Youth Librarian, Lenox Library, Lenox, MA
Posted March 6, 2020
The Town of Lenox seeks a qualified, passionate, and intrinsically motivated person to serve as the Youth Librarian of the Lenox Library. This is a full time position.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Library Director, the Youth Librarian oversees all aspects of youth services, fostering a love of reading and learning for library users age 0 to 18. Please see the attached job description for full details.
Major Duties
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Responsible for budgeting, evaluation, selection, purchasing, cataloging, and deaccessioning of the youth collections, including print, non-print, and electronic information sources.
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Provides information, reference, readers’ advisory, and research assistance to Library users, particularly children, teens, and families, in a positive, courteous, and professional manner. Prepares instructional materials on Library use and sources in the Youth Department.
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Plans, organizes, and promotes youth programs and maintains statistical data related thereto. Identifies potential outside sources of funding and writes effective grant applications in support of programs.
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Performs outreach to schools and partners with other organizations serving youth within the town.
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Maintains an inviting and safe space in the Library for children and teens.
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Coordinates and oversees youth volunteers.
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Contributes to the development and updating of the Library’s website and social media accounts.
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Performs all circulation and other functions in support of general library operations.
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Attends continuing education workshops and other opportunities to enhance library skills relevant to this position.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
Masters in Library and Information Science from an accredited institution; experience in children’s library services; demonstrated knowledge of children and young adult literature; and demonstrated planning and youth programming skills. Must possess a superior customer service attitude, demonstrated computer and Internet literacy, excellent oral and written communication skills, and willingness to work as a productive and positive member of a team. A combination of education and relevant experience that enables performance of all aspects of the position will be considered.
Supervision
Serves under the supervision of the Library Director. Performs a variety of duties requiring self initiative and the exercise of considerable judgment. May act as “person in charge” in the absence of the Library Director. Position requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to engage young audiences, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Work Environment
Shared office, desk, and work area setting; frequent interaction with the public. Operates standard library/office equipment.
Physical Requirements
Typical office environment and duties do not require much physical strength. However, occasionally, ability to lift library materials weighing up to 30 pounds and push fully loaded book carts is required. Must have high energy level to deal with the public and frequent interruptions. Frequent movement from work desk to public areas is required.
To Apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Katherine O’Neil, Director, The Lenox Library, 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240 or [email protected]. The position is open until filled and review of applications will begin March 20, 2020.
About the Lenox Library
The Lenox Library serves as a cultural and civic hub of a vibrant New England downtown. The Library is a municipal department of the Town of Lenox and is substantially supported by the ongoing fundraising and advocacy efforts of the 19-member Board of Trustees of The Lenox Library Association (a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization).
In addition to a regionally competitive salary and benefits package, Lenox offers lifestyle amenities suitable for professionals of all ages and diverse interests. The Lenox Public Schools are among the best in the state and Lenox has been listed on numerous regional and national rankings as a highly desirable community for residents and visitors. It is a fascinating and challenging place for those professionals seeking to apply their skills in a community passionate about its identity and volunteer spirit.
About Lenox, MA
Lenox is located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The year-round population of 5,025 is buttressed by a substantial number of weekend/seasonal residents and visitors, particularly in July and August. Widely known for its numerous cultural and recreational sites (notably Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company, The Mount, Kennedy Park, Mass Audubon/Pleasant Valley), Lenox is also home to vibrant, deep-rooted communities in villages such as the downtown, Lenox Dale, New Lenox, and many smaller neighborhoods.