LibraryJobline

Job Description

1. Provides expertise regarding children’s developmental stages, interests, community needs, and children’s literature 2. Works on the public service desks providing reference service to walk-ins, over the phone, and via electronic delivery; reference service includes reference and readers’ advisory services with age-appropriate materials and online searches for children, caregivers, and educators 3. Creates, promotes, and presents children’s programming (focuses on developmental needs, interests, and promoting children’s literacy to parents and other adults or caregivers) 4. Manages daily operations and staff schedules for East Children’s department staff; schedules staff assignments for the public Children’s Service desks; coordinates substitute staff for shifts as necessary 5. Reviews and approves Children’s Services staff timesheets 6. Reviews and distributes leave reports and works with Finance staff to resolve discrepancies 7. Provides guidance, direction, and assistance to Children’s Services staff as necessary 8. Trains all new Children’s staff (including substitute staff) at central locations and branches 9. Participates in interviewing and selection of new Children’s Services staff; may assist with terminations as necessary 10. Provides input for Children’s staff performance evaluations (including establishing goals and strategies for staff development); conducts evaluations for paraprofessional-level Children’s staff 11. Coordinates a major function in the preparation of the Children’s Summer Reading Program (i.e., web page development, SRP party coordination, prize management, or acting as sponsor liaison) 12. Assists with departmental communications 13. Suggests Children’s collection materials based on PPLD’s collection guidelines and policies 14. Examines Children’s collection for replacement and/or removal of materials 15. Reads and evaluates challenged materials as requested 16. May coordinate and implement initiatives in Children’s services (i.e., early literacy, family literacy, school-age programming, etc.) 17. May manage specialized services and programs (i.e., KidsWeb, NextReads, Reading Buddies, homeschooling initiative, etc.) 18. May participate on various PPLD Teams or advisory boards as requested 19. May organize and conduct projects related to departmental goals and needs 20. Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Additional Info & Requirements

1. Education: Requires a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) with a demonstrated interest (i.e., coursework, training, professional exp.) in service to children 2. Experience: Requires a minimum of 2 years of library experience; Prefer 1 year of supervisory experience; Prefer experience working with children in a library setting 3. Other: Requires the ability to work the position's schedule (see it at www.ppld.org); Requires a valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) for required driving to various programs/presentations; Requires use of a personal vehicle to travel to library programs being conducted at off-site locations; Requires ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds in order to carry and transport storytelling materials to and from different branch locations or other off-site locations, as necessary 4. Requires excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, a “whatever it takes” work ethic, and an excellent customer service attitude! Bilingual ability (in any language) is a plus in serving our diverse patrons. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES 1. Advanced knowledge of general library practices, procedures, and materials 2. Knowledge of children’s developmental stages, interests, community needs, and children’s literature 3. Ability to promote library resources and programs for children 4. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and to make changes to content and/or structure 5. Ability to effectively oversee and direct the work of others; ability to supervise, coach, and evaluate staff performance 6. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions 7. Must possess good verbal and written communication skills; ability to adjust communication methods in an age-appropriate manner 8. Ability to work independently without close supervision; ability to plan, organize and execute job assignments 9. Ability to instruct patrons in library resources 10. Ability to represent Pikes Peak Library District with tact and courtesy 11. Ability to exhibit sound professional judgment and demeanor in all public interactions 12. Ability to think and act appropriately under pressure while serving on the public desk 13. Ability to use a personal computer and office equipment effectively, including Microsoft Office software applications 14. Ability to organize and maintain specialized files and databases 15. Ability to research and gather information on trends and resources in the library field 16. Proficiency with computer applications (including Microsoft software applications) 17. May require the ability to monitor and adhere to budgetary guidelines 18. Requires a valid Colorado driver’s license (or the ability to obtain one) for required driving to various program presentations; requires use of a personal vehicle to travel to library programs being conducted at off-site locations 19. Ability to work on a team, to have a "whatever-it-takes" work ethic, and to have an excellent customer service attitude

The Community

With its 12 branches and 2 bookmobiles, Pikes Peak Library District serves the 500,000+ residents of El Paso County, which is nestled at the base of beautiful Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, CO. PPLD's technically-savvy and hip community totally ROCKS and LOVES ITS LIBRARIES!

HR Info

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 1. Interested applicants must complete a PPLD job application available at any of our branches or at www.ppld.org. Type it up online, print it, sign/date it, and mail it to us or bring it by! 2. Indicate the position’s schedule number (# CHE-02) next to the job title on your application. 3. In order to be considered as an applicant for this position, you must write and submit two typed, double-spaced essays (250 to 300 words per essay question) in response to each of the following: a. “What are the most important things to remember when communicating with children?” b. “Please discuss one or two trends that affect service to children in a public library. What are some ways that the library can effectively respond to these trends?” Applications that are submitted without the above requested essays will not be considered. Please include your essays with your completed PPLD job application form. 4. Mail your completed PPLD job application, cover letter, resume, two essay responses, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references to: East Library HR Office, 5550 N. Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80918