CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN, Stevens Memorial Library, (North Andover, MA)
Posted August 24, 2023
Full-time with excellent benefits
*Anticipated starting salary: $52,388 (Grade 3) or $55,007 (Grade 4) depending on qualifications
*Salary is contingent on Select Board approval of the collective bargaining
agreement between the Town and AFSCME Local 2978 Professional Librarians
How to Apply
Candidates are required to submit a completed Town of North Andover Employment Application along with a resume and cover letter to [email protected] in order to be considered for this
position. The Employment Application is available on the Town’s website here. Application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department. The position is posted until filled.
GENERAL PURPOSE
This position performs a variety of patron services, with special focus on services for
children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers. Work is distinguished by the ability
to maintain a broad knowledge of children’s literature and to help educate caregivers
and teachers about reading processes to support children’s literacy development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential
functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be
expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform
each essential function to satisfaction.
● Works directly with children, parents, caregivers and teachers.
● Creates and conducts story times, book groups, and other types of programs for
children of various ages .
● Assists with Children’s programming during summer reading and throughout the
year.
● Supports, adapts, or delivers services in a manner which ensures understanding
and inclusion of diverse client populations.
● Highlights the collection by creating a variety of displays.
● Assists with collections management as assigned, including organization and
cataloging.
● Identifies and suggests appropriate materials for patrons based on age and
development level.
● Provides reader’s advisory and reference services to children, parents,
caregivers, and teachers using the online catalog, print, and digital resources.
● Works collaboratively with other Library employees to address and resolve
concerns, assists and supports the overall functions serving children.
● Meets with and assists citizens, in person or over the phone, to assist with general
questions or to address concerns and complaints related to Youth Services.
Escalates concerns and complaints as needed to Head of Youth Services,
Assistant Library Director, and/or Library Director.
● Provides effective and efficient customer service, which promotes and maintains a
culture of responsive community relations.
● Demonstrates frequent level of independent judgment and discretion in carrying out
job responsibilities and making position related decisions.
● Demonstrates sensitivity, understanding and respect of all Town employees,
residents, and visitors.
● Performs subject area research through maintaining professional memberships,
attending conferences and workshops and participating in other professional
development activities.
● Keeps up to date on industry trends and maintains required training, licensure
and/or certification.
● Follows safe work practices and adhere to policies, procedures, ordinances that
have been adopted by the Library.
● May be assigned to staff Library public service desks.
● Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Training, and Experience:
Completion of a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Master’s in Library and
Information Science (MLIS) supplemented by two years’ experience in library services;
or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following
knowledge, ability and skills:
Knowledge of:
● Current principles and practices of public library service including, knowledge of
reference and information resources, search techniques using print and electronic
resources, reader advisory services, and collection management practices.
● Childhood development and literacy development.
● Automated library systems and programs and other office applications such as
word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
Ability to:
● Maintain a high degree of flexibility and ability to multi-task in order to meet the
varying needs of library users.
● To instruct patrons on the use of print and electronic resources.
● Work independently with minimal supervision.
● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, residents,
community organizations, vendors, and the general public.
● Learn and maintain specialized knowledge related to children’s literacy.
● Work regularly scheduled evening hours and weekend shifts to meet operational
needs.
Skill in:
● Designing and implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson
plans/programs that support children’s literacy development and learning.
● Working with children and their families to create a welcoming environment.
● Verbal and written communications.
● Exercising good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in dealing with the
public.
● Listening to patron needs and identifying resources.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical elements listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions:
- Work is performed in the library setting. The employee is required to have hand-
eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to
stand, walk and talk or hear, and use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or reach
books and other objects. - The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel,
crouch, or crawl. - The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and move or push book
carts up to 150 pounds.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Head of Youth Services.
Supervision Given: None.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Selections shall be made on the basis of qualifications, ability, and dependability. Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference check, and job-related tests may be required.
The duties listed above 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 the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as
defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job
functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to
be determined by management on a case by case basis.
The job posting 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 PROCESS
All applicants are required to submit a completed Town of North Andover employment
application along with a resume and cover letter to: [email protected], or by mail or
hand delivery to Human Resources Department, Town of North Andover, 120 Main Street,
North Andover, MA 01845. Resumes may be attached to the employment application but
may not serve as a substitute for completing the required employment application. The
Employment Application may be obtained on the Town’s website here, or by visiting the
Human Resources Department, or by calling (978) 688-9526.
Application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department. The position is posted until filled.
Successful candidate will be required to undergo CORI screening
Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this hiring process should
contact the Human Resources Department at (978) 688-9526. Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to:
Human Resources Department
North Andover Town Hall
120 Main Street
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 688-9526