Children's Librarian

The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho, seeks a motivated individual with the skills necessary to administer, plan, and develop programs in the Children's Library. The position requires a high level of professionalism and experience, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals with minimal supervision in the areas of collection and program development, and service to library patrons. Ideally the candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent and have previous experience working with children in a library setting. An elementary education degree or experience as a Children's Librarian is preferred. A passion for working with young people in the arts and education along with specific managerial, technical and communication skills are desirable.

This is a full-time salaried position with a competitive salary and benefits package. EOE

Please send resume and three professional references to: director@thecommunitylibrary.org

Job Summary

The Children's/YA Librarian is a department head responsible for the planning, development, and administration of the Children's and Young Adult Department of The Community Library. This is a full time employee who performs supervisory work and professional duties of collection and program development and service to library patrons. The work requires considerable professional skill, initiative, and independent judgment. Work is supervised and evaluated by the Library Director through weekly meetings, annual performance evaluations, and review of reports and work performed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Planning, Development, and Administration

• Responsible for planning for the development of the Children's/YA Department and its collection
• Responsible for the administration of the department and its programs.
• Responsible for staying current on Children's/YA literature and library services.
• Responsible for the physical opening and closing of the Children's Library.
• Prepare monthly reports on the use of the department's materials and programs.
• Participate in the preparation of the department's annual budget, request and support changes.
• Responsible for the management of the Children's circulation desk and computer areas.
• Attend professional meetings, conventions, and workshops and maintain memberships in professional associations as approved by Library Director.
• Provide input into the development of department policies, rules, and procedures, for example, staffing, working alone, unattended children, computer time, and processing.

Supervision

• Train, supervise, and assist department personnel and volunteers.
• Participate in the hiring and dismissal of department staff.
• Formally evaluate the job performance of department staff.
• Supervise the patron use of public access computers

Collection and Program Development

• Responsible for the development of standards for the department's collection.
• Research and review new Children's/YA books and computer software programs.
• Inventory the existing Children's/YA collection and discard and deaccess old and obsolete materials.
• Responsible for the acquisition of all Children's/YA books, talking books, videos, and computer software programs.
• Responsible for developing and presenting the School Program to public and private elementary students.
• Responsible for planning, developing, and promoting the Summer Reading Program for young library patrons.
• Responsible for planning and conducting the Story Time Programs for preschool children.
• Responsible for planning and arranging for all special Children's/YA programs, such as puppet shows, plays, visiting authors, storytellers, and puppeteers.
• Responsible for the security and maintenance of all materials in the department.
• Responsible for determining the desired focus of the department's collection, with the approval of the Library Director.

Service

• Assist and instruct library patrons in the use of the department's materials and resources.
• Assist library patrons in the selection and location of library materials.
• Communicate department policies, rules, and procedures to library patrons.
• Provide information to the area schools and community groups on the department's materials, services, programs, and needs.

Job Requirements and Specifications

A Bachelor's Degree and previous library and work experience with children are minimal requirements for this position. An elementary education degree or experience as a Children's/Young Adult Librarian preferred. The specific skills required are as follows.

Managerial

• Ability to plan, organize, and implement department policies, activities, and personnel.
• Ability to instruct and supervise others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to perform administrative duties such as record keeping, scheduling work, and preparing reports and letters.

Technical

• Good working knowledge of the materials and equipment in the department.
• Knowledge of and the ability to stay current on Children's YA literature and authors.
• Word processing and computer related skills, including Word, Excel, Email groups, and Desktop publishing. For example, Printmaster.

Library Science

• Knowledge of the professional practices, procedures, and techniques of library science.
• Knowledge of proper library cataloging and classification.

Communication

• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with children, young adults and their parents.
• Ability to communicate department policies, procedures, and rules to the public.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with library staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and as a public speaker.

Desirable Qualities

• Energetic
• Enthusiastic
• Creative
• Flexible
• Enjoys young people

 

Job Description available for download in PDF or Microsoft Word formats.

Application available for download in PDF or Microsoft Word formats.