Head of Children’s Services, Patten Free Library, Bath, ME
Posted April 24, 2019
The Patten Free Library, located in Bath, Maine, is a private non-profit library that serves the City of Bath and the Towns of Arrowsic, Georgetown, West Bath, and Woolwich. (Total population served is 14,932.)
General Summary: This is a full-time salaried, professional-level position responsible for managing and administering all aspects of the Children’s Department, including developing and maintaining the children’s collections, services, and programs, and supervising staff and volunteers. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Director with wide leeway to exercise independent judgment in carrying out professional duties. This position requires a high degree of independent initiative and coordination with Library Administration.
Duties:
- Plans, promotes, conducts and implements children’s programs including storytimes, after school programs, Saturday programs, school and community outreach, summer reading, school vacation and other special events. May delegate portions of programming to appropriate Department staff.
- Evaluates and selects all children’s materials for purchase, including print and audio/visual resources. May delegate portions of collection to appropriate Department staff. Monitors materials budget. Maintains and weeds collections as needed.
- Interviews, hires, trains, schedules and evaluates department staff. May participate in staff selection and training in other departments.
- Establishes and maintains collaboration with area children’s agencies and organizations.
- Provides print and electronic reference and information services to the public in person, via telephone and computer; provides readers’ advisory for children.
- Instructs the public in the use of the Library’s electronic catalog and Internet.
- Performs circulation functions as needed, including issuing library cards and staffing the Children’s Department circulation desk.
- Performs computer troubleshooting for patrons in Children’s Department.
- Prepares and analyzes statistics and reports for the Department and the Library.
- Assists and advises the Director with the composition and implementation of library policies. May serve on Board and/or Library committees.
- Participates and cooperates with other department heads and the Director in achieving the overall objectives and goals of the Library.
- Participates in library fundraising activities.
- Attends professional meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Speaks in public as an advocate for children’s library services.
- May act as a liaison to community groups.
- May perform additional tasks as required.
Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics:
- Extensive knowledge of children’s literature.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of creative and innovative children’s programming.
- Knowledge of child development.
- Ability to foster positive community relations.
- Ability to carry out assignments independently.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to plan and coordinate the work and staff of the Department.
- Ability to manage a budget.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Initiative; innovativeness; resourcefulness; tact; good judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position: standing, bending, retrieving library materials from the shelves.
Qualifications: A Master’s Degree in Library or Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution; at least three to five years working in Children’s Services and supervisory experience; experience in children’s programming and collection development.
Conditions of Employment: Some evening and weekend hours required.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Sick, vacation, and holiday time; health and dental insurance; life insurance; short and long-term disability; retirement plan.
How to Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Lesley Dolinger, Library Director, at [email protected]. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Start Date: July 2019