Head of Youth Services, Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover, MA

Posted September 14, 2023

GENERAL PURPOSE
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of collection
management, programming, and outreach services for Youth Services, including budget
oversight and staff supervision. Work is distinguished by the ability to plan for and
coordinate multiple functional areas within Youth Services in order to effectively meet the
needs of the community and support the goals and objectives of the Library.

Full-time with excellent benefits
*Anticipated starting salary: $63,678 (Grade 7)

*Salary is contingent on Select Board approval of the collective bargaining
agreement between the Town and AFSCME Local 2978 Professional Librarians

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.

Plans, develops, and implements a variety of programs and services including,
but not limited to, story times, book discussions, and summer reading events in
conjunction with other Youth Services staff.
Provides reader’s advisory and reference services to children, youth, parents,
caregivers, and teachers using the online catalog, print, and digital resources.
Works directly with children, youth, parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Manages Youth Services collection in a variety of new and existing formats
including, but not limited to, evaluation, selection, purchasing, and organization,
including cataloging.

Posted: August 24, 2023

Ensures that the collections are up to date through maintaining an understanding
of community needs and interests and narrowing down of selections.
Oversees and provides library instruction and works closely with the public
schools and other community organizations to advance literacy.
Collects, maintains, and provides analysis and reporting of data and statistics
related to Youth Services.
Monitors and oversees assigned budget for Youth Services collections, related
programming and department specific equipment and supplies.
Supports, adapts, or delivers services in a manner which ensures understanding
and inclusion of diverse client populations.
Works collaboratively with other Library Services to address and resolve
concerns, assists and support the overall strategic goals of the Library.
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 Assistant Library
Director and/or Library Director.
Provides effective and efficient customer service, which promotes and maintains a
culture of responsive community relations.
Demonstrates a high level of independent judgement 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 adheres to policies, procedures, ordinances that
have been adopted by the Library.
Provides leadership and direction for assigned staff and volunteers including, but
not limited to, delegating assignments, providing constructive feedback, and
providing internal and external training activities to support skill development and
safe workplace practices.
Researches, drafts, and recommends policies and operating procedures for
Youth Services.
May be assigned to staff the Library’s 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 five years of experience in library services
including at least two years’ in a supervisory role; 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.
Children’s and youth development literacy development.

Posted: August 24, 2023

Automated library systems and programs and other office applications such as word
processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications.
Principles and practices of management and supervision.
Ability to:
Maintain a high degree of flexibility and ability to multi-task in order to meet the
varying needs of library users.
Instruct patrons on the use of print and electronic resources.
Independently organize and prioritize work assignments including planning and
assigning work to others.
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 and youth’s literature.
Work regularly scheduled evening hours and weekend shifts to meet operational
needs, including serving as “Librarian of the Shift.”
Communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.
Skill in:
Planning for, designing and implementing engaging and developmentally appropriate
lesson plans/programs that support children’s and youth’s literacy development and
learning.
Monitoring assigned budget, adhering to budget guidelines and practices and planning
for expenses accordingly.
Delegating work to staff and volunteers to ensure the goals and objectives of the Youth
Services and the Library are met.
Working with children, youth, and their families to create a welcoming environment.
Exercising good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in dealing with the public.
Listening to patron needs and identifying resources.
Working collaboratively with other Town Departments, external organizations, and
community partners to achieve common goals.
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: Library Director.

Posted: August 24, 2023

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.

THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Successful candidate will be required to undergo CORI screening