Youth Services Librarian(s) L-1 or L-2, Knight Memorial Library and Rochambeau Library (Community Libraries of Providence), Providence, RI
Posted September 8, 2023
Key Information:
Salary:
$43,485 annual salary (L1)
$50,290 annual salary (L2)
Hours:
37.5 (full-time)
Schedule:
Work schedules vary for each location and includes working evening and weekend hours.
Description:
CLPVD is looking to hire Youth Services Librarians to work at their Knight Memorial and Rochambeau libraries. The ideal candidates 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.
Knight Memorial Library is located on Elmwood Avenue and serves residents on the south side of Providence. Noted architect Edward L. Tilton designed this neighborhood treasure, which originally opened to the public in 1924 to house the collections and services of the Elmwood Public Library Association. Today, Knight Memorial continues to provide unique programs and essential services to its library patrons. This busy library houses CLPVD’s Entrepreneurship Center and Community Support Center. The library is home to the weekly Sankofa Farmers Market and is surrounded by neighboring businesses, churches, daycare centers, and schools such as Gilbert Stuart Middle School and numerous Providence public elementary schools. The library’s spacious front courtyard is inviting and is the perfect place for its annual bouncy house Summer Reading kick-off celebration.
Rochambeau Library is located on Hope Street and serves the residents of Providence’s East Side. Hope Street is a walkable neighborhood surrounded by eateries, shops, and parks and is always bustling with activity. Rochambeau Library is one of the busiest libraries in Rhode Island, and its children’s room is the seventh busiest department in the state. This open and inviting library boasts a new, beautiful outdoor classroom for youth programming. Additionally, the unique and well-attended adult, teen, and youth programs keep their loyal patrons engaged and entertained. Some of these outstanding and unique programs include outdoor music concerts during the summer months, writing courses, Queer Umbrella, and an open makerspace studio. The library has a bright and sunny reading café where patrons can help themselves to a free cup of coffee.
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). All Youth Services Librarians will 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). At the larger libraries, they will work with the other Youth Services staff and will 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. At the L-2 level, the Youth Services Librarian contributes to system-wide or other innovative initiatives, as well as serving as the lead in the library when the Supervisor is off-site.
Essential Job 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
· 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.
L-2:
· Serve as the Lead when the Supervisor is off-site: manages patron behavior challenges; facilities needs; security; and other situations requiring immediate attention.
· Coordinates and manages scheduling, outside presenters and collaborators, and volunteers/interns when the Supervisor is out for any reason.
· Joins and contributes to system-wide or statewide committees and initiatives, representing CLPVD.
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 in English/Spanish a plus.
Additional Requirements:
· Willing to travel between library locations, schools, and community based organizations to provide coverage, collaborate on programming, or to do outreach.
Experience and Training
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 L-1.
Send resume, cover letter and three references to:
Maria Melvin, HR Manager, [email protected], (401) 467-2700 x.1606.
Position open until filled