Children's Librarian

Overview: 

The Town of Adams, Massachusetts is seeking a dynamic, energetic, self-motivated and people-oriented individual for the position of Children’s Librarian at the Adams Free Library.  This is a Full-Time, benefitted 35 hours/week position.  Salary starts at $21.14/hour. Pay is commensurate with experience.  Under the supervision of the Library Director, the children’s librarian directs all operations in the Children’s Department. This position includes evening and weekend hours. This position plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Children’s Department. Responsibilities include developing, maintaining, and managing the children’s library collection; planning, implementing, organizing, and evaluating programs and activities; outreach and engagement with groups, organizations, local media, and schools; cataloging and processing of books and materials; creating displays and postings, and organizing volunteers; occasional assisting with Adult Services Department operations as needed.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree, plus three years professional and administrative experience; courses in Children’s Literature and Elementary Education preferred; experience working with young children recommended, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicant should have a working knowledge of the principles and practices of library science and children’s literature and thorough knowledge of children’s books, related materials, and appropriate techniques and specialized skills in working with children. Computer literacy is mandatory, and familiarity with Evergreen Library Software, and MS Office preferred. An employment application may be located on the Town’s website at www.town.adams.ma.us and must accompany a cover letter and resume. Please submit to the Town Administrator’s Office via postal mail, in person at Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street, 2nd Floor, Adams MA, 01220 or email to employment@town.adams.ma.us . Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of Adams is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

General Duties

• Administrative and supervisory work in planning and directing the activities of the Children’s Department of the public library; all other related work as required.
• Performs professional library duties of a responsible nature involving the direct operation of the Children’s Department.
• Exercises considerable judgment in making administrative decisions about the Children’s Department operations.
• Makes frequent contact with the public, schools, and other libraries.

Supervision

• Works under the general direction of the Library Director and under policies established by the Town and Board of Library Trustees.
• Supervises, trains, and develops Children’s Library Aide staff through mentoring, coaching and constructive evaluation.

Job Environment

Work is performed in typical public library conditions. 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 and schoolteachers/librarians and school staff. Contacts are usually in person or by phone.

Essential Functions

• Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Children’s Department.
• Provides reference and children’s reader advisory services, providing assistance to children, families, and community and regional agencies when appropriate.
• Plans, develops, and maintains Children’s Department collection; supervises the acquisition and technical processing of appropriate library materials for children and their families under the direction of the Director.
• Speaks to organizations, groups, press, and schools about children’s programs, services, and books; to encourage reading and to stimulate use of the library and the Children’s Department.
• Pursues professional development through active participation in professional associations, attending continuing education, reading professional literature, and keeping abreast of trends relating to children’s needs and interests.
• Catalogs Children’s books and materials; processes library books and materials, analyzes and weeds out collections.
• Participates in cooperative efforts with the Elementary School, conducting book-talks or other programs.
• Plans, implements, manages, and evaluates programs in the Children’s room, such as story hours, craft programs, winter and summer reading programs, programs related to children’s reading for parents, etc.
• Sets up displays; organizes volunteers to help in the children’s room.
• Gathers and analyzes statistics to inform and promote the development of library services.
• Assists the Library Director in the development of policies affecting children’s services
• Interviews and selects staff for the Children’s Department in cooperation with the Library Director.
• Occasionally may assist in the operation of the Adult Department, as necessary.

Physical Requirements

Light to moderate physical effort required to perform duties under typical conditions which include frequent bending and stretching. Occasional lifting in excess of 25 pounds.  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 responses to problems. Works in a very public, active area, with competing demands on attention. Written and computer communication is frequently necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

 Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree in library science preferred;
• 3 years of professional experience, including administrative experience, teaching/day care experience recommended, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

 Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of library science and children’s literature.
• Thorough knowledge of children’s books, related materials, and appropriate techniques and specialized skills in working with children.
• Administrative ability.
• Ability to carry out town and library policy.
• Ability to relate to the public, especially children.
• Flexibility, initiative, creativity, energy, patience, and tact.
• Ability to express oneself orally and in writing.
• Moderate to excellent computer skills required.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn complex computerized library systems.