Mason City, IA. Youth Services Librarian

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative work in the operation of youth services within the library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of the Library Director under the policy guidance of the Board of Trustees.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises supervisory authority over library assistants, clerks, and other support staff, part-time, contracted, or temporary personnel or volunteers, as assigned.  Makes recommendations on hiring and firing to the Director for personnel working within the Youth Services Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Directs assigned area of library operations to achieve goals within available resources.

Selects all youth materials, book and non-book, (or may delegate some of such selection to other available staff).

Maintains currency of youth collections through a regular weeding process.

Plans, organizes, and implements the presentation of youth programs, story hours, summer reading programs, special events, etc.

Provides reader’s assistance and information services to children and young adults.

Works to foster cooperation between the library and area schools, and other related agencies.

Oversees the physical maintenance of the book collection (mending).

Plans department displays, graphics, etc., with the assistance of support staff.

Recruits volunteers to assist with various youth services programs.

Provides lists of recommended websites for children and young adults to the Supervisor of Lifelong Learning for linking to the library’s web-page.

Job Description:  Youth Services Librarian – Page 2

Attends work regularly at the designated time and place.

Performs related work as required.

Must be able to follow and understand safety rules and regulations.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as answering telephones, mailing, key responsibility, attending meetings, etc.

Serve as a member of various city employee committees as assigned.

Assists staff in the performance of their duties as required. 

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A)       Desired Master of Library Science from ALA accredited library school with emphasis in Children’s Services, or Master of Arts degree in child psychology, children’s literature, English, or relevant program, or Master of Education degree in elementary education, or English education.

(B)              Two years of progressively responsible experience in library operations, except in the case of the MLS from ALA accredited school, in which case experience requirement may be waived.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 (A)               Ability to relate well to children, the adult public, teachers, other agency people, and staff.

 (B)              Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library systems and programs; working knowledge of library automated systems, programs; working knowledge of library selection tools, considerable knowledge of library policies and procedures.

 (C)              Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.

 (D)              Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to organize and develop effective programming; ability to develop a well rounded collection of materials.

 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Library automated systems; personal computer, including word processing; calculator; copy and fax machines; telephone.

Job Description:  Youth Services Librarian – Page 3

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 
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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein 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.

The work environment involves regular use of electronic equipment and consequent exposure to very low levels of radiation with adequate precautions indicated.  Some emotional stress may be involved in dealing with problem library users.  Exposures to infectious disease as a consequence of dealing with the general public on a daily basis.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants need to send a current resume and 3 professional references to:

Director
Mason City Public Library
225 2^nd St. SE
Mason City, IA  50401

Effective Date:   April 1, 2008