Children’s Librarian, Full Time, Newport Public Library, (Newport, RI)

Posted July 15, 2024

Summary: The Children’s Librarian contributes to the provision of library services to children
from birth through age 12 and to adults working with children. This position works collaboratively
with the Head of Youth Services and other Children’s Department staff and functions as the
Library’s school liaison.

Duties:
Communication:

• Provides excellent customer service and maintains a courteous, positive image of the Library
  when interacting with patrons and staff.
• Contributes to the provision of services that promote early and developing literacy, digital
  literacy, enthusiasm for reading, and the development of lifelong learning skills.
• Provides support for children’s formal and individual educational needs.

Reference Services:

• Provides reference, readers’ advisory and digital literacy instruction and services.
• Provides instruction to groups and individuals, both formally and informally, regarding the
  use of Library materials and services.
• Provides technical assistance to patrons using the Library’s electronic resources.
  Programming:
• Creates, promotes, and presents creative, developmentally appropriate Library programs for
  children ages 0 – 12 throughout the year.
• Serves as the liaison with public and private schools in the community.
• Assists in providing outreach to other community groups and interacts with the community
  through visits, tours, and other means.
• Actively participates in creating and developing an extensive summer reading program.

Technology:

• Possesses knowledge of and experience with Scratch programming and maker technology
  such as 3D printers, vinyl cutters, Ozobots, Dash robots and other materials.
• Assists with promoting the Library and Children’s Department on social media.

Professional Development:

• Develops and maintains professional skills by keeping up with current developments in
  library science with special attention to children’s services.
• Serves on internal Library committees as required.
• Attends professional conferences, training sessions and meetings when appropriate.

Other

• Contributes to the development of the Children’s Department collection by taking part in
  selection and weeding.
• Develops, designs and creates attractive promotional materials.
• Plans and executes displays and exhibits in the Library relevant to children.
• Follows and enforces Library policies.
• Assists in maintaining a neat, pleasant and safe department by tidying the area, shelving
  materials and addressing any behavioral issues.
• Keeps informed of Library and departmental information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Organizational relationships:

• Reports to the Head of Youth Services.
• Works closely and communicates effectively with Children’s Department staff.
• Cooperates as a team member with all Library staff in performing duties essential to the
  achievement of efficient Library operations.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.
• Knowledge of theories, tools, and current trends in library service to children, child
  development, children’s literature, and programming for children.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Demonstrated positive service attitude and ability to effectively communicate with and serve
  children of diverse backgrounds and other Library patrons of all ages.
• Good organizational and planning skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to plan, execute, and evaluate children’s programs.
• Knowledge of electronic resources and computer applications for children.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills, as well as effective oral and
  written presentation skills.
• Self-motivated and able to exercise sufficient initiative and independent judgment to
  perform the job satisfactorily.
• Ability to perform satisfactorily under the stressors of the position.
• Ability to multi-task and problem-solve while assisting patrons.
• Ability to work various work shifts including evenings and weekends and flexibility in
  emergency staffing situations.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an ALA accredited program in library science.
• Experience working with children in a library setting preferred.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Working knowledge of Koha/Aspen desirable and knowledge of WordPress and Canva
  a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel in-state as needed.

Salary:

Salary will start at $46,849 and progress through a 10-step process with a 1% increase
each year as well as a cost of living adjustment.

Additional overtime hours are possible.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume and 3 professional references to
[email protected] . The review of applications will begin immediately with a
potential start date of Tuesday, September 3 rd .