Under the general direction of the Head of Youth and Family Services, provide quality readers’ advisory, reference services and programming to children (with an emphasis on school-age children) and young adults, parents or caregivers, educators and those adults that work with children and young adults. Perform other public service functions as needed.
*Please Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Duties, responsibilities or qualifications may change at any time with or without notice.
Programming
Develop and implement high-interest programming for elementary-aged children and families with children of all ages, across a variety of disciplines, such as STEAM, fine arts, life skills, pop culture, history, and literacy.
Work in conjunction with the Head of Outreach, Programs, and Education, Branch Managers, and Programs & Event Specialists to develop and implement all ages events.
Work with all staff in the Youth & Family Services department to drive the development of a creative, diverse, and engaging calendar of activities for each programming cycle.
Coordinate and compile the seasonal Youth & Family Services event and storytime calendars to ensure an array of programs for different ages and interests at each library location.
Work with the Learning Coordinator to develop and implement themed, self-led STEAM activities that emphasize learning through play at the Southwest Library each month.
Assist in the development and implementation of the annual Summer Reading Program.
Training & Outreach
Mentor Youth & Family Services staff in best practices for school-age and family programs.
Build relationships with elementary schools and homeschool groups, coordinate class visits to KPL branches, and help to promote in-library programs and services, such as the Summer Reading Program, to elementary students and educators.
Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager and the Graphic Design Specialist to market youth programs, including the creation of posters and social media posts as needed.
Assist with the development and management of social media and web content related to children’s programming.
Foster a collaborative relationship with community groups, businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agencies in the city and Kenosha County, by providing information about the Library and its services.
Participate in providing outreach services and programs to community agencies and schools.
Explore grant opportunities and activities relating to children, young adults, and families as required.
Collections & Customer Service
Participate in KPL collection maintenance and selection in designated areas or collections, according to the Collection Development and Materials Selection Policy.
Provide assistance at KPL locations to users in accessing library collections, answering information questions, providing reader’s advisory assistance, and assisting in operating equipment.
Respond to patron inquiries about library services, including the interpretation of library policies and procedures.
Provide informal library instruction.
Provide “on call” readers’ advisory services to users of the KPL children’s and young adult collections; serve as a youth services resource for KPL staff.
General Job Functions
Serve as Person in Charge when required.
Be knowledgeable of KPL planning and policy developments.
Work with the Head of Youth and Family Services in learning techniques in children’s and young adult librarianship.
Maintain knowledge of current trends and participate in appropriate conferences, workshops, and seminars to develop professional and leadership skills.
Recommend changes or improvements in services or programming to the Head of Youth and Family Services.
Maintain a working environment within the Library that will sustain a high level of employee morale and productivity.
Represent the Library on community committees as appropriate and upon the request of the Head of Youth and Family Services.
Keep the Head of Youth and Family Services informed of safety, mechanical, and maintenance problems in the Youth Service area.
Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Head of Youth and Family Services
FLSA Status
Exempt
Eligible for Telework
Yes (up to 20% per library policy)
Essential Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.
Professional librarian experience preferred (public library experience highly preferred); with experience, knowledge, or training in services to children and/or young adults (experience working with school-age children highly preferred).
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Excellent attention to detail, proofreading, and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with library staff and the public, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to create and deliver clear, engaging public presentations.
Ability to effectively manage groups of children in a fast-paced, high-energy learning environment.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with the public, peers, and supervisors.
Ability to be self-directed in managing workload, and to creatively and effectively make independent decisions based upon experience, knowledge, or training without supervision.
Problem-solving skills; develop feasible, realistic solutions to problems; recommend actions designed to prevent problems from occurring; refer recommended solutions to the Head of Youth & Family Services when necessary.
Mathematical ability: calculate basic arithmetic problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) without the aid of the calculator.
Ability to gather statistics, analyze information and write reports.
Ability to use computer software and manage computerized files.
Reading ability: effectively read and understand information contained in memoranda, reports and bulletins, etc. Working knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
Time management: set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines.
Physical and Working Conditions
Far vision at 20 feet or further; near vision at 20 inches or less.
Fingering: keyboard, writing, filing, sorting, shelving, processing, and picking up and shelving books.
Lifting and carrying: 50 pounds or less.
Ability to travel to meetings outside the library, including overnight travel.
Pushing and pulling: objects weighing 60-80 pounds on wheels.
Sitting, standing, walking, climbing and stooping, bending, twisting and reaching.
Talking and hearing
Ability to use the following: audiovisual equipment, building security systems, calculator, computer workstation, copy machine, fax machine, telephone.