Youth Services Librarian - Salem Public Library, Salem, VA Job at VIRGINIA LIBRA

DATE ENTERED: July 26, 2025
POSITION: Youth Services Librarian
LOCATION: Salem, VA

Youth Services Librarian

Definition

Class Concept

Performs complex skilled information and public service work with an emphasis on the development, coordination, and administration of library services for youth (birth-twelfth grade) and their adults. Work is performed under the supervision of the Youth Services Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Perform detailed customer service, library database, and integrated library system tasks • Apply effective techniques to address difficult situations with patrons and resolve conflicts with patron accounts and behaviors

• Serve as in-charge staff member with authority to resolve basic issues in lieu of Library Director

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, coworkers, employees, vendors, and colleagues from other City departments

• Assist in the direction, management, and training of subordinate staff; serve on hiring committees as needed

• Assist in the development of strategic plans for both short-term and long-term planning • Assist in the development of library policies and procedures, including the Collection Development policy

• Serve on Roanoke Valley Libraries consortium committees as assigned by the Library Director

• Assist in the collection, recording, and analyzation of library statistics • Engage in self-directed and assigned professional development opportunities to increase knowledge and skill level in assigned responsibilities, including webinars, conferences, and the reading of scholarly journals

• Perform duties associated with Youth Services:

o Assist with youth collection development and management

o Promote use of library materials; assist staff and patrons with youth resources, reader’s advisory, and reference questions

o Maintain familiarity with youth literature trends and news

o Plan, implement, and evaluate library and literacy programs for youth o Assist with youth outreach programs; maintain positive community partnerships; represent the library at community events and meetings as needed

o Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the annual Summer Reading Program

o Assist in the direction, management, and training of subordinate Youth Services staff and volunteers

o Assist in the purchasing of programming supplies

o Maintain comfortable, organized, and inviting youth areas

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

None

Education & Experience

Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program. At least one year of experience working in a library in the field of youth services. Supervisory experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Outstanding human relations skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library staff, library patrons, associates, and the general public; excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment; ability to direct and guide the activities of subordinate staff; ability to work independently and follow instructions; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; strong attention to detail and organizational skills; knowledge of public library procedures, methods, and techniques, especially youth services; knowledge of and ability to communicate library policies, procedures, and techniques to the public; knowledge of and enthusiasm for youth literature; ability to develop and implement programs and services for youth; ability to engage with youth and their adults in a positive manner and provide assistance without bias or judgment.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and tasting or smelling; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. library, private offices).