The Youth Services Librarian performs a variety of professional librarian duties at library facilities and in the community, upholding the District’s mission, values, and service philosophy. This position develops, designs, implements, and evaluates library programs, events, and services; primarily focused on engaging children and teens ages 0-18, their families, caregivers, and educators. Librarians at the Meridian Library District actively engage in building connections with diverse community organizations and leaders to foster awareness and engagement with library services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential
Project Management
The Youth Services Librarian uses principles of project management to spearhead library initiatives that align with the Meridian Library District’s strategic goals and are responsive to community needs. Leads and actively participates in District committees. Works collaboratively with staff from across the District in various departments and positions to support library initiatives; supports clear communication between library administration, management teams, committees, and library staff.
Partnerships, Programs, and Community Engagement
The Youth Services Librarian researches, develops, and implements new and innovative initiatives, programs, community events, and library services to generate measurable learning outcomes, interest, and enjoyment for the community. Designs programs and events primarily focused on engaging children and teens ages 0-18, their families, caregivers, and educators while adhering to the District’s strategic priorities and budget allocations. Working with the Branch Manager, coordinates with outside presenters and community partners, negotiates presenter contracts, experiments with new ideas or concepts, and collaboratively works with library staff across the District to implement ideas. Continuously evaluates library programs and services to make improvements based on patron, community, and management feedback. Is engaged in professional activities through associations, committees, or other organizations outside of the Meridian Library District. Establishes and maintains community partnerships and provides embedded library service to organizations within the Meridian community.
Customer Service
The Youth Services Librarian provides excellent customer service, makes customer focused decisions based on library policies and procedures, and resolves patron concerns in a positive, friendly manner. Drawing upon advanced knowledge of library resources and practices, provides a variety of library services including circulation, informational and reference assistance, readers’ advisory, and technology help to a variety of patrons from diverse backgrounds, professions, and ages. Facilitates access to the library collection and services, providing reference interviews to advise patrons about library materials, resources, and technology equipment. Actively promotes respect for diversity and creates an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful library atmosphere.
Research and Reporting
The Youth Services Librarian is well-versed in public library trends and practices; a wide range of materials, authors, and library resources for children and teens ages 0-18; childhood and brain development; current events and community interests. Maintains an advanced knowledge through regular review of professional literature, market research, and continuing education opportunities. May present, to library administration and the Library Board of Trustees, at conferences or to other community partners. Maintains accurate records, collects statistics, tracks library program performance measures, and prepares reports related to library services and events as requested by administration. Maintains public calendars to ensure room availability and program promotion.
Operations
The Youth Services Librarian performs duties required of daily library branch operations. Performs circulation duties including issuing cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, and collecting fees. Maintains confidentiality of patron information. Answers phones and responds to digital inquiries. Promotes library collections, services, and programs. Leads and develops staff training. May act as person in charge in the absence of a supervisor or manager. Drives and rides in all library vehicles for delivery or outreach purposes.
Marginal
Drives library vehicles, which may include bookmobile and sprinter vehicles, to provide library programs and services to patrons within the Meridian Library District’s boundaries.
May work with and/or direct the work of volunteers in providing library services. Supports the general state and appearance of library collections and shelves. Assists with creating appropriate and appealing collection displays. May apply for outside grants and sponsorships for supplemental funding as authorized by library administration. Participates in committee groups as assigned by the District to demonstrate our commitment to a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-Time)
Hiring Range: 22.90-27.60 per hour, DOE
Benefits: Eligible for Full-Time Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision options, PERSI retirement, and paid time-off)
Qualifications
Proficient with standard office applications (including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace), online library automation system, and online searching. Understands the role of technology in providing library services and is proficient in that technology. Ability to learn and adapt to new software and equipment technologies. Has a desire to continuously learn and develop personal skills, experience, understanding, and knowledge.
Provides exemplary customer service and embodies the values of the District. Has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people, including volunteers and coworkers, of all ages, from diverse backgrounds. Has a desire to work in a public service role, builds and maintains working relationships with individuals at all levels of the library, and fosters positive partnerships with outside organizations.
Understands the principles of project management in libraries. Experienced in creating and administering surveys and other evaluation tools to establish, measure, and evaluate program outcomes.
Must be able to work alone at a location and be able to juggle multiple priorities. This position requires persuading or gaining cooperation and acceptance of ideas and/or the resolution and negotiation of conflicts.
Advanced knowledge of youth and brain development, public school programs, and children’s and teen literature.
Experience
1-3 years of professional library experience with program or event planning and evaluation experience.
Education
Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, enrolled or completed; or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
Training, Licenses, or Certifications
Valid driver’s license in good standing or the ability to obtain one.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual, preferably Spanish-English or Russian-English.
Knowledge and experience researching community development. Experience providing needs assessments and service analysis.
Experience providing early literacy services in a library or community setting.
Experience at a public library working with schools, childcare providers, and afterschool programs.
Meridian Library District is one of Idaho's fastest-growing cities in Idaho, and our five-library district is growing right alongside it. We are passionate about supporting learning, fostering community connections, creating welcoming environments, nurturing staff culture, and enhancing our collections to support community needs and interests.
Located in rapidly growing South Meridian, the Pinnacle Branch is a vibrant community hub located in the growing Pinnacle Community featuring dedicated children's and teen spaces, reservable meeting rooms, an outdoor reading area, a 24-hour holds pickup locker, and a shared courtyard with an amphitheater.
The Youth Services Librarian builds relationships and develops responsive library services for children, teens, parents, caregivers, educators, schools, and community organizations. The position connects young people and the adults who support them with books, information, technology, and learning opportunities that foster literacy, learning, and lifelong curiosity. Through collaboration across the Meridian Library District, the Youth Services Librarian contributes to systemwide initiatives, strengthens partnerships, and helps advance high-quality, community-centered library services in one of Idaho's fastest-growing communities.
External Job Ad
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4311780
Website
https://www.mld.org/
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.mld.org/employment
Human Resources Department