MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

 

   

SHREWSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY

 YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

 

Definition
Responsible administrative, supervisory and direct service work coordinating and managing the young adults’ collection, programs and activities and coordinating the library’s volunteer program; all other related work, as required.
 

Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Head of Adult Services and the Library Director.

Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature, requiring independent judgment and initiative; assignments are completed according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards. Issues involving policy decisions are referred to the supervisor.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities
Responsible for supervision of more than 30 young adult and adult volunteers.
 

Work Environment
Work is performed under typical library conditions; the workload is subject to fluctuations which require advance planning; regular library schedule requires evening and weekend work.

The employee operates standard library equipment, including microfiche and film readers.

Duties require constant interaction with library patrons, students, school administrators and teachers, community organizations, businesses and other municipal library personnel to obtain and provide information and assistance, in person, by telephone, e-mail and in writing.

The employee has access to confidential patron records.

Errors are easily detected and corrected, but could result in delay of services or expenditure of time by other employees.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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 or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Develops and maintains the young adults’ collection; evaluates and recommends purchases of library materials; responsible for maintenance of collection through inventory, shelf reading, weeding and discarding materials; provides reader advisory services for the young adults’ collections to parents and educators.

Develops and implements programs for young adults; coordinates monthly story times and discussion groups; coordinates the activities and implements the suggestions of the Young Adult Advisory Board; coordinates outreach activities of volunteers.

Works with school administrators and teachers to supplement programs; conducts library tours and makes presentations at schools; coordinates presentations by young adult volunteers at elementary schools.

Works with businesses to encourage support of young adult programs.

Develops press releases and other materials to publicize young adult programs and volunteer opportunities.

Plans and implements special events, including fund raising and other community events involving young adult volunteers.

Recruits, trains, supervises and evaluates students, young adult and adult volunteers; establishes work schedules and assignments; provides orientation programs; interacts with library staff to integrate volunteers into the library’s programs and activities.

Plans and implements, with the library Director and other staff members, recognition and award programs for all volunteers.

Attends informational and instructional meetings and workshops related to library operations and volunteer services.

May be assigned to work in the Children’s Room, ILL, or Reference, as necessary; may participate in procurement and administration of grants.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or as situation dictates.
 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Master’s Degree in library science, with course work in young adult programming and collection development required for Young Adult Librarian; Bachelor’s Degree required for Volunteer Coordinator; three years of related professional library experience and experience working with volunteers; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge of library policies and procedures, including automated circulation systems and information technology. Knowledge and understanding of growth and learning cycle of young adults. Thorough knowledge of young adult's literature and materials.

Ability to interact tactfully and appropriately with library patrons, staff and volunteers. Ability to train and supervise staff and volunteers. Ability to work independently and manage numerous, diverse tasks at one time. Ability to develop and implement programs. Ability to learn computer operations and related library databases. Ability to operate library equipment.

Customer service and supervisory skills. Oral and written communication skills. Planning and organizational skills.
 

Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort is required to perform most duties. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit speak, hear, and use hands to operate equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and view a computer monitor.

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