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Head of Youth Services, Stoneham Public Library, Stoneham, MA

Posted November 13, 2019

The Board of Library Trustees and the Town of Stoneham are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Head of Youth Services at the Stoneham Public Library. 

 

Statement of Duties:

The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for the performance of administrative and professional work associated with the planning, organizing and maintenance of the library’s youth services including the collection of books and materials, the development and implementation of a wide variety of children’s and young adult programs, including reference, circulation, reader’s advisory, materials selection and programming from birth to teenage years. The employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

 

Supervision Required:

Under the general direction of the Library Director, the employee is required to plan, prioritize, and carry out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training. The employee interprets instructions and/or adapts methods to resolve particular problems. Instructions for new assignments usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor(s). Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with departmental policies, or other requirements.

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

The employee, as a regular and continuing part of the job, is responsible for the provision of direction and guidance to two (2) full-time employee, up to six (6) part-time employees and volunteers. Functions, programs, work processes and staff size supervised are subject to frequent change throughout the year that can usually be planned for in advance. Employees supervised work at the same location and the same work shift; occasionally may be dispersed to other locations. 

 

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

  • Responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and implementing the library’s children and young adult programs such as early literacy and collection of age appropriate materials as well as young adult fiction collection development, reference and bibliographic services, technology education, event scheduling, event promotion and reference work.
  • Responsible for administering an operating budget including but not limited to the purchase of print and non-print materials, the weeding and replacement of outdated and damaged materials and the evaluation of the library’s collection in accordance with the public’s need for new and state of the art materials.
  • Responsible for the preparation and administration of a youth services activity/program budget as well as grants.
  • Responsible for the routine supervision of staff activities and the management of resources in the children’s department.
  • Plans and implements children programs including story times, class visits, the Summer Reading Program and other community outreach programs.
  • Represents the Library at professional and community meetings and events; publicizes children’s services through displays, press releases, print materials, social media and community outreach.
  • Provides reference and readers/audiovisual/technology advisory and training services.
  • Assists children, young adults, parents, teachers and other interested adults with children’s literature requests, providing professional recommendations of titles appropriate to children’s reading and interest levels, searching automated catalogs and other electronic databases and assisting patrons in locating materials in the collection.
  • Plans and arranges public relations materials (i.e. signage, flyers and logs) as well as exhibits and displays designed to enhance the effectiveness of library services.
  • Provides outreach services to local schools, organizations and businesses.
  • Provide technology assistance to patrons and staff; troubleshoots library technical problems and recommends appropriate solutions to the Director.
  • Catalogs juvenile and young adult materials in accordance with local and national best practices.
  • Maintains and updates the library’s Facebook page and other social media platforms.
  • Assumes the responsibility of library staff and building in the event of the temporary absence of the Library Director and Assistant Library Director.
  • Attends professional work shops and training sessions to maintain knowledge of children’s library service techniques, technology, and standard operating techniques.

 

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in library science or the equivalent of a master craftsman level of trade knowledge; a minimum of three to five (3-5) years related work experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skill and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

 

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of current trends in library services to children and teenagers; knowledge of contemporary issues and trends in children’s literature and familiarity with teen literature; working knowledge of personal computer hardware and software including office software, specialized library software, web site technology, social media, and the Internet. Working knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.

Abilities:

Ability to work with children from birth through 18 years of age and their families; Ability to interact effectively and appropriately with library staff, the public, and other personnel, perform multiple tasks and maintain confidential information; ability to search several databases for information; shows an interest in children and the ability to prioritize duties to ensure for effective personal and department workflow. Ability to take initiative to develop and implement library programs specifically for children of all ages including teenagers. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional children’s and teenager services. Ability to prepare and administer grants awarded to the Library.

Skill:

Technical competence in library skills working with children from birth to age 18; proficiency in the provision of various professional library services including cataloging, reference and reader’s advisory, and collection development; skilled in computer and electronic devise usage and emerging technologies. Excellent written and oral communication skills

 

Application Instructions:

A complete job description can be found on the website:https://www.stoneham-ma.gov/674/2019-Town-of-Stoneham-Job-Opportunities

 

Interested qualified candidates should apply with the following application materials: 

  • Cover letter (indicating position applied for).
  • Resume.
  • Three professional references. 

Employment applications are required, a copy is available on the town’s website. https://www.stoneham-ma.gov/729/JOB-APPLICATION 

 

Application materials may also be sent by email to: [email protected]

Or Stoneham Public Library 431 Main Street Stoneham, MA 02180 Attention: Nicole Langley, Library Director Open until filled, first review of applications will be November 26th, 2019. 

 

The Town of Stoneham is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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