Plans, organizes, promotes and supervises library programs for pre-school, elementary, and young adult library users; participates in short and long range planning for children and general library programs; coordinates activities with other library staff; manages the selection, ordering, cataloging and weeding of youth library materials consistent with the library’s mission and policies; and assists patrons in the selection and use of library materials. The work requires that the employee have knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of the public library field, particularly as it relates to children's and young adult library services. May be required to lift light to medium weights up to 25 pounds, e.g. lifting books and audiovisual equipment and pushing book carts. Position occasionally includes evening and weekend programming.

JOB SUMMARY

Plans, organizes, promotes and supervises library programs for pre-school, elementary, and young adult library users; participates in short and long range planning for children and general library programs; coordinates activities with other library staff; manages the selection, ordering, cataloging and weeding of youth library materials consistent with the library’s mission and policies; and assists patrons in the selection and use of library materials. The work requires that the employee have knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of the public library field, particularly as it relates to children's library services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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  Exhibits creativity, energy and enthusiasm to promote library services to youth and the general public.
• Manages the selection, ordering, cataloging and weeding of youth library materials consistent with the library’s mission and policies
• Coordinates youth service operations with other library services and functions, develops programs and services to meet specific needs of youth.
• Provides reference service to youth and provides reader's advisory service.
• Assists in preparing the annual budget, particularly as it relates to youth services.
• Participates in long-range planning for the department.
• Assembles and arranges displays of books and other materials.
• Evaluates materials and services and assists in the selection of materials for library acquisition.
• Examines professional publications and other sources for selection of books, periodicals, and related materials.
• Assists in promoting library use, especially youth programs and services.
• Prepares and presents library programs and supervises program presentation.
• Develops and conducts programs for children, young adults and parents which encourage reading, viewing and listening skills and the use of library facilities and materials.
• Coordinates programs and activities with school librarians, teachers, parents' groups, and community organizations.
• Meets with members of the library and others in order to coordinate activities and exchange information.
• Assists in drafting youth library service policy, as assigned.
• Represents the library on youth services committees and serves as the authority on youth services.
• Performs related work as required.
• Develops and monitors collection development plan for youth collection.
• Responsible for appearance and order of youth collection, including the management of overdue youth materials.
• Coordinates program planning with school librarians to ensure complementary services to students. Serves as liaison to other community agencies serving children.
• Maintains awareness of trends in youth services and of issues affecting youth. Attends meetings, pursues continuing education in the youth services field, and participates in professional library organizations.
• Attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Performs duties in other library divisions and participates in library special projects as needed

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

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  Knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions.
• Knowledge of the needs and abilities of youth and available library materials and services.
• Effective oral and written communications.
• Knowledge of technology, apps, and digital tools used by youth.
• Ability to use social media to promote programs and engage with library patrons.
• Ability to develop short and long-term development and operations plans and programs for a youth library service.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of library reference and cataloging methods; knowledge of bibliographies sources of information; initiative in devising new and original youth programs; ability to work well with youth, both individually and in groups; ability to deal effectively with parents and caregivers.
• Must be proficient in the use of the computer
• Ability to deal with the public in a courteous manner, communicate well with individuals; neat personal appearance; displays initiative.
• Knowledge of current trends in library service to youth.
• Knowledge of children's and youth literature and materials.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement services to youth.
• Knowledge of the principles of library administration, including collection development, planning, coordination and budgeting.
• A working knowledge of computer applications for library services.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Works under the direction of the Library Director.

CONTACTS

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  Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city employees, representatives of other libraries, vendors, educators, children, teens, parents and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performs in a climate-controlled environment. Routinely and intermittently exposed to computer screens. May be required to lift light to medium weights up to 25 pounds, e.g. lifting books and audiovisual equipment and pushing book carts. Position entails bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis. Some degree of stress in public contact.

**Position occasionally includes evening and weekend programming.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressively responsible library experience, including one year in a lead capacity in a youth services division. , OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting on the basis of one year of experience for each year of education.