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

Posted December 29, 2020

Description:

Professional, supervisory, administrative and direct service work coordinating services, personnel, and other resources to provide a comprehensive program of public library services to children, young adults and adults working with children through materials collection and development, programming, outreach, and public relations for the Kingston Public Library; all other related work as required.

Supervision:

Works under the general direction of the Library Director.
Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative in designing programs, in developing the children’s collection, and in supervising children’s activities. Supervises a variety of part-time and full-time employees when they are assigned to the Children’s Room.

Job Environment:

• Work performed under typical library conditions; library hours may require evening and weekend work.
• Operates computer and other standard office and library equipment.
• Has constant contact with children, the general public, schools, various organizations, human service agencies, etc.; also has contact with other town departments and community organizations. Has frequent contact with colleagues in other libraries.
• Errors could result in lower standards of library service, misuse of public funds and adverse public relations.
  
  

Essential Functions:

• (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
• Manages and supervises the children’s department at the Kingston Public Library.
• Writes and manages grants relating to children’s services.
• Plans, organizes, directs and implements programs and activities for children at the library; plans and conducts programs to stimulate the use of the library; including reading clubs, book fairs, holiday events, book readings at schools, and other related programs for children and parents; plans and develops related public relations materials.
• Provides reference and children’s services; provides reader advisory services for children, parents, teachers, and community and regional organizations; develops and maintains materials and collection for children.
• Initiates, develops, and responds to specific requests for services for pre-school through intermediate school classes; advises teachers and/or group leaders on age-appropriate programs and projects.
• Administers the Children’s Department budget. Develops and maintains collections in a variety of formats for children, families, parents, teachers, and students, requiring use of professional journals and standards, and a thorough knowledge of children’s materials, family relations, community resources, and child development.
• Supervises and manages the children’s area of the library website. Keeps informed of web resources for children.
• Actively integrates technology into children’s services. Attends workshops, webinars, conferences to keep abreast of appropriate emerging technologies. Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and particularly in children’s librarianship.
• Plans and oversees the physical condition and appearance of the children’s department, including book and bulletin board displays.
• Assists, as needed, in the performance of all procedures relating to library services and library organization.
• Represents the library at professional meetings, workshops, conferences and seminars. Participates on regional, state, and network committees.
• Advises Library Director and Board of Trustees in the development of library policies and procedures, particularly as related to the children’s department.
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
  
  

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from a ALA-accredited school with a concentration in Children’s Services; experience in children’s services highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with technology is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of children and teenagers. Familiarity with children’s and teen literature; basic knowledge of child development.
• Ability: Ability to plan and develop creative programs and displays. Ability to handle numerous, diverse tasks at one time. Ability to interact positively with staff and the public, especially children and teenagers. Ability and interest in working with other staff and departments on cooperative approaches to service. Ability to relate well to the public and to organize programs. Ability to express self clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to use technology resources in children’s services. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional children’s services. Ability to foster community awareness of the services available at the Kingston Public Library. Ability to work with schools, town departments, and other institutions.
• Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong public relations skills. Skill in conducting reference interviews. Technology and computer skills are essential. WordPress and/or web design skills are desirable
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Special Requirements:

• Certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners required.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

Light physical effort required to perform functions under normal library conditions. Intermittent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, climbing and similar activity related to library work. Ability to climb ladders and otherwise access library collection required. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and computer peripherals.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Application Procedure:

Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston employment application found on the Town website under Human Resources and submit their résumé. Please include a cover letter with salary expectations. Application materials can be emailed to [email protected], mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources or hand delivered. Annual salary range $42,206 – $71,544; this is a Grade S-3 position on the Town’s Wage and Personnel Bylaws, with 10 Steps within this range. The Town of Kingston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.