Job Summary:
Under the direction of the System Director, the Library Programming Coordinator is responsible for providing member libraries and the communities within the service area of the Prairie Lakes Library System (PLLS) with outstanding service and consultation. With an emphasis on library services for youth and families, the Library Programming Coordinator will provide member libraries with professional consulting and coordination support for programs in the following general service categories:
Youth Services - approximately 60%
Inclusive Services - approximately 30%
Adult Services - approximately 10%
Essential Functions:
Serves as PLLS’s Youth Services Coordinator.
Provides service suggestions, best practices, guidance, and leadership to member library staff serving youth, member library directors, and other stakeholder groups.
Exercises considerable latitude to identify priority areas for development and takes initiative to meet those needs effectively.
Participates in regional and statewide initiatives, and applies insights gleaned to improve the state of professional practice within the library system and among its member libraries.
Makes program, budget, and system policy recommendations to system leadership in areas of expertise.
Designs, coordinates, implements, and assesses programs and activities to support library services to youth throughout the system’s service area.
Engages in regular, proactive communication with member library staff serving youth.
Plans, hosts, and facilitates regular YS interest group meetings, information sessions, and training at geographically-balanced locations throughout the library system area.
Plans & hosts occasional YS meetings or information sessions for special moments (for example: summer reading program kickoff).
Conducts regular in-person library visits to meet with member library staff serving youth for consulting, mentorship, and promotion of collaboration.
Serves as PLLS’ Inclusive Services Coordinator.
Assists member libraries in identifying local underserved populations.
Identifies patterns and coordinates regional programs and initiatives in support of underserved residents of the library system’s territory.
Uses perception, professional experience, and informed judgment to develop, implement, and assess other programs with maximum regional impacts as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.
Minimum Qualifications:
Four-Year Degree.
Eight (8) years of professional library experience.
Demonstrated experience planning and delivering library programming for youth, underserved, and adult populations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals, small groups, and large groups.
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
General Abilities Required for all Positions:
Travel Ability: All positions require travel within the 3-county system service area. Thus, a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and means of transportation is required.
Communication Ability: Effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and oral forms and in Standard English; ingest information with sometimes erroneous statements or misuse of terminology and be able to process it and work through the conversation successfully, maintaining a positive attitude and demeanor.
Analytical Ability: Resolve novel and diverse work problems; adapt to rapidly changing technical environments and troubleshoot problems as they arise; identify problems and potential areas for improvement; utilize available information sources in decision-making; develop feasible, realistic solutions to problems.
Reading Ability: Effectively read and understand information contained in professional resources, documentation, memoranda, reports, and bulletins.
Mathematical Ability: Perform basic arithmetic [addition, subtraction, multiplication, division] using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percentage, and draw and interpret graphs.
Time Management Ability: Prioritize workload and meet project and assignment deadlines.
Office Work Ability: Sitting, standing, using hands to write, grasp, use handheld tools, type, talk, hear, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
Vision Ability: close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust or focus.
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to be used for System business.
Collegial Ability: Participate in a friendly, courteous, and collegial workplace culture.
Regular Attendance Ability: Maintain regular and punctual attendance during designated work hours at designated work locations.
Remote Work Ability: Diligently perform approved remote work activities; perform remote work in a designated environment free from distractions; maintain regular contact with coworkers during remote work periods.
This position reports to the PLLS System Director and is considered exempt/full-time, with frequent travel and occasional irregular work hours required. Work is performed remotely, from library system offices, and in the field throughout the PLLS service area.
NOTE: This document is meant to describe the general content and requirements of the position. This document is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, nor as an offer of employment.
To Apply:
First, view the complete job description on our website. Then, send a cover letter, resume, and two professional references via email to jobs@prairielakes.info. We welcome questions, so please don’t hesitate to contact Jeremy Erickson (Business Manager) at jerickson@prairielakes.info.
PLLS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off (Vacation, PTO, Sick, and Holidays). PLLS also offers a variety of insurance options (Health, Dental, Vision, Income Continuation, Life, and Accident), as well as enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System.
The Library Programming Coordinator is responsible for providing member libraries and the communities within the service area of the Prairie Lakes Library System (PLLS) with outstanding service and consultation. With an emphasis on library services for youth and families, the Library Programming Coordinator will provide member libraries with professional consulting and coordination support in the areas of youth services, inclusive services, and adult services.
In this newly created position, we are looking for a dynamic candidate who will have the opportunity to build a strong program of support for the member libraries of PLLS in the above areas from the ground up. The Library Programming Coordinator will build relationships with member library staff, conduct library visits, facilitate conversations, distill trends of need, create system-wide programming, and facilitate idea sharing between member librarians.
About Prairie Lakes Library System:
PLLS is a federated public library system serving Southeastern Wisconsin. Formed in 2023 through a merger of two smaller library systems, we are engaged in an active process of organizational renewal. The service area of PLLS comprises the counties of Racine, Rock, and Walworth. The primary members of PLLS are 22 public libraries ranging from large urban to very small rural. PLLS maintains relationships with affiliate partner organizations such as school districts and senior living facilities and provides contractual services to other library system partners. PLLS currently maintains two office facilities located in Waterford and Milton, Wisconsin.
Jeremy Erickson, Business Manager
jerickson@prairielakes.info