Job Description
We are seeking a Children’s Librarian to perform professional duties including programming for children and families; answering reference, readers' advisory and technology questions; planning and implementing outreach activities; participating in collection management; and additional functions in specialty area of responsibility. Requires some evening and weekend hours. Reports to the Library Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Implements, promotes and evaluates story times, youth programming and outreach events within the community virtually and in-person.
- Prepare, organizes and delivers literacy and enrichment programs and services with collaborative community partners for children and families.
- Provides customer service, technology assistance and reader's advisory for children and their families from diverse backgrounds.
- Guides library patrons in the effective use of library services and resources.
- Responsible for collection development including purchasing, cataloguing, evaluating and weeding items.
- Utilizes technology and various applications daily for programming, marketing, and administrative duties.
- Serves as a liaison on different cross community boards, district and Town committees.
- Connects patrons to necessary community resources available for and related to children.
- Serves as part of a collaborative, effective team: acts as a staff resource in area of specialty; creates statistical reports; participates in strategic planning and work plan creation and implementation.
- Creates marketing materials, web content and displays to promote library programs and services.
- Recommends budget, equipment and supply purchases.
- Regularly acts as Person In Charge of the library.
- May coordinate and direct work of volunteers.
- Performs other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of the organization.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITY
- Ability to consistently promote, work, and act in a manner in support of the Library’s and Town’s vision, mission and values.
- Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of standard library operating procedures, methods and philosophies.
- Background and knowledge of literature, media and library services to young people.
- Ability to work with and relate to children of all ages, identities and backgrounds and their caregivers.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability and experience in providing story times, programs and public presentations to groups of varying ages.
- Knowledge of various reading levels and materials for youth.
- Working knowledge of the library's computer system and the Internet.
- Ability to use computer software to prepare materials for marketing and promotion.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with library and town coworkers.
- Ability to perform job duties during relaxed or stressed activity levels within the library.
- Ability to work independently, multi-task, meet deadlines and to constructively problem solve.
- Ability to incorporate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in all operations; demonstrates cultural sensitivity working with patrons, coworkers, and the community.
- Welcomes diverse populations, including but not limited to cultural, racial, economic, and ethnic diversity.
- Spanish language proficiency a plus.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Service, Collaboration, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation, Safety, Technology, Access, Honoring the Public Good, and Job Knowledge.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Incumbent will work in a dynamic public library environment with extensive public contact; including explain displayed information and directing customers to shelf locations and answering questions.
- Flexible schedule requires some evening and weekend (Saturday) hours.
- Work is generally performed in an indoor library environment.
- Subject to interruptions, working with children and sudden stressful demands.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to access and visually scan the library computer and staff screens.
- Must be able to position or move materials on varying height shelves for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to move library carts weighing in excess of 50 pounds across a carpeted floor.
- Must be able to kneel, sit on floor and get up from floor.
- Must be able to manipulate visual materials during story times.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, talk, reach with arms and hands, have good manual dexterity, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, handle or feel, hear alarms/telephones/normal speaking voice.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
- Moderate physical activity required by moving and positioning objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Benefits: The Town offers an excellent benefits package. For full-time employees, the Town pays the employee’s premiums for health, dental, Gap insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability and provides a 5% contribution to the employee’s 401(a). Most benefits begin the first month following the date of employment.
The Town of Eaton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person in any condition of employment.
Additional Info & Requirements
Experience
- One (I) year of progressively responsible library or related field experience required. This is in addition to any years used to satisfy the education requirement.
- Experience providing customer service to diverse individuals and groups is preferred.
- Spanish language proficiency is preferred.
- An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
Education
- A Bachelor's Degree is required.
- A Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS), Library and Information Science (MLIS) or in related field such as Public Administration, Education, or Social Work is preferred.
Additional Requirements/License/Certifications
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Passing a driving record (MVR), references and criminal history background check will be required prior to the start of employment.
- Must be able to provide documentation that proves eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The Community
The Town of Eaton Colorado’s Public Library is a small-town library with big support and big participation. We have a collaborative team, a tight-knit community, and a newly remodeled, historic facility with the latest makerspace technology. What we’re looking for is community-centered, innovative, dedicated staff to grow our team. Get away from the city; be part of a dynamic and active library in a beautiful little town on the northern plains of Colorado.
Located in Eaton, Colorado, the Eaton Public Library has grown from a small brick library constructed in 1911 to a 12,000 square foot, updated modern library. Staff and patrons love the historical feel of our library which was named after Benjamin Eaton, a former governor and credited with bringing irrigation to Weld County. As a member library of High Plains Library District, we enjoy solid funding to offer competitive salaries, extensive programs and up-to-date collections while maintaining local authority over our policies and services. Our library is located 5 miles north of Greeley, home to the University of Northern Colorado. Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University and a convenient gateway to enjoying the Rocky Mountains is only a 25-mile drive on uncrowded roads. We are near bike trails, the Pawnee Grassland, numerous public parks, and recreational opportunities.
Eaton is a town of roughly 6,000 residents nestled in highly productive farmland in Northern Colorado and has a proud history of recognizing and harmonizing with the various agricultural entities that surround the Town while meeting the needs of the growing population to make it a great place to live and raise a family. Eaton has been nationally recognized for the last three years as one of the top 3 safest communities in Colorado and is host to a highly accredited public-school system, operated by the Eaton School District RE-2, with a new high school facility. We are proud to have graduated three NFL football players and to celebrate our local schools as the heart of our community.