The Lead Librarian –Youth Services promotes engagement and increases circulation, visits, program attendance and digital resource use for youth. This position works within the User Services Department to provide district-wide support in the planning and implementation of youth related programs and services.
The Lead Librarian-Youth Services reports to the Manager of User Services. Works as a member of a departmental team with participation in planning and implementing appropriate procedures and programs as required. Leads the library district Planning Committee for Youth Services. Works to promote a positive work environment by maintaining respectful interactions with team members and customers. Demonstrates skill in engaging the interest and participation of young children and teens. Exhibits discretion and tact in communicating with parents. Provides excellent customer service demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with people regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, ability level or background.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises the programming and development activities of the Teen and Early Literacy/Youth Librarians. Provides support for large youth programs such as Read Out Loud and IdeaCon.
- Supervises the programming and development activities of the Programming and Outreach Specialists for tweens and families.
- Ensures the creation of monthly program offerings that support district monthly themes.
- Leads the Youth Services Committee
- Oversees youth nutrition program.
- Leads the Summer Reading Program planning and implementation.
- Leads the seasonal Books in the Park program including hiring seasonal employees and overseeing the eight-week program.
- Researches grant opportunities and applies for grants to support youth-focused programs and initiatives.
- Drives strategic community outreach.
- Serves as liaison to the Homeschool community and builds services and offerings.
- Acts as a liaison between the library district and the community, building relationships and partnerships to support the library’s mission.
- Stays current with trends and best practices in youth services and library programming.
- Provides reference and research assistance to patrons.
- Ensures that library staff serving youth are trained as required by SB21-088 Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act.
- Provides public service coverage for approximately 30% of hours worked. Engages in facilitated customer service to provide service at the point of need by providing readers advisory, research, assistance using library resources; suggests outside resources for children, parents, teachers and community members.
- Leads special projects.
- Resolves customer issues and communicates library policies and procedures to customers. Uses diplomacy and tact to address customers of all ages about appropriate conduct within the library.
- Stays informed of library district news and events and work-related information by checking email, announcements, newsletters and posters.
- Supports team daily efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for customers and employees by staying alert to your surroundings and following safety procedures.
- Instructs customers on use of the library's computers, devices and e-resources including databases and downloadables. Stays current on use of new library resources.
- Compiles program statistics, prepares reports, maintains program data and performs other administrative duties.
- Assists in the collection development process by evaluating and suggesting print and e-resources for youth.
- Oversees the coordination of volunteers serving with youth at the Rawlings library . Reports youth-related volunteer hours to the Library District Volunteer Coordinator monthly.
- This position will be assigned the role of Person in Charge (PIC) at the Rawlings Library on a regular basis to respond to any escalated customer service, emergency, or security issues and will work closely with the security officer on duty.
- Participates in regularly scheduled department meetings. Attends All Staff Development Days and other training sessions to acquire new skills and to stay current on all information that is pertinent to PCCLD.
- Cross trains with other professional library staff and provides back-up coverage for the Manager of User Services.
- Performs other duties as needed.
Hiring Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000
Benefits: PCCLD offers health insurance including a tele-health service, dental and vision insurance, HSA and FSA plans, employer paid life insurance, and 401(k) and PERA retirement plans. The library district provides paid leave in the form of 11 paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
A Master’s Degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association plus three years of combined work experience in a library or children’s educational setting. Must have a minimum of two years of public library experience. Experience working as a librarian is preferred. Experience with literacy skills development and/or youth services is strongly preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Must possess knowledge of children’s and young adult literature as well as knowledge of human growth and development.
- Demonstrated creativity in youth programming.
- Knowledge of research techniques, reference resources, databases and Internet resources.
- Knowledge of library automation systems.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to diplomatically address and resolve customer issues; sensitivity in dealing with diverse populations and persons with special needs.
- Ability to conduct complex reference interviews specific to young learners, to analyze requests and to apply research skills to locate specialized information or provide customers with alternative sources.
- Intermediate computer skills using Microsoft and Google Office, email, internet, electronic databases and library catalog software.
- Must possess strong computer skills with the ability to use a variety of electronic and digital devices and e-resources; possesses a keen interest in using and learning new technologies.
- Ability to function under flexible and changing conditions.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds and push /pull a fully loaded book cart weighing up to 200 pounds.
Other Requirements: Must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings and weekends. Must submit to and successfully pass a criminal background investigation. Must have a clean driving record, Colorado Driver’s License and auto insurance.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Pueblo City-County Library District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
Pueblo is located in southeastern Colorado and is the most populous city of Pueblo County with roughly 150,000 people. One of the largest steel-producing cities in the U.S., Pueblo is sometimes referred to as the “Steel City”. The climate is enjoyable year round with outdoor activities available for every season. Located between rivers and mountains, Pueblo also offers visitors and residents scenic beauty in which to indulge.
Lake Pueblo and Other Water Recreation Lake Pueblo State Park, the most visited state park in Colorado, is an aquatic hot spot, with more than 60 miles of shoreline and 4,500 acres of surface water for boating and fishing.
Pueblo is a multicultural community at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. Downtown's 1.5-mile Historic Arkansas Riverwalk serves as a centerpiece for the city's three-district Creative Corridor of galleries, cultural destinations and events. One such festival, the hugely popular Chile &Frijoles Festival celebrates Pueblo's famous green chilies. While there's definitely a sense of history here — Pueblo made Livability.com's Top 10 Cities for Historic Preservation list, the city enjoys contemporary recognition on both national and international levels as the home of Colorado State University-Pueblo (2014 NCAA Division II Football National Champions) and Professional Bull Riders, Inc.
Apply on-line from our website: www.pueblolibrary.org/employment