Professional MLS/Librarian - Youth Services

East Chicago Public Library•East Chicago, IN

About The Position

The Youth Services Librarian supports and assists the Associate Director of Youth Services. The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for providing assistance with children and young adult library programs in addition to providing reference assistance to children, young adults, parents, teachers, and other patrons. Assists in planning, organizing, and performing scheduled programs and events. Participates in the youth services collection development and weeding of the collection.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of current librarianship
Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the workflow
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to delegate work effectively
Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, government officials and the general public
Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information technology
Knowledge of children's and young adult materials both current and classic
Analytical ability to understand and solve reference questions
Knowledge of and ability to explain available library services
Ability to work independently
Desire and ability to serve the public with friendliness, tact, and diplomacy
Knowledge of library information systems
Skill at accurately and efficiently sorting and shelving materials in alphanumeric order
Physical capacity to place materials on shelves at all shelving heights
Ability to work in a team setting. Willingness to assist and support coworkers, contribute ideas, maintain flexibility, and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of technical and training materials, written correspondence, reports, and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form
Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a keyboard
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at Main and RAP locations on a regular basis
Must have some agility to stoop, stretch, and climb to retrieve materials and conduct programs
Stands for extended periods of time, lifts and carries books and other library materials
Must have reliable transportation for travel to agencies within the system and out
Master’s degree in Library (and Information) Science from an ALA-accredited university with a concentration in children’s and young adult services
Library Certification 5 or higher; to qualify for recertification, one must complete a minimum of 50 Library Educational Units every 5 years, as specified by the Indiana State Library
Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Responsibilities

Assists in directing and supervising the operations of the Youth Services department.
Assists in the planning, preparation, and presentation of story times, summer reading activities, special events and programs for children and teens that meet their specific needs
Supervises program presentations by youth service assistants
Coordinates children and teen service operations with other library services and functions
Provides reference and reader’s advisory service to children, teens, parents/guardians and teachers using materials in a variety of formats (i.e. books, electronic reference databases, periodicals, newspapers)
Evaluates materials and services; assists in the selection of materials for library acquisition and weeding the collection
Assists in promoting library use, especially programs and services for children and teens Monitors the conditions of the teen service area and the security of the young adult collection
Maintains working knowledge of materials collections, services available and trends in library services to youth, primarily teens
Maintains awareness of developments and trends in librarianship by attending workshops and conferences pre-approved by the Director and reading professional literature
Prepares monthly reports to be submitted to the Associate Director of Youth Services as required
Presents a positive view of library, staff and administration, and services to community
Interprets ECPL policy and procedures to public in a customer-responsive manner
Is flexible and able to work evenings and weekends
Performs other job related duties as assigned