Youth Services Librarian (L-1), Washington Park Library, Providence, RI

Posted April 19, 2023

Description:

CLPVD is looking to hire a Youth Services Librarian L-1 to work at our Washington Park Library. This unique library is housed in a former fire station and is located on Broad Street, just a few blocks from the Broad Street side entrance to beautiful Roger Williams Park. The library provides library services to patrons of all ages, particularly children and families.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working with young patrons of all ages and will provide exceptional library service to youth, their families, and educators at schools and community based partners. 

Duties:

The Youth Services Librarian will develop and implement programs that foster literacy, creativity, academic success, use of technology, social connection, and connected learning for babies, preschoolers, and school age students (elementary/middle/high school). Youth Services Librarians focus on developing and implementing CLPVD’s summer reading program, leading and/or facilitating a diverse range of early learning and afterschool programs, building partnerships with neighborhood schools of all types, and innovating and sustaining the PVD Young Makers program (makerspaces across CLPVD). They work with the other Youth Services staff and divide and/or share responsibilities for serving each age group. Successful performance requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a desire to create an open and inclusive library space for diverse users. They are responsible for creating and maintaining the Youth Services area with an open, inviting atmosphere for library users and building a collection that serves as both a mirror and a window into the diverse community CLPVD serves. 

At the L-1 or entry level, the new Librarian gains experience and proficiency in providing programs and services for youth, receiving mentoring and support from colleagues and administrators.

Essential Functions:

·         Plans, develops and implements youth services for their libraries.

·         Delivers successful customer service by responding to the library needs of patrons promptly and attentively

·         Instructs youth in the use of the library, in conducting basic library research projects, and in information and media literacy.

·         Locates information to answer questions posed by children, their parents/guardians, and educators.  

·         Reviews, selects, and maintains the collection of youth materials.  Shelves and shelf-reads the collection.

·         Coordinates and leads out of school activities including the Summer Reading Program, homework help, PVD Young Makers, and other opportunities.

·         Collects, maintains and analyzes library statistics.

·         Participates in community events and meets with individuals, community groups, and schools to promote use of the library. 

·         Orients and trains college work-study students, summer helpers, and volunteers in direct service to youth.

·         Works with other CLPVD staff and administrators to plan and develop library service for youth.

·         Is cognizant of patron needs and advocates for services that respond to their needs. 

·         Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations and other means to keep abreast of current and emerging trends. 

·         Collaborates with other staff and safety ambassador to promote positive behaviors, to maintain order, and to create a welcoming library environment.  

·         Contributes to program evaluation efforts.

·         Encourages children, teens and families to read and provides reading guidance.

·         Assists with circulation and adult services as necessary.

·         Provides coverage in other libraries as required.

Requirements:

·         Clear understanding of the mission, vision, and brand promise of Community Libraries of Providence. 

·         Knowledge of diverse children’s and teen literature; ability to develop a collection catering to community needs and interests.

·         Ability to plan, implement, and follow through on independent projects, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Community Libraries.

·         Listens to patron needs and shows flexibility and willingness to experiment with new ideas to meet the needs of the community.

·         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public.

·         Strong desire to work in a team environment and to collaborate inside/outside the library.

·         Ability to teach design thinking and support individualized learning. 

·         Motivated to develop programs and opportunities for youth and adults (parents/guardians and educators) of diverse educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

·         Excellent verbal and written skills.

·         Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).

·         Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred.

·         Willing to travel between library locations, schools, and community based organizations to provide coverage, collaborate on programming, or to do outreach.

·         MLS from an ALA accredited library school.  A strong background in programming and in providing library services to youth and families from a culturally diverse community is preferred; related experience in a community-based organization will be considered. Fluency in English and Spanish will be prioritized.

Library students who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

Must be enrolled in an ALA accredited Master’s Program in Library & Information Studies; experience working in a related field, bilingual (Spanish/English), and/or candidates who have completed some graduate credits in library school will be prioritized. Librarians in Training have the opportunity to gain real world experience in an urban library with professional librarian mentors for support. Librarians in Training are paid as specialists until the MLIS degree is completed at which time they will be promoted to Librarian.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter and three references to:

Maria Melvin, HR Manager, [email protected], (401) 467-2700 x.1606.