Teen and Adult Learning Librarian

Department: Library
Union Affiliation: AFSCME
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Hours Per Week: 40


The Teen and Adult Learning Librarian is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing library programs and services for library users ages 12 and above, including selecting appropriate young adult materials, planning and conducting library programs, and engaging with the community to promote library usage amongst teens and adults.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this role is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of young adult literature.
• Familiarity with current trends in young adult books.
• Knowledge of commonly used bibliographic information sources.
• Knowledge of standard reference tools and standard search strategies, including on-line databases and electronic searches.
• Knowledge of cataloging rules with prescribed local modifications.
• Knowledge of collection development principles.
• Knowledge of library automation.
• Knowledge of library programming best practices.

Skills

• Proficiency in using library management systems and digital tools.
• Skill in working with young adults.
• Skill in connecting young people with books and learning opportunities.
• Skill in oral presentation and group management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creativity and program development skills.

Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively with young adults, parents, teachers, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to design engaging and age-appropriate activities and events.
• Ability to work independently in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to meet and deal with a variety of employees, advisory boards, community groups, committees, patrons, vendors, staff and other libraries.
• Ability to work within a team concept, providing non-supervisory direction and assistance to other staff members and volunteers.

Required Qualifications (Minimum qualifications for this role)

Education

• Master's Degree in Library Science.

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience working with teenagers in a professional setting.
• The experience must have provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities which are essential for providing effective library and information services.

OR

• One (1) year of graduate study in Library Science plus three (3) years of experience.

Certifications or Licenses

• At the time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• N/A

Other Qualifications

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal history background investigation.

Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

The Teen and Adult Learning Librarian performs work that regularly requires an in-depth, practical understanding of library activities and procedures.

Customer Service – Reference:

• Part of the reference team that is responsible for providing reference services to the public.
• Provides reference services for patrons including finding library materials based on patron requests, looking up basic information such as location directions, government and non-profit information and services, and any other search requested by a patron.
• Helps patrons use computers, printers, fax machines, and other library equipment.
• Reserves study rooms and other library spaces for library patrons.
• May provide in-depth reference services that require in-depth research or follow-up.
• Provides readers with advisory services.
• Provides guidance and assistance to Library Assistants and volunteers.
• May provide circulation and account services including checking materials in and out, creating library accounts and issuing library cards, updating patron account information, placing and distributing library materials held for patrons.
• Resolves patron problems by researching disputed late fees, charges for lost or damaged materials, or errors in registration.
• Prepares paper and virtual brochures, flyers, bookmarks, handouts, posters for distribution to patrons.
• Provides customer service at outreach destinations and cover shifts at other library locations.

Collection development:

• Selects, curates, and catalogs a diverse collection of books, audiobooks, movies, and other materials suitable for young adults based on their interests and reading levels.
• Curates a collection of materials and public information for career and college resources.
• Participates in collection development.
• Determines needs based on awareness of community needs and reviews in professional literature.
• Weeds the collection.
• Evaluates and directs materials to be mended.
• Develops and oversees acquisition budget.

Programming and events:

• Designs and executes engaging programs like story times, book clubs, summer reading challenges, craft workshops, and technology demonstrations tailored to different age groups.
• Focuses on programming related to career and college preparation, current events, and popular interests.
• Introduces young patrons to digital resources like e-books, online databases, and coding programs.
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and marketing of the Book-A-Librarian program that delivers library services by appointment to members of the community.

Outreach and community engagement:

• Collaborates with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to promote library services and reach new patrons.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Acts in a lead capacity (does not formally supervise) to direct workflow or to mentor employees in the assigned department.

Supervisory Controls

• Works under general supervision with recurring tasks performed independently. The supervisor provides professional advice on non-routine matters, and periodic reviews are conducted to ensure adherence to expected results.

Working Conditions
Mental effort

• Usually, normal concentration and deadlines with occasional periods of sustained deadline pressure.

Physical effort

• Moderate: The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items, such as tables, equipment, and medium-sized parts. The work may require specific but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above-average agility and dexterity.

Work environment

• Everyday Risks/Discomforts: require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.