Youth Services Librarian

This position is part of the management team at the Hubbard Memorial Library. Responsible for the development, planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating activities, operations, and expenditures within the Youth Services Department, which encompasses children’s and young adult (YA) services. Responsible for conveying and carrying out the Mission and Vision Statements, Objectives and Goals of the Library’s Strategic Plan. Responsible for the supervision and evaluation of department staff and department programs relating to children’s and young adult services and operations. Responsible for a portion of collection development and budget allocation within the overall library materials and program budgets. Related work as required, including assisting other library departments as needed. The Youth Services Librarian may be appointed by the Director to supervise the operations of the Hubbard Memorial Library (HML) in the absence of the Director and/or the Reference & Technology Librarian.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees, supervises and evaluates staff within the Youth Services Department. Trains all personnel within the department. Responsible for the instruction of staff in new departmental procedures, programs or promotional campaigns, and new automated procedures.
• The Youth Services Librarian provides the first line of administration of the youth services department, including at the service desk. The supervisor is expected to attempt to resolve all conflicts which may arise and coordinate with the Director or their designee as necessary.
• Provides information and assistance to patrons; answers reference and research questions in a timely and accurate manner. Responsible for planning, organizing and delivering youth and family reference, referral and reader advisory services.
• Provides excellent customer service.
• Is responsible for developing, administering and reviewing policies and procedures pertinent to the youth services department.  Under the guidance of the Administration, develops annual goals and objectives for the department personnel. Reports quarterly to the Administration on fulfillment of department objectives.
• Manages collection development of all print, non-print resources within department.
• Responsible for maintaining efficient and accurate cost, circulation, material and user statistics, as well as the judicious expenditure of departmental budget.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and creates content, publicity and promotions related to youth programs, services, collections and events, including but not limited to flyers, handouts, and social media outlets.
• Updates Library Website monthly to reflect departmental offerings. Maintains all youth web pages and social media pages.
• Responsible for all aspects and implementation of youth and family programming; in-person, virtual, outreach or visiting guest. Duties include performer selection, contact negotiation, expense submittal, publicity generation, and hosting.
• Oversees planning, development, promotion, and presentation of story time offerings for infants and toddlers and their caregivers, traditional story times for pre-school children, drop-in story times for all ages and evening and weekend story times for families.
• Develops all services, programs, and collections for the needs of young adult patrons.  Responsible for creating, implementing, and running young adult vacation week and Summer Reading programs; including preparing support materials and incentives and promotes throughout the school system.
• Develops cooperative multigenerational programs with the Adult Programs Coordinator for appropriate user groups. 
• Develops cooperative programs with community and educational organizations to promote Youth Literacy and user outreach programs.
• Handles initial service response to concerns and complaints. Conveys and maintains library policies. De-escalates where possible. Refers others to administration.
• Maintains professional and technological development via professional literature, networking, webinars, virtual/in person meetings and trainings.
• Utilizes automated system, new technologies, electronic equipment and on-line resources in the performance of duties and trains other library personnel and patrons in automated procedures.
• Conducts formal patron instruction in use of all library technology, mobile devices, electronic resources, databases, on-line catalog, and email.
• Attends in-house staff and management meetings and trainings, as well as municipal and regional meetings and workshops. Develops and conducts staff meetings for youth services department.
• Seeks and writes grants to expand Youth Services.
• Acts as supervisor on duty for scheduled routine day, evening and weekend coverage as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution, with relevant youth services coursework and a minimum of three (3) years progressive public library service, including supervisory experience. Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and peripheral components. Demonstrated knowledge of computer applications for libraries and online searching skills, and the ability to implement this knowledge and skill as appropriate. Proficient in basic computer software packages, i.e. Microsoft Office and Google Suites, along with an understanding of Mobile, Laptop, and Wi-Fi usage. Demonstrated knowledge of library resources in targeted subject area. Demonstrated patience, respect, empathy, and skill in dealing with general public.

Special Requirements: Certification in Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is required upon appointment.