Youth Services Librarian, Boston Athenaeum, Boston, MA
Posted July 1, 2022
Description:
Reporting to the Head of Reader Services, the Youth Services Librarian oversees all activities necessary to ensure that the library provides appropriate materials, assistance, and programming for children and families, with an emphasis on early literacy. The Youth Services Librarian also creates, manages, and presents innovative children’s programs aimed at early readers but for all ages in a welcoming, instructional, and playful environment.
The Youth Services Librarian is in the Reader Services Department and works most closely with Reader Services colleagues, but also with Education, Events, Member & Visitor Services, Marketing & Communications, Systems, and Security. They will inaugurate a new space designed specifically for the needs of the Athenæum’s youngest readers.
Regular schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evenings.
Responsibilities:
- Prepares and presents story times, discussion groups, craft activities, family tours
- Develops new and innovative initiatives to engage current and attract potential members
- Manages funds assigned to Children’s Library
- Supervises intern/s who focus on Children’s Library
- Collects, analyzes, and reports statistics of usage in the Children’s Library to assist in assessing past and current programming and in planning future programming
- Participates in collection development and maintains a small but select collection for children of all ages
- Interprets the Athenæum, its history, collections, and services to members, guests, and visitors
- Provides a welcome and productive environment for members, guests, and visitors
- Prepares content for website, weekly e-newsletter, tours, and printed resources conforming to standards of Marketing & Communications
- Reports information for Head of Reader Services to share with Engagement and Experiences Committee that works collaboratively and cross-departmentally to create a cohesive experience portfolio for members, donors, visitors, and the broader community.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Requirements Include:
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited institution
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds
- Thorough knowledge of competencies outlined by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), readers’ advisory practices, the reference interview,
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends
- Newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (i.e. have received both doses of a 2-dose vaccine OR a single dose of a one-dose vaccine) and must provide proof once a job offer has been made.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.
Why work at the Boston Athenaeum?
The Boston Athenaeum is committed to engage a wider and more diverse audience. To make that possible, we have begun a variety of new initiatives including a major expansion project with a reimagined children’s library. We are looking for a colleague who will be excited by the opportunity to on our strengths and advance the Athenaeum’s future as a central part of our cultural landscape.
Beyond the opportunity to work amongst the collections at one of the most distinguished libraries in the nation alongside a passionate and welcoming team, working at the Boston Athenaeum comes with plenty of other perks. Some of our benefits include:
- Paid time off and sick days.
- Competitive 403B package
- Paid parental leave.
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Life Insurance
- Commuter benefits
Salary: $50,000- $58,000 per year
How to Apply:
For more information and to apply, visit: