Coordinator of Children’s Services, Southwick Public Library, Southwick, MA

Posted April 27, 2021

Description:

The Southwick Public Library seeks to fill the position of Coordinator of Children’s Services. This position is a 37.5 hour per week, benefitted and union position paying $20.52/hourly. A Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible library experience, including 1 year in a supervisory position or an equivalent combination of education and experience, as well as experience working with children and families. The Coordinator of Children’s Services is responsible for managing all aspects of library services and programs for children through grade 6.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Coordinator of Children’s Services is responsible for all aspects of library services and
programs for children through 6th grade. The occupant of this position is expected to perform the
regular duties of this position with minimal direct supervision.

SUPERVISION:

The Coordinator of Children’s Services reports to the Library Director and works under the
supervision of the Library Director and/or the Assistant Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Coordinator of Children’s Services is responsible for organizing the monthly children’s
programming schedule with the Children’s Librarian. The Coordinator is responsible for running
the weekly morning storytimes as well as recurring programs. The Coordinator is encouraged to
try new programs as available and develop new programs and services. This position is
responsible for organizing the department statistics to hand over to the Library Director monthly
and analyzing statistics regularly to see how services can be improved to meet patron needs. The
Coordinator will create tools for evaluating services and programs and utilize such tools to
determine the quality of services and programs offered.
The Coordinator is responsible for outreach for the children’s department including connecting
with the community, schools, local businesses, etc. to create and foster the relationship between
the community and the children’s department. The Coordinator participates in the school and
public library cooperation programs and provides library services to students in the areas of
research and reader’s advisory.

Additional Responsibilities of the Coordinator are to:
 Submit information for the library’s monthly Library Links newsletter and create/format
the newsletter every other month or as needed.
 Evaluate and weed assigned sections of the children’s collection and catalog materials to
develop the collection. Order new materials for the assigned areas of the collection.
 Pursue grant money when applicable.
 Act as one of the main contacts for children who visit the library.
 Assist patrons with referencing, computer signs ups in the Children’s Room, circulation
procedures, and direct patrons to appropriate staff when necessary.
 Attend Regional Library activities that pertain to Children’s Librarians.
 Maintain and develop knowledge of library procedures and activities by participating in
appropriate in-service training and regional programs.
 Develop and maintain contact with other libraries.
 Perform other duties as required or duties assigned by the Library Director and/or
Assistant Director.

EDUCATIONAL AND PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE:
Required:
 A Bachelor’s degree.
 A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible library experience, including 1 year
in a supervisory position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
 Experience working with children and families.
 Demonstrated interest in Public Library service.
Preferred:
 Master’s degree.
 Experience pursuing grant funds.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES FOR POSITION:
 Strong interpersonal communication skills with children, adults, and other libraries are
necessary in this position.
 Strong customer service skills
 Willingness to operate or train on computer systems
 Good telephone manner
 Ability to communicate effectively in writing
 Strong computer skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The occupant of this position must spend several hours a day walking, standing, and sitting.
Activities include moderate to frequent physical exertion in body movement such as reaching,
bending, and twisting. The position also requires moderate to frequent grasping, pulling, and
pushing of materials as well as fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer,
keyboard, and calculator. The Coordinator must also be able to lift and move objects up to
twenty (20) pounds on a frequent basis.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The Coordinator of Children’s Services works indoors. The regular solvents are adhesives such
as rubber cement and cleaning solutions.

How to apply:

A copy of the job description can be obtained at the library. Applications should include a resume and Town of Southwick application. Applications must be returned in hard copy to the library. Hire is contingent upon a background check and successful physical. Applications are due by May 14 at 5pm. Southwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of Southwick is an ADA/EOE/AA employer.