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Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian, Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, ME

Posted April 6, 2015

The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian works as a professional librarian under the general direction of the Youth Services Librarian. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian provides library service and programming to children and young adults and those who work with young adults, assists patrons in finding materials for recreation and information, performs circulation, reference and technical services functions and assists in selecting, cataloging and processing materials for children and teens. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is expected to have constant contact and collaboration with young adults (typically ages 12-18) with diverse backgrounds and abilities. In the absence of the Youth Services Librarian s/he provides operational guidance for Children’s Room staff and volunteers.

The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian supports the Library’s mission to “serve the diverse cultural, informational, educational and recreational needs of the community” as well as develops and promotes the use of library resources for literacy and life-long learning.

Essential Job Functions

  • Provides readers’ advisory and direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, equipment, and services
  • Manages collection development and maintenance of all teen materials
  • Maintains and cultivates relationships with parents and other family members, the public, schools, teachers, other libraries, town employees, state and regional library associations, and other professional organizations
  • Cooperates with teachers and school librarians in research assignments, and conducts orientation and promotional visits
  • Assists in training and supervision of staff and volunteers
  • Initiates, plans, and conducts a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the library by children and Teens with an emphasis on young adults between the ages of 12 and 18, such as films and special events, reading clubs, and school/community outreach
  • Takes a leadership role in developing effective and productive youth service teams
  • Keeps informed on trends in Teen and library services; attends professional library conferences, seminars, and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions
  • Participates in near-term and long-range planning for the department, including budget preparation for Teen programs and materials
  • Prepares regular reports for the Youth Services Librarian and maintains a constant line of communication with him/her
  • Performs duties in other library divisions and participates in library special projects
  • Monitors the library’s general email address
  • Supervises and regularly contributes to social media postings
  • Updates the library’s website on a regular basis
  • Writes and submits press releases; creates fliers, posters, and other publicity content

Knowledge/Skills

  • Knowledge of recreational and educational needs of young adults
  • Ability to translate young adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs
  • Knowledge of current trends in library services for Teens and issues affecting youth
  • Knowledge of standard library procedures, children’s and young adult literature, current information technology, database search strategies, and social media resources
  • Communicates clearly with others, orally and in writing

Educational Requirements and Experience

This full-time professional position is available for an energetic, team-oriented Teen Librarian with a strong public service commitment. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian should have an MLS degree from an ALA accredited program; at least one year of professional experience in a library is required. Supervisory and administrative experience is preferred.

Library experience with teens (ages 12 to 18) is preferred. Demonstrated success in Children’s and/or Teen programming, collection development, and budgeting are desirable.

Working Conditions

The physical requirements 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. Hazards are minor and controllable, but can include exposure to high precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, cramped quarters, human error and angry/hostile humans.

The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian must be able to:

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Youth Services Librarian, Library Director, co-workers, Library Trustees, and volunteers
  • Positively interact with the public under varied conditions
  • Exercise tact, leadership, and independent judgment
  • Maintain focus under varied conditions including stressful, noisy and distracting conditions
  • Exercise a full range of body motion to include standing, walking, talking, listening, stooping, kneeling, and reaching
  • Lift up to 25 pounds, with some exposure of weights to 50 pounds
  • Pull and push book trucks, with casters, weighing up to 200 pounds
  • Adjust focus to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
  • Use telephones, computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers and other office and telecommunications equipment
  • Have or obtain a valid Maine Driver’s License
  • Work weekday, evening and weekend hours

Staff Relationships

The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is hired by the Library Director and the Assistant Library Director and will report to the Youth Services Librarian. When the Director is not in the building the Assistant Director is in charge of all staff. When both the Director and Assistant Director are unavailable the Youth Services Librarian is in charge. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian serves as Librarian in charge when the Director, Assistant Director, and Youth Services Librarian are not available. Immediate supervision of the Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is delegated to the Youth Services Librarian, however the Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is ultimately under the supervision of the Director.

This is a full time, exempt, professional position. Wage range, benefits and other personnel policies are in compliance with the Kennebunk Free Library’s personnel policies and procedures.

Application Instructions:

Please send cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to:

Jill E. LeMay, Director
Kennebunk Free Library
112 Main Street
Kennebunk, Maine 04043

or email to [email protected]

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