Youth Services Librarian I

Title:                           Youth Services Librarian I

FLSA STATUS:        Non-exempt, Full-time, non-supervisory

Reports to:               Youth Services Coordinator

Schedule:                  37.5 hours per week, requires day, evening, and weekend hours.

Wage:                        The salary range for this position is $42,315 to $63,043.50 ($21.71 to $32.23 per hour), depending on qualifications and in accordance with internal equity.

Jobs Supervised:   None – may train and oversee department volunteers; may assist in supervising support functions for shift

 Nature and Scope of Position:

Do you love story times and connecting with the library’s youngest users? Do you excel at promoting literacy and resources to youth and families? Are you outgoing, engaging and creative? If so, consider adding your skills to the dynamic team at the Zion-Benton Public Library. The Youth Services team at ZBPL transforms lives by providing resources, programs and services to children & families that expand their horizons and inform their lives.

The principal responsibility of this position is to perform professional librarian work in the specific area of youth services. The position focuses on the development and implementation of programs, collections, and outreach supporting early and family literacy efforts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Design and present early literacy programs including story times for ages 0-6 years old.
• Develop program ideas and find new ways to engage patrons
• Facilitate reading clubs and literacy initiatives
• Promote library resources and programs through creative and artistic marketing efforts
• Cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations
• Collaborate to create large scale events and implement library-wide programming
• Perform collection management responsibilities in assigned areas
• Manage early literacy learning kits and STEM boxes
• Provide reference, information and reader services to children and adults at the library
• Monitor and update play items and resources in the department
• Use existing and learn new technologies for developing engaging STEM opportunities for children
• Serve in a rotation as Person-In-Charge
• Monitor the department space to ensure the safety of all patrons
• Participate in preschool and daycare visits, and plan off-site programming
• Apply for and secure outside funding for special projects
• Stay up to date on books, movies, technology and youth pop culture
• Participates in staff, department and other professional meetings related to job responsibilities, as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to provide outstanding customer service
• Proven ability to connect with children and families of varying demographics and developmental needs
• Knowledge of early literacy ideas, concepts and activities
• Ability to design inclusive programs and celebrate diversity
• Professional demeanor and a team mentality essential
• Ability to collaborate with staff to develop and implement long and short-range plans
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, adapt as needed and see projects through to completion
• Ability to work within a budget to purchase programming supplies
• Passion for information, learning and engagement
• Skills in decision making and creative problem solving
• Ability to independently exercise judgement within established guidelines on matters relating to patron experience and inquiries
• Proven ability to plan and execute successful programs
• Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with a wide range of individuals, in some cases under busy conditions
• Ability to develop, create and analyze statistical reports consistently
• Creative outlook with fresh ideas to engage patrons
• Proficient in the use of current library and office technologies
• Patience and skills to provide training that enables patrons at all levels to understand and use technologies, products and services
• Ability and desire to represent the library on community task forces, committees and at community & professional events
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English
• Fluency in Spanish language preferred
• Must have a valid driver’s license with reliable & insured transportation

 Education and Experience:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited school or Master’s degree in related field preferred
• Experience working in a school or public library required
• Experience working with children, caregivers and families required

 Contacts: Patrons, volunteers, other library staff, and peers at other organizations

Working Conditions: Normal office conditions

Physical Demands:

• Requires full range of motion, including standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods
• Requires bending, stooping, and reaching to retrieve library materials
• Must be able to move a two-sided book cart loaded with books and other library materials
• Must have dexterity and eye-hand coordination to move materials or operate automated equipment
• Must be able to lift boxes of books, paper, or other items weighing up to 40 lbs.

General Requirements for all library employees:

• Commitment to providing uniformly gracious and friendly service to all people
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships
• Commitment to the library’s mission and goals
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Ability to give and receive instructions in English
• Alpha-numeric recognition skill
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Ability to use basic office equipment: telephone, fax, email
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to contribute to a team
• Honest, punctual, accurate, able to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week, with paid vacation, holidays, sick and personal time, insurance and retirement benefits. Schedule requires day, evening and weekend hours. The pay range for new hires in this position is $21.71 to $32.23 per hour, depending on qualifications and in accordance with internal equity.

Submit resume, letter of interest, and three professional references to Amy Andresen, Youth Services Coordinator at aandresen@zblibrary.org. This position will be open until filled.

Zion-Benton Public Library District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.