Youth Services, Lenox Library, Lenox, MA
Posted January 19, 2024
The Town of Lenox seeks qualified, intrinsically motivated candidates for the position of Youth Librarian with the Lenox Library. This is a full-time position.
JOB SUMMARY
Oversees all aspects of youth services, fostering a love of reading and learning for library users age 0 to 18 and their families through engaging programs, collections, and services. The Youth Librarian also forges connections in the community by creating a welcoming and safe environment in the youth department and conducting successful outreach. Works cooperatively with other staff members to provide quality customer service to all Library patrons.
SUPERVISION
Serves under the supervision of the Library Director. Performs a variety of duties requiring self initiative and the exercise of considerable judgment. May act as “person in charge” in the absence of the Library Director. Position requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to engage young audiences, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
MAJOR DUTIES (essential job functions)
- Responsible for budgeting, evaluation, selection, purchasing, cataloging, and de-accessioning of youth collections, including print, non-print, and electronic information sources.
- Plans, organizes, promotes, and evaluates youth programs and maintains statistical data related thereto. Contributes to effective grant applications for funding of youth activities.
- Provides information, reference, readers’ advisory, and research assistance to Library users, particularly children, teens, and families, in a positive, courteous, and professional manner. Prepares instructional materials on Library use and sources in the Youth Department.
- Performs outreach to schools and partners with other organizations serving youth within the town and surrounding area.
- Maintains an inviting and safe space in the Library for children and teens.
- Oversees the Youth Assistant and coordinates youth department volunteers.
- Contributes to the development and updating of the Library’s website and social media accounts.
- Performs all circulation and other functions in support of general library operations.
- Attends continuing education workshops and other opportunities to enhance library skills relevant to this position.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Shared office, desk, and work area setting; frequent interaction with the public. Operates standard library/office equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Typical office environment and duties do not require much physical strength. However, occasionally, ability to lift library materials weighing up to 30 pounds and push fully loaded book carts is required. Must have high energy level to greet the public and manage frequent interruptions. Frequent movement from work desk to public areas is required.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time position. General days and hours of work are approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the exception of one evening shift (10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) per week. Occasional work meetings outside these hours may occur.
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Masters in Library and Information Science from an accredited institution or degree in progress required; experience in children’s library services; demonstrated planning and youth programming skills; and demonstrated knowledge of children and young adult literature. Must possess a superior customer service attitude, demonstrated computer and Internet literacy, excellent oral and written communication skills, and willingness to work as a productive and positive member of a team. Candidates with a Masters in Education or closely related field and relevant experience that enables performance of all aspects of the position also are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Katherine O’Neil, Director, Lenox Library, at [email protected]. The position is open until filled and review of applications will begin immediately.
Posted January 12, 2024