Staff Librarian (Children & Teens), Main Library Youth Services Dept, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA
Posted April 27, 2015
#L412-724
37.5 hours per week
Mondays 10:30AM – 7:00PM, Tuesdays-Thursdays 8:30AM – 5:00PM and Fridays 8:30AM – 5:00PM.
The schedule requires a Saturday rotation.
Hours are assigned and subject to change in order to meet the needs of the department and the Library.
Qualifications:
A master’s degree from an accredited school of library science is required. At least two years of experience in providing direct service to children in a library or educational setting is also required. 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 requirement.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- 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
- Ability to work as a collaborative team member and maintain strong communication with staff in both the children’s and teen rooms
- Ability to adapt seamlessly to each working area
- 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 dedication 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 well both orally and in writing
- Knowledge and experience in planning programs appropriate for the age level (children or teens) and capabilities of target audience
- Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
- Working knowledge of urban 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, and maturity are required.
- Adaptability and dependability to work well in a team situation, and flexibility in emergency staffing situations
Physical & Mental Requirements: Physically able to operate technical equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, and mobile devices. Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time. 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 with frequent interruptions. 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 thing. Time management ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to read books and patron requests and to supervise the Children’s Room and Teen Room. Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to type. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment: Works in assigned area, including public service areas, office areas, training rooms, library locations, as necessary. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions
General Responsibilities:
Assists with the day-to-day operation of the Children’s Room and Teen Room, including the dissemination of information and materials to children, teens, parents, guardians, caregivers, teachers, and others, and the acquisition and maintenance of the necessary resources to do so. The person in this position will work varying percentages of time in the two service areas, depending on the activity levels in both, and will also focus some effort serving the population transitioning between the two spaces.
- 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
- Performs functions related to circulation control, including issuing new library cards, placing holds, check-ins, checkouts, inquiries, renewal and data entry
- Assists children, teens, and other patrons in finding books and information. Answers routine reference questions and provides basic reader’s advisory service
- Assists in implementing the library collection development policy in accordance with the allocated departmental budget, selecting, merchandizing, evaluating, maintaining and weeding materials within designated sections of the children’s and teen collection. Prepares displays and merchandizing materials
- Works closely with the Manager of Youth Services and other youth services staff to plan, implement and manage innovative programs to meet the needs of children, teens, parents, guardians and others. Evaluates programs and analyzes success and failures
- Participates and conducts outreach (e.g. book talks, programs and library instruction/orientations) to groups at out-of-library sites, including schools, preschools, day care centers, youth centers and other community groups. Maintains good public relations with these groups and agencies
- Assists in compiling statistics
- Attends system-wide meetings of children’s librarians for in-service training and/or to plan and implement system-wide children’s programs, when possible
- Operates computer and audio-visual equipment in the presentation of library programs
- Uses a variety of methods including online social media to promote and implement library services
- Participates in assigned committees
- Performs other duties required for the good of the service area and the Library essential functions.
Salary: $ 25.90 – $ 29.69 per hour in five steps
Deadline: May 5, 2015 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