Saturday Substitute Children’s Librarian, Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown, MA

Posted November 21, 2023

Descriptions

The Watertown Free Public Library is in search of a librarian or librarian-in-training to join our team. This position is heavy on youth-focused customer service working on the children’s public service desk offering reader’s advisory, answering phones, and assisting young patrons and their caregivers. The department is located in a discrete room on the first floor with a service desk staffed by one or two librarians. This position is best suited to someone comfortable working independently and confident making well-informed judgment calls.

Eligible candidates will:

• Have an MLS or be enrolled in an MLS program with coursework in reference services and Children’s literature completed
• Learn new hardware and software such as the Sierra ILS and MLN OPAC with ease and minimal hands-on training
• Have experience working with enthusiastic and boisterous youth in any environment (library, school, camp, etc.)
• Demonstrate a strong familiarity with and interest in Children’s literature
• Have experience providing excellent customer service

We welcome library school students, new graduates, and experienced librarians for this position; it’s not necessary that you’ve worked in a public library before as long as you believe in and want to be a part of the important work that public libraries do. Previous experience working with children is required and non-negotiable.

Schedule

This is an on-call position, hours are given as needed. Most Saturdays are 9 am-5 pm with a 1 hour meal break.

Hourly Rate: $24/hour

This is an on-call position, hours are given as needed. Responsible to the Supervisor of Children’s Services. May also be assigned duties in other departments of the library.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Public Service

• Readers’ advisory
• Reference
• Programming
• Library instruction, including training of the public on library technologies
• Promotes the library’s services to children and young adults to the community, e.g. school visits, press releases, library tours, fliers, calendars, website content, etc.

II. Materials and Equipment

• Collection development, including selecting and weeding
• Basic PC and printer troubleshooting
• Compilation of departmental statistics

III. Other

• Limited supervision of clerical staff and/or pages as assigned
• Attend professional meetings at direction or with permission of supervisor
• Arrangement of displays and exhibits
• Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing library services
• Special projects and/or other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• MLS from an ALA accredited and recognized school or equivalent experience
• Specific coursework and concentration in Youth Services or demonstrated interest and experience in Youth Services.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of library work with children.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent public service.
• Experience with and knowledge of automated library systems and Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work as a member of a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and climbing
• Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed
• Frequently require to sit, talk and hear
• Must occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 30 pounds

To Apply

Instructions: To apply please email cover letter, resume, and list of three references as one PDF attachment to Theresa Maturevich, Assistant Director at [email protected]. The job is open until filled. Priority is given to applications received by 12/6/2023.