Job Description
The Head of Children’s Services provides professional library, programming, and managerial services in a diverse community to children and their caregivers. The Head of Children’s Services supervises a busy circulation desk and large children’s room, organizes engaging events and activities for children up through grade 6, and fosters a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for children and caregivers. The Turner Free Library is in the process of acquiring a brand new, state-of-the-art bookmobile/STREAM (science, reading, technology, engineering, arts, and math) lab, and the Head of Children’s Services will collaborate with other department heads on providing outreach services to children utilizing this new vehicle.
The Head of Children’s Services works with a high degree of independence and will need to exercise considerable judgment, develop rapport with library patrons, and supervise and support library staff.
This is a 35-hour work week, exempt, non-union position; some nights and weekends are required.
Essential Job Functions:
- Provides exemplary customer service; routinely addressing complaints and effectively resolving complications
- Provides staff supervision in the evenings, on weekends, and may be required to work at the circulation desk occasionally
- Acts as liaison and represents the library management team at The Friends of The Turner Free Library’s monthly board meetings
- Broad knowledge and appreciation of literature and media for children, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems
- Select, evaluate, and maintain collections in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets. Actively promote library resources through programming, merchandising, and creating book lists, resource guides, and displays
- Promote interest in library programs through written publicity. Assist with public relations and promotional materials for the library, including website and social media posts.
- Supports outreach visits to the public schools in collaboration with other department heads
- Develop partnerships with local groups and organizations to reach library goals. Attend local community events and gatherings to promote library services. Conduct presentations as a library representative to community groups, at public meetings, and at other library outreach events. Speak to neighborhood associations, citizen groups, and other business and civic organizations to promote library services
- Maintains a robust relationship with the Randolph Intergenerational Community Center and its staff, along with other town departments
- Assists in the Library’s statistical analysis pertaining to children’s programs and patron experience, and prepares reports
- Maintains accurate budgetary records and reports statistics to the Library Director
- Applies for and manages grants and reporting as needed to support innovative library programs and services
- Knowledge of principles, materials, and equity of access issues related to serving children and their caregivers; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to establish positive relationships with children
- Plans, publicizes, carries out and supervises innovative, diverse, and relevant programming for children and tweens (including, but not limited to, storytimes, after school programming, and summer reading). The Head of Children’s Services will also work collaboratively with other department heads
- Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change
- Provides inclusive services to patrons from a large array of national, lingual, and cultural backgrounds
- Trains new and current library staff at library locations in effective library service to children and their caregivers; oversees the implementation of related policies and procedures for staff and patrons
- Develops goals, plans, and procedures for implementing children’s services in accordance with organizational strategic plan and priorities
- The Head of Children’s Services completes other duties as assigned by the Library Director.
Supervision: Reports directly to the Library Director, but generally works independently or in collaboration with other department heads
Work Environment: Work is performed under typical public library conditions, but will also include visits to local schools, daycares, community center, parks, and other locations as needed. There is some moderate to heavy lifting of books and other materials.
Additional Info & Requirements
Qualifications:
- 1-3 years experience in youth services
- Master's Degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school
- Multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply
- Must be available to work afternoon/evenings and occasional weekends as well as any large town events. Schedule may be subject to change depending on programming needs
License Requirement: Massachusetts driver’s license in good standing or ability to obtain such
CORI Requirement: Must successfully pass a CORI background check
HR Info
Please email resume and cover letter to Library Director, Sharon Parrington Wright at spwright@ocln.org. The Library will be accepting applications until the position is filled, but priority will be given to applications received by 7/28/2023. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.