Children’s Services Supervisor: Central Library, Springfield City Library, (Springfield, MA)

Posted October 29, 2025

Job Description

Responsible for overseeing the daily operation and scheduling of the Children’s Room and service desk at the Central Library. Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices and procedures in the field of library science related to children’s services with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment under the general direction of the Adult and Youth Information Services Manager who reviews work through observation, reports, and conferences. Supervision is exercised over select staff. Assists Manager in planning system-wide children’s services goals, activities, and professional development.

Essential Functions

Provides reference service at the Central Library Children’s Room in person, over the telephone, or through email or other emerging technologies.
Supervises select staff, including administrative tasks such as scheduling, time management, etc.
Assists Adult and Youth Services Manager in recruitment, training, professional development, counseling, evaluation, and discipline of staff.
Assists Adult and Youth Information Services Manager in planning, developing, and implementing department policy, procedures, and strategies for improving delivery of system-wide children’s services.
Selects materials for acquisition and withdrawal from system-wide children’s print and non-print collections; coordinates system-wide children’s collection development work.
Assists Adult and Youth Information Services Manager with oversight of system-wide children’s programming and participates in delivery, promotion, and evaluation of system-wide children’s programs.
Creates and conducts tours and bibliographic instruction for children and their caregivers and teachers; works with and provides outreach to various youth-serving city agencies, schools, and organizations.
Plans and conducts workshops to train personnel system-wide in the implementation of children’s programs. Identify and recommend training opportunities for staff development and performance improvement.
Acts as a liaison to various community groups and organizations; gives presentations to promote library programs and services. Represents the library to groups and at meetings related to children.
Assists in writing and implementing grants as assigned; including administration of the Early Childhood Resource Center.
Prepares regular narrative and statistical reports for the Adult and Youth Information Services Manager.
Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions; advanced knowledge of children’s services.
Experience working with children, parents, caregivers and educators.
Knowledge of current trends and developments in the library profession and in children’s services.
Experience in collection development; extensive knowledge of children’s literature.
Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance, and maintaining morale.
Ability to develop and implement programs and services to children.
Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills.
Flexibility and adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
Excellent interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and completion of an American Library Association-accredited Master’s of Library Science degree with advanced knowledge of reference and public service functions.
Four years of relevant service in a public library, with two years’ experience as a supervisor of employees preferred.

Location

The Central Library is a lovely century-old building with a large Community Room for programming and performances. Our neighborhood includes the Springfield Museums, many apartment blocks, and Downtown Springfield. See inside the Central Library. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wv3qAilxlA

The Supervisor works collaboratively with the Manager of Adult & Youth Information Services and a team of three librarians. The Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operation and scheduling of Emily’s Place for Children at the Central Library, and they assist the Manager in planning system-wide children’s services goals and activities..

The Supervisor provides reference and reader’s advisory service at the Central Library in person, over the telephone, or through email or other emerging technologies; supervises reference staff, assists the Manager in recruitment, training, professional development, counseling, evaluation, and coaching of staff; has collection development duties including shared oversight of system-wide children’s print and electronic collections for the Central Library and our eight branches; participates in development, delivery, promotion, and evaluation of children’s programs; and assists in writing and implementing grants as assigned.

We’re looking for candidates with specialized knowledge of children’s reading interests. Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills; flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to embrace and drive change. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Creative problem solving skills. Demonstrated proficiency with emerging technologies, social networking tools and mobile applications. Desired: Bilingual (English and Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, Dari, Arabic, or other community language). The City has a residency requirement. New hires must be residents of Springfield within two years of the date of hire, and maintain city residency.

How to Apply:

The closing date is Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern When you apply, please include a cover letter so we can get to know you. Apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/springfieldma/jobs/5116814

Questions via LinkedIn are welcome, but all applications must be filed on the City of Springfield’s website.