Youth Services Librarian

Job Title: Youth Services Librarian

Department: Library

Reports To: Youth Service Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: May assign tasks to staff and volunteers

Safety Sensitive: No

Classification: Full-Time; Non-Exempt

Driving Status: Yes

Work Environment: Busy public library environment with frequent patron interactions

Summary: The Youth Services Librarian serves as a leadership position within the Youth Services Department under the direction of the Youth Services Manager. This professional position plans, coordinates, and oversees library services and programs for youth from infancy through high school. This position exercises independent judgement, leads departmental projects and initiatives, coordinates the work of staff and volunteers, and assumes responsibility for department operations under the Youth Service Manager. The Youth Services Librarian fosters a welcoming and engaging environment that promotes literacy, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to information while supporting the department's strategic goals.

Essential Functions

1. Programming – Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of youth programming, providing guidance and direction to support staff and volunteers to ensure successful program delivery.

2. Reader's Advisory – Maintain familiarity with the collection and guide patrons toward reading selections based on age, interests, and reading level; create reading lists using the same criteria.

3. Reference Service – Maintain knowledge of library resources and provide excellent customer service when answering patron questions; instruct patrons in the use of library resources.

4. Collection Development – Coordinate and monitor staff participation in collection maintenance projects, including shelf reading, inventory, labeling, shifting, and other projects as assigned by the Collection Development Manager and/or Youth Services Manager. Coordinate collection maintenance by overseeing replacement orders, processing

replacement materials, assessing donations for replacement, processing books for the collection, and training staff in book repair and processing.

5. Outreach – In coordination with the Youth Services Manager, develop relationships with community organizations and educators, and participate in outreach activities to promote library services.

6. Code of Conduct Enforcement – Actively and consistently enforce the Library's Code of Conduct Policy, exercising sound judgment and de-escalation techniques; relay significant issues and patron grievances to the Youth Services Manager.

7. Safety – Address safety concerns immediately and bring them to management's attention.

8. Professional Development – Keep current in all areas of youth services through ongoing continuing education, professional reading, and attendance at meetings and conferences as assigned by the Youth Services Manager.

9. Confidentiality – Maintain confidentiality and ethical behavior in all library matters.

10. Programming Support – Track program expenditures and maintain accurate budget records; maintain inventory of program supplies and ensure adequate materials are available for upcoming programs by submitting purchase requests; develop and coordinate staff assignments for large events, ensuring responsibilities are clearly communicated and operational needs are met; and oversee the administrative operations of programming by ensuring accuracy of the program calendar, verifying that all required clearances have been obtained, monitoring registration levels and developing marketing strategies to maximize participation based on registration trends, and enforcing department registration policies, including residency requirements and no-show procedures.

11. Department Operations – Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Children's Library and Discovery Patio, including monitoring appearance, organization, cleanliness, and safety; reporting and following up on facilities issues; providing direction, training, and workflow coordination for Youth Services support staff and volunteers under the supervision of the Youth Services Manager; ensuring program rooms are properly set up and restored; maintaining an organized craft closet, storage areas, and program preparation spaces; and identifying operational needs and recommending improvements.

12. Mandated Reporting – As a mandated reporter, promptly report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect as required by the PA Child Protective Services Law and library policy.

13. Emergency Preparedness – Participate in lost child and other emergency drills and incidents.

Other Functions

1. Assist patrons with the use of computers, tablets, e-readers, and other library technologies.

2. Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

1. Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time and intermittently.

2. Ability to lift 30 pounds; push/pull carts and crates weighing up to 50 pounds; and shelve materials on high and low shelves.

3. Ability to use hands and fingers with dexterity, as this job requires frequent fine motor use.

4. Ability to complete keyboard entry tasks.

5. Ability to verbally communicate professionally and effectively with stakeholders.

6. Ability to read, understand, and respond to communications via email, in person, and through various department-level forms.

7. Ability to engage in activities with children, which may involve sitting on the floor, moving around the library, and participating in physical activities.

Competencies

1. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

2. Effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, patrons, community partners, and administration.

3. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

4. Produce quality work with few errors and minimal supervision.

5. Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Integrated Library System (ILS), email, internet, and Canva design software.

6. Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, procedures, and library practices, and apply them effectively in a fast-paced environment.

7. Enthusiasm for working with children and promoting literacy.

8. Awareness of and adherence to best practices in youth services.

9. Knowledge of children's and young adult literature.

10. Knowledge of child development.

11. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team under the leadership of the Youth Services Manager.

12. Ability to lead, motivate, and collaborate with staff while fostering a positive and productive team environment.

13. Flexibility in responding to changing priorities.

14. Ability to multitask without compromising work quality.

15. Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends based on the needs of the department.

Required Education and Experience

Master's degree in library science (MLS) or currently enrolled in a MLS program.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Experience working with children, preferably in a library or educational setting.

2. Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Must pass Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance.