Youth Services Librarian Job at Town of Lantana in Tallahassee

Overview

JOB SUMMARY The Town of Lantana seeks a full-time energetic, team-oriented Youth Services Librarian with a strong public service commitment. Under the direct supervision of the Library Director, this position would provide innovative library services and programming for children and teens in a rapidly growing and evolving library. The Youth Services Librarian provides stellar customer service and collaborates with coworkers to create great experiences for youth patrons, their families, and the community. The Youth Services Librarian loves educating patrons, making a difference in the lives of underserved teens and tweens, and keeping up with emerging technologies. The Youth Services Librarian may be in charge of the library during evening hours and assists in Library Administration. They are responsible for coordinating the creation and implementation of all youth programs with the library team, with specific attention to teens. The Youth Services Librarian will be assigned shifts and duties according to the needs of the department.

Essential Functions

• Develops library outreach programs for non-users and underserved in the community to garner interest in using the library.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate programs and services for youth (birth through 18), including story times, book clubs, summer reading programs, STEAM activities, and teen events, in collaboration with the library team and assigning scheduled programs to staff.
• Plans and implements youth (teens, kids, toddlers, babies) library programs, activities, and special events, by working in collaboration with the rest of the library team to develop creative and quality programs and assigning programs to staff.
• Plans the library’s Summer Reading Club and summer reading kick-off in partnership with the Library Manager, Library Director, and Outreach and Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Conducts regular community needs assessments to identify youth needs, in order to create tailored services and programs to address these identified deficits.
• Works in the Youth and Teen rooms afterschool during the school year to develop library services that meet the needs of youth patrons, with a special focus on teens after 3:30 PM.
• Stays current with national library trends and developments by reviewing publications, attending professional workshops and receiving training from vendors.
• Develops Teen and Youth pages on the library’s new website.
• Enforces the Rules of Conduct and maintains order at the library.
• Provides reader’s advisory, reference, and homework help to children and caregivers.
• Cultivates welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces for youth of all backgrounds.
• Develops and maintains a current, diverse youth collection by selecting and weeding materials in accordance with collection development policies.
• Assists in collection maintenance by processing and withdrawing materials.
• Builds relationships with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies to promote library services and resources.
• Supports and advocates for underserved populations, including low-income families, English language learners, and youth with disabilities.
• Contributes to outreach efforts such as school visits, off-site story times, and community events.
• Supervises and mentors part-time staff, volunteers, and teen interns as assigned.
• Monitors trends in youth services, early literacy initiatives, teen developmental assets, and educational technology to inform service improvements.
• Collaborates with other library departments and staff to support system-wide initiatives and strategic goals.
• Opens and closes library, arranges tools and materials for daily use, and monitors the library’s physical condition as necessary.
• Coordinates daily activities of staff and volunteers assigned to teen services.
• Takes a leadership role in developing, implementing and evaluating the overall teen services program.
• Attends and participates in professional library conferences, seminars, and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.
• Collects, analyzes and reports on various statistics; maintains various assigned records.
• Performs related duties as requested by the Library Director.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of professional library principles, youth services expertise, and an understanding of public library operations.
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for working with the public.
• Working knowledge of current best practices in information literacy instruction.
• Ability to work as a part of a cohesive team.
• Willingness to assist and support coworkers, contribute ideas, and maintain flexibility.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain and foster cooperative and courteous working relationships with public, peers, and supervisors.
• Ability to engage and communicate well with teens, tweens, and children.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in library science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or a bachelor’s degree and enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program with the ability to obtain an MLS/MLIS within twelve (12) months of hire. One year of experience in a library or school library environment. Experience working with youth (0-18 years of age).

Computer literacy (e.g., familiarity with Microsoft and Apple (IOS) operating systems, the internet, tablets, and software applications, including mobile applications) preferred.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Moderate lifting, 25 pounds
• Moderate carrying, 25 pounds
• Kneeling (occasional)
• Bend (occasional)
• Stretch (occasional)
• Stoop (occasional)
• Standing (2 hours at a time)
• Vision (correction permitted)
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• Inside