Children's Librarian – Bala Cynwyd Library Job at Lower Merion Township in Bala

Overview

Responsible for managing the operation of the Children’s Department for assigned library in Lower Merion Township (Township). Work involves planning children’s programs, providing customer service to the public, developing and maintaining the children’s collection within the library, and promoting the use of library resources. Work is performed independently under general supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position typically requires processing and interpreting of less clearly defined issues. Works under the general supervision of the Head Librarian.

Responsibilities

• Manages the daily operations of the Children’s Department, oversees staff, and assigns projects.
• Develops and maintains the library staff schedule for the Children’s Department, conducts staff interviews, and provides training and evaluations.
• Participates in meetings with various stakeholders including the Head Librarian, library management team, district librarians, and Township representatives.
• Sets departmental goals, immediate and long-term, and resolves operational issues as they arise.
• Facilitates communication among staff, library administration, Township departments, and the public; addresses inquiries and resolves disputes.
• Makes decisions regarding collection development and maintenance; purchases materials and stays informed about publishing trends.
• Assists patrons including locating information, recommending book titles, and troubleshooting basic technology issues.
• Organizes, plans and conducts internal programming, books outside performers, and promotes library events through various channels.
• Builds relationships with staff, colleagues, teachers, schools, and community members; conducts outreach to increase the library\'s visibility.
• Educates the public in use of library resources and services, creates and delivers presentations.
• Collaborates with other departments and libraries to enhance services and programs.
• Administers union contract provisions.
• Upholds strict confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information, including personnel matters, legal documents, financial data, contracts, and other proprietary information.
• May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and requirements.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices.
• Performs duties of lower-level classifications, as necessary.
• May be assigned to other departments or divisions to perform required duties, as needed.
• Completes tasks assigned by the Head Librarian.
• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
• Selects, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes recommendations regarding discipline and termination.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program or eligibility to be accredited as a public librarian by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and one (1) year of professional library experience working with children and teens.
• Must successfully pass all conditions of employment which may include a pre-employment physical.
• Required to pass and maintain Child Protective Service Law (CPSL) clearances.
• Pennsylvania Professional Librarian certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education or the ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire.
• Must complete six (6) hours of professional development every two (2) years as coordinated by the department.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public library functions particularly as related to children’s services.
• Knowledge of the requirements of a children’s library service.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and its tools for communication and collaboration, such as Teams and OneDrive, applicable department tools, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of specialized software as required.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems.
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Ability to correctly interpret and efficiently implement all applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability to follow Township and public safety guidelines and protocols and perform job functions in a safe manner.
• Ability to lead, motivate, influence, and guide staff toward accomplishment of department mission and goals as a service-oriented team.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a service-oriented team.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure, diffuse potentially confrontational situations and resolve disputes.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance to ensure efficient and effective performance of job duties.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Physical / Work Environment

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 30 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking. Tasks are regularly performed inside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances. Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Most tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.