Children’s Librarian, DC Public Library, Washington DC
Posted October 7, 2015
Job Title: Children’s Librarian
Requisition Number: JO-1509-3605
Grade: 09
Salary Range: $48,107.00 – $61,940.00
Promotion Potential: Yes
Agency: Public Library, DC
Location: 901 G St NW (MLK Jr Memorial Library)
Area of Consideration: Open to the Public
Opening/Closing Date: 9/29/2015 – 10/29/2015
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Multiple positions may be hired from this job posting
Tour of Duty
Full -time, 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
Job Summary
- Under the general direction of a Branch Librarian, the incumbent provides reference and advisory services to customers in the area of children’s and teen literature; provides assistance in study oriented activities and in developing children’s and teen reading interests; plans, schedules, conducts and evaluates children’s and teen programs and class visits, develops and maintains the branch collection of children’s and teen literature to meet the needs of the community; compiles reading lists on subjects assigned; prepares displays of books etc. Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Guides children and teens in the use of library facilities, e.g., on-line catalog, card catalog, automated reference sources and reference collections, how to locate titles, etc., as well as how to use books themselves (i.e., table of contents, indexes, footnotes, etc.).
- Assists patrons in person and by telephone in finding and interpreting materials; encourages pursuit of information beyond the general reference sources; assists patrons in locating materials suitable to a specific child’s needs from overall knowledge of the collection and of reading/interest levels; explains the resources and services of the D.C. Public library system.
- Recommends materials to encourage children and teens to develop interests through reading relying on a broad knowledge of literature resources, authorities in the fields of history, science, literature, biography, travel, etc.; may suggest specific titles from the young adult or adult collections to meet an individual child’s needs; advises parents and other adults in developing reading programs for the individual child.
- Develops and maintains a basic collection of children’s and teen literature in order to meet the diverse needs of children’s and teens selecting titles suitable for branch, division, etc., taking into consideration the social, economic and cultural ranges of the community served, school requirements and needs of patrons specializing in children’s and teen literature.Recommends titles to be withdrawn using reference tools and guides.
- Reviews new titles under consideration for purchase; writes annotations, noting merit, need for material, comparison with present holdings, and recommends purchase or rejection; participates in group review of controversial titles as part of in-service training of new librarians.
- Develops data to indicate community needs and patterns of use, e.g., achievement levels in schools, number of young children, children, teens bused-in.
- Develops services and programs to introduce books and to motivate children and teens to read, e.g. picture book hours, story hours, class visits, workshops, seminars, etc., using a variety of media.
- Maintains contacts with all area public, private, and parochial schools, nursery schools, and organizations working with children and teens.Seeks out community activities and participates in order to create interest in and promote use of library faculties by distributing reading lists, setting up reading clubs, publicizing programs, promoting books, etc.; as assigned, speaks to college classes and students of children’s and teen literature, demonstrating the use of books and techniques to stimulate and guide children and teens to become readers.
- Attends in-service training and participates in workshops, meetings, seminars, etc., directly related to professional development.Stays abreast of professional literature, developments in children’s and teen literature, and with current events.
- Prepares topical displays appropriate to the needs and interests of children and teens.
- Recommends subjects for lists and titles for inclusion.
- Provides temporary coverage for adult service in branches/division, as assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Professional knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles, and techniques of librarianship gained by successful completion of relevant graduate study, i.e., a Master’s Degree in Library Science, which provides skill in carrying out assignments;
- Professional knowledge of reference tools and skills in their use;
- Knowledge of the educational, vocational, cultural, and general reading interests of the community served;
- Tact in dealing with the clientele and insight in grasping the intent of questions;
- Ability to work with others at various levels;
- Ability to plan and organize work;
- General knowledge of program development and implementation.
Licensures, Certifications and other requirements
N/A
Education
A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school is required.
Work Experience
Knowledge of children’s and teen literature, services and programming preferred including experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
Conditions of Employment
This position is subject to criminal background checks, traffic record checks, or both; and you may also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout your employment. Employment with the DCPL is subject to satisfactory findings.
Bargaining Unit
This position is in the collective bargaining unit.
Work Location
One of our 26 locations; will be provided at time of offer.