MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

GROTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Children’s Services Librarian

Statement of Duties
Performs professional librarian tasks for a Library department.  Has responsibility for management of children’s library services.  May serve as Director in absence of the Incumbent.  Performs other duties as required.

 

Supervision
Reports to the Director.  Sets own goals and objectives.  Works independently to analyze/evaluate current services, programs and practices and to revise/develop programs as needed to respond to patron needs and service delivery.  Library policies and procedures are available and must be observed and followed.

Hires, supervises and evaluates up to seven employees and volunteers.

Has access to confidential employee and patron information.
 

Job Environment
This is varied work, involving many detailed operations as well as non-standardized tasks, procedures and techniques.  Evaluation and analysis are required to judge appropriate response to problems. Works in a very public, active area, with competing demands on attention; interactions may require considerable effort to diffuse potential conflict.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service and monetary loss, damage to equipment, patron dissatisfaction, or compromised patron safety.

Constant contact with children of various ages, backgrounds and abilities.  Other contacts are with parents and other family members,  town employees, state and regional library associations, school teachers.  Contacts are usually in person or by phone.  Written communication is frequently necessary.  Computer communication is sometimes necessary.
 

Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Plans, organizes, and maintains the library’s children’s collection.  Analyses collection for development needs.  Reads, reviews, and selects books and other material for purchase. 

Provides reader’s advisory service for children and families.  Assists children is use of library and its resources.  Assists parents and other adults in selection of appropriate children’s material.

Plans, organizes, and publicizes children’s programs, including but not limited to story time, films and special events, reading clubs, school and community outreach.

Maintains a pleasant, inviting, safe environment for children.  Is trained in safety and evacuation techniques.

Hires staff. Provides training and supervision for up to 7 employees.  Establishes work schedules, makes assignments.  Reports to Director on results of performance evaluation.  Coordinates volunteers assigned to children’s area. 

Prepares annual department budget.  Monitors expenditures and approves purchases for department.

Participates in the formulation of policy and develops procedures related to Children’s Services.  Interprets policy and explains procedure to the public.

Makes presentations to community groups to explain library programs and services.  Receives complaints and/or special requests from patrons and community groups, providing response or conflict resolution.

Attends professional library conferences, seminars and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.

Compiles, reviews and interprets statistical data regarding use of children’s services. Prepares regular management reports for review by Director.

Provides material classification and cataloging services as needed. 

May serve as Director during the absence of the incumbent.
 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

            Education and Experience

 Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A accredited program required, with an emphasis on children’s literature and services.  Three to five years experience in a library setting, with supervisory experience required.

            Knowledge, Ability and Skill

            Thorough knowledge of:

• Library operations and library services.

• Current trends in library services for children

• Children’s literature and other materials for children

• Library policies and procedures in order to explain programs and services to others.

• Reference sources and research techniques, reader interest level, publisher and dealer practices; methods of library supply resources.

Working knowledge of:

• Common computer applications and use of the Internet

Ability to:

• Work with children of varied backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
   

• Supervise others at various levels of training and ability, evaluate performance, provide training and discipline.

• Create goals and provide leadership for subordinates

• Persuade, negotiate, resolve conflict

• Exercise initiative and independent judgment

• Maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety, respond to emergencies

• Communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing
   

Physical and Mental Requirements
Work is performed in classroom-type, open environment, subject to moderate noise.  Up to two thirds of time is spent standing, walking, stooping or reaching with hands or arms.  Up to two-thirds of the time is spent using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting is required up to 30 pounds; seldom required to lift up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The compactness of space and accessibility, the need to respond to competing needs or resolve conflicts is frequently stressful. Equipment used includes personal computers, office machines, audio-visual equipment.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.