.g. book talks, programs and library instruction/orientations) to groups at out-of-library sites. Operating audio-visual equipment in the presentation of library programs. Using online social media to promote and implement library services. Participating in assigned committees.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
SALARY: $ 25.80 – $ 29.60 per hour in five steps
DEADLINE: August 21, 2014 by 5:00 pm
APPLY TO:
City of Cambridge
Personnel Department, Room 309
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Please send 2 copies each of cover letter & resume
Fax: 617-349-4312