Teen and Emerging Technology Librarian, Kingston Public Library, Kingston, MA

Posted December 29, 2020

Description:

Professional, supervisory, administrative and direct service work in providing a comprehensive program of public library services with a focus on technology to teens in grades 6 through 12 and their families through collection development, programming, reference and readers advisory services, and public relations for the Kingston Public Library; performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative in designing programs, developing the teen collection, and in supervising teen activities; access to sensitive patron information; maintain a high degree of confidentiality and patron trust; all other related work as required.

Supervision:

Works under the general direction of the Library Director.
Acts as a resource person as needed for daily operations and for Library Director in his/her absence. Supervises volunteers, part-time and full-time employees assigned to the Children’s and Teen Services Department. Plays a prominent role in website design for the Library website and works as technology liaison for department.

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 teens, 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 have a significant 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.)

Teen Services:

• Manages and supervises the library services to teens in Grades 6 through 12 and their families at the Kingston Public Library.
• Supervises and leads the Youth Advisory Council, including planning and executing programs, promoting programs using social media, educating peers about library services, and selecting materials for the teen collection.
• Researches, develops, writes, manages and administers grant–funded programs for services to teens as appropriate and available.
• Plans, organizes, directs and implements programs and activities for teens and families from Grade 6 through 12 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 teens and parents; plans and develops related public relations materials.
• Publicizes teen services through displays, press releases, print materials, blogs, social media, community outreach and through other methods.
• Provides reference and readers/audiovisual/technology advisory service.
• Works with the public and private schools through outreach and as requested. Works with municipal departments at their request.
• Provides technology training to adults and teens.
• Recommends technology-related and patron-related policies and procedures to Library Director especially as they relate to services to teens and advises on long term needs in relation to these areas.
• Initiates, develops, and responds to specific requests for services for middle school through high school classes; advises teachers and/or group leaders on age-appropriate programs and projects.
• Administers the Teen Department budget. Develops and maintains collections in a variety of formats for teens and their families, parents, and teachers, requiring use of professional journals and standards, and a thorough knowledge of teen materials, family relations, community resources, and child development.
• Responsible for developing and managing content for Teen section of library website.
• Keeps informed of new technology and new online resources for teens.
• Actively investigates and integrates emerging technologies and best practices into teen services. Attends workshops, webinars, conferences to keep abreast of appropriate technologies and practices. Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and particularly in young adult librarianship.
• Plans and oversees the physical condition and appearance of the teen room.
• Submits monthly department reports to the Board of Library Trustees.
  
  

Technology Services:

• Researches and keeps current with trends in library technology.
• Develops technology competencies for staff and training staff training; manages staff technology training; works with other professional staff to provide public technology training.
• Provides leadership in library outreach via technology and social media.
• Works with Library Director and other staff to create, manage, and update technology plan. Maintains knowledge of network architecture.
• Works with Town IT Manager to maintain and enhance library technology, including managing users and equipment, documenting existing systems, serving as liaison to IT Manager and technology vendors (such as Old Colony Library Network, various database vendors, Verizon, and Google). Monitors computer problems, fixes, responds, or escalates as needed.
• Works on special projects as needed, such as migrating to new software and developing the staff intranet.
• Manages use of web-enabled equipment such as cameras, smartboards, television, announcement display monitors.
• Manages content for Technology service sections of library website; maintains staff intranet; coordinates and manages website, acts as a primary contributor and designer for the library’s website.
  
  

General Professional Duties:

• Participates in long range planning process for the library, including recommending changes or improvements and develops new types of service and operations.
• Assists with developing technology competencies for staff and training staff.
• 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 services to children and families.
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
  
  

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school with a concentration in Young Adult Services; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with integrating technology into library services and using and teaching online reference resources essential.
• Experience in professional library work, specifically relating to services to teens.
  
  

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of professional library principals, methods, material and practices specifically relating to services to teens. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Knowledge and skill in readers advisory services. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of teenagers. Thorough knowledge of teen literature; basic knowledge of child development. Familiarity with SIRSI/Dynix ILS desirable.

Ability:

Ability to deal with public in a courteous and efficient manner with strong customer service skill. Ability to assess patron needs quickly and accurately. Ability to interact professionally with staff and the public, especially children and teenagers. Ability and interest in working with other staff on cooperative approaches to service. Ability to relate well to the public and to organize programs. Ability to plan, coordinate and promote programs, activities and displays at the library. Ability to prioritize duties for personal and departmental workflow. Ability to evaluate information sources and teach information literacy. Ability to express self clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional young adult services. Ability to use computers and other electronic devices effectively. Ability to use social media effectively. Ability to manage a budget.

Skills:

Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong public relations skills. Skill in conducting reference and readers advisory interviews. Computer troubleshooting skills essential. Demonstrated comfort with and curiosity about emerging technologies. Web page development and WordPress skills essential.

Special Requirements:

• Professional certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
• Confidentiality – access to sensitive information.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

Moderate physical effort required to perform functions under normal library conditions. Intermittent lifting, shifting furniture and equipment, 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.