Westfordma
Library Associate / Juvenile Reference-Youth Services / Program Assistant
Westfordma, Westford, Massachusetts, us, 01886
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Library Associate / Juvenile Reference-Youth Services / Program Assistant Town of Westford Job Description Library Associate / Juvenile Reference - Youth Services / Program Assistant Position Title:
Library Associate / Youth Services - Juvenile Reference / Program Assistant
Hours Per Week:
18.5 hrs/week
Previous Rev. Date:
March 2022 Current Rev. Date:
October 2024
Reports To:
Library Director
Department:
Library
Location:
J.V. Fletcher Library
Band/Step/Wage:
$24.36 per hour (Step 1) in accordance with the CWA union pay table depending on qualifications and experience.
Approximate Start Date: 12/01/2025
Position Posted: 10/28/25 Please reference requisition #25-572-L Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.
Position Summary: Responsible for Reference and Research assistance at the Youth Services Information Desk. Supports Division Head by assisting in selection, acquisition, and collection development of Juvenile Collections and specialized reading level collections. Supports Division Head in Juvenile Program production and presentation – remote, in-person and virtual. Provides direct circulation control staffing the Circulation Desk -- including data and patron entry, patron assistance, and circulation delivery via automated circulation procedures. Serves as an initial point of public contact within the facility, providing both in-person and telephone primary interface with the public. Provides initial directional and informational assistance within the facility. Responsible for overdue retrieval and reserve material coordination, collation of statistics pertinent to departmental performance and assistance with various library genres and collections. Responsible for technical production and duplication of promotional fliers and forms, and preparation of signage, displays and graphics to enhance and invite collection usage. Possesses specialized knowledge of library techniques and standards, collections, literary genres, library policies and procedures, juvenile Reference and Reading Level guidelines and Juvenile programming and direct public service. Related work as required.
At Youth Services Desk and/or Main Circulation serves as an initial point of public contact within the facility, providing both in-person and telephone primary interface with the public.
Assists in the selection, acquisition, weeding, collection development, and classification of a major library collection i.e. Juvenile print, multi-media and non-print materials and resource materials.
Possesses a specialized field of knowledge germane to the Youth Services Division and has working knowledge of all aspects of automated circulation control.
Responsible for the provision of Ready and in-depth Reference at the Youth Services Reference Desk.
Knowledgeable about the World Wide Web, electronic databases, regional and consortia databases and traditional reference resources.
Responsible for collection selection support at a variety of specialized reading levels and in a variety of specialized areas, weeding and creation and coordination of bibliographies and assignment lists to support juvenile research.
Responsible for delivery of traditional registration preschool story times, including the following: planning themes and content; creation of supporting materials, and conducting of some programs.
Coordinates themes for staff-run drop-in story times including: Book Bunch, Camp Read-a-Lot and Pajama Time.
Responsible for delivery of Mother Goose Time for infants and their caregivers, including the following: creation of supporting materials; identifying and purchasing items to enhance program presentation; presentation of programs ; mentorship and instruction to other staff in regards to programs for the youngest patrons.
Responsible for the development of juvenile grade-based Book Clubs including the following: selection of appropriate Book Club titles; creation of supporting materials; planning themes and content; identifying and purchasing items to enhance Book Club programs, and preparing and managing Registration process.
Creates publicity materials including flyers, posters and brochures for staff-run juvenile programs.
Maintains files of materials for preschool programs.
Evaluates preschool programs and makes recommendations to Division Head and Director in regards to changes.
Visits other libraries and preschools to observe programs and get material to keep our offerings fresh and vital.
Plans and prepares pilot programs for preschool program innovations.
Serves as community contact for parents of children with special needs.
Provides specialized program assistance and grant support to the Head of Youth Services, for the following: Apple Blossom Parade; Summer Reading Program Bash, and; specialized Librarian-led events.
Assists in developing, implementing, and publicizing juvenile and Young Adult Reader Services including Summer Reading Program.
Assists with after-school programs and presentations and drop-in crafts.
As needed, might act as host for Youth Services or Adult programming events managing the introduction of the performer and supervision of patrons attending the performance.
May serve as virtual Host/Recorder of Library meetings, programs and patron offerings on appropriate virtual platform.
As indicated, hosts, partners, presents, records and/or uploads Remote Virtual Program offerings appropriate to audience’s age and developmental ability. May provide outdoor, socially-distant programming, as indicated.
Responsible for periodic disinfecting, laundering, cleaning, mending or care of Youth Services pet animals, toys, puppets or play equipment.
In Circulation Division, provides courteous and timely movement of materials to and from the public and engages in all automated circulation transactions: patron registrations, check-in and checkout of library print and non-print materials, renewals and holds, patron and title data inquiry, network transfers and ILL’s, circulating AV equipment, reservations for museum passes, and all aspects of automated circulation within a networked and Regional environment.
In Circulation Division, is responsible for automated maintenance of circulation and registration records, coordination of overdue/reserve files, notification and billing, all aspects of overdue retrieval and fine collection, and all local circulation of network transfers, ILL’s and regional shared resources.
Sorts, separates and offloads all checked-in materials routing by unique format, genre, and collection or shelving area within the library.
Reproduces approved forms, fliers, promotionals and hand‑outs as required; distributes and replenishes supplies.
Directly responsible for shelving and maintenance of high-interest collections such as rentals, new titles, DVD’s and videos, CD’s, multi‑media, paperbacks and audio book collections. Directly responsible for shelving picture and series books in the Youth Services area and any backlog of juvenile titles.
Responds to divisional email inquiries, and communicates with the public and library staff as indicated.
Via telephone, email, Internet and mail, promotes orderly return and turnaround of circulated materials via patron notification of reserves and over‑dues.
Responsible for collecting and issuing receipts for fines, fees, rental and deposit monies, memberships, “Lost and Paid Materials”, over‑dues, ticketed events, computer room use, and various Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library functions and items. Ensures that monies have proper receipts issued and are directed to appropriate depositories in Administration or to appropriate member MVLC library.
Responsible for the timely processing of considerable quantities of incoming and outgoing network transfers and inter‑library loans at the Circulation desk – combining items being held for the same patron and pulling expired holds from the Hold Shelf.
Makes daily calls, or sends email notices, to patrons for whom items are being held – alerting patrons as to reserves, hold deadlines, and circulation loan periods.
Conducts inventories and searches for lost, misplaced or missing items using network‑generated electronic reports. Identifies and investigates incomplete returns – contacting patrons and following up on return of materials.
As needed, executes Pull List, pulling and checking in titles, to trigger Holds; interfiles Hold materials awaiting patron call and pickup.
Creates, organizes and distributes Craft Bags, Book Bundles, Activity/art bags, etc. as complements to virtual or in‑person programs, appropriate to audience’s age, reading and developmental ability.
As needed, provides prompt delivery of checked out holds, collections, documents, Craft Bags, Book Bundles, Program activity bags, etc. as valet service or to designated pick‑up site for safe, distant, convenient patron pick‑up, during designated hours.
Maintains and properly utilizes approved forms, brochures, circulars and hand‑outs.
Provides patron assistance with ready reference and Readers’ Advisory support. Maintains and replenishes the Staff Recommends shelf and displays, utilizing traditional print and digital Readers Advisory resources. Coordinates collection displays and readers’ advisory promotion to engage the public with various genres, formats, subject matters, cultural interests and collections. Contributes to collection selection support in a variety of genres, formats and subject matters.
Must be familiar with Basic Library Techniques: technical processing of materials, cataloging and classification, data entry, overdue retrieval, notification and billing, hold notification, filling and reserve coordination and follow‑through, acquisitions and bar‑coding procedures.
Per the Director and under the Division Head, collects data and maintains statistics relating to divisional usage.
Apprises Division Head of public trends, needs and issues warranting a policy or procedural change. Stays aware of current trends and policy and procedural changes within the Library Department.
Responsible for following proper opening and closing procedures for the Youth Services desk and the public Circulation Desk and the library building proper.
Empties book drops and book barges as needed.
Attends Staff Meetings and division meetings. Attends meetings and workshops pertinent to professional development; participates in in‑house and formal workshops related to the automated network and the Region.
Responsible for scheduled routine evening and weekend coverage of a library public service desk, providing circulation control, juvenile or adult patron and reference assistance as needed.
May provide exceptional supervision within the library building.
Based on need, is required to work flexible hours, performing additional duties as assigned.
Required Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Familiarity with ZOOM, CANVA, Assabet, Facebook, X, Youtube, Pinterest, Instagram, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with research procedures and resources. Ability to work independently and with discretion. Ability to multi‑task within a public service environment, while maintaining an overarching Customer Service orientation. Ability to provide first response to emergency situations. An informed and pleasant manner with both adult and juvenile users. Able to manage large group presentations. Comfortable speaking and performing before large groups. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Education, Training, Special Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in Art or Music History, Education, or Literature preferred. MLS‑track preferred. Background in automated library circulation, acquisitions and technical procedures. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. A CORI check will be conducted for all employees prior to hiring and at subsequent intervals.
Contacts (boards & committees, vendors, general public, etc.):
Extensive contact with the public, meeting room users, and library patrons. Continuous interaction with library staff and volunteers. Interacts with paid performers. Represents Library organization as juvenile or adult program presenter and/or preparer.
Supervisory Responsibility (Include Positions Supervised):
Works under the direction of the Library Director or his/her designee, typically Assistant Director or Senior Librarian in charge of division. Questionable situations are referred to supervisor. Work may involve some supervision but on a very limited basis. Varied and responsible work requiring some measure of independent judgment and initiatives; considerable public interaction and customer service is involved, as well as incessant communication via telephone, email, web correspondence, and in person. Has limited access to division related confidential information. Errors can generally be detected but could result in confusion, delay, administrative problems.
Responsibility for Operating Budget:
Responsible for cost-effective preparation of all preschool story time events. Responsible for cost value of all automated circulations and returns as well as effective retrieval of overdue materials.
Primary Physical Requirements:
Ability to operate and view a computer screen. Depth, color, peripheral, and distance vision routinely required. Regular lifting up to 15-20 pounds. Manual use of telephone, copying and facsimile machines, audio‑visual equipment, typewriter, keyboard, calculator). Ability to hear, talk, walk, sit, bend, reach, grasp. Frequently needs to climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. Frequently required to push or pull book trucks weighing up to 150 pounds. Required to stand for long periods of time. May be required to provide valet delivery or deliver curbside deliveries via stairs or elevator to designated patron pick‑up site, during designated hours.
Use F for Frequently, O for Occasionally, R for Rarely, N for Never
Primary Physical Requirements
Other Physical Considerations
LIFT up to 10 lbs.: F Twisting: O
LIFT 10 to 50 lbs.: F Bending: F
LIFT over 50 lbs.: N Squatting: F
CARRY up to 10 lbs.: F Kneeling: F
CARRY 10 to 50 lbs.: F Crouching: F
CARRY over 50 lbs.: N PUSH/PULL:F
Keyboarding F
Repeated wrist rotations; repeated reaching, grasping, and clutching: F
EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO:
WORK SURFACE(S): Desktop/Computer Table, Stationary & Rolling Office Chair, Carpeted & Linoleum Floored Offices, Stairs and Elevators, Public Work station
Consecutive Hours Total Hours
Sit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Stand: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Walk: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Summary of Occupational Exposures:
Work is performed indoors under typical library conditions. Noise fluctuates from low to loud depending upon the volume of patrons utilizing library collections and equipment, attendance at library programmatic offerings and age of patrons within the facility. May be required to work flexible hours.
Note: The purpose of this job description is to provide an outline of the more significant work elements of the position and to organize and present the information in a standard manner. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole basis for Human Resource decisions and actions.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Position will remain open until filled.
Please email resume and cover letter to:
Please reference requisition #: 25-572-L
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Library Associate / Juvenile Reference-Youth Services / Program Assistant Town of Westford Job Description Library Associate / Juvenile Reference - Youth Services / Program Assistant Position Title:
Library Associate / Youth Services - Juvenile Reference / Program Assistant
Hours Per Week:
18.5 hrs/week
Previous Rev. Date:
March 2022 Current Rev. Date:
October 2024
Reports To:
Library Director
Department:
Library
Location:
J.V. Fletcher Library
Band/Step/Wage:
$24.36 per hour (Step 1) in accordance with the CWA union pay table depending on qualifications and experience.
Approximate Start Date: 12/01/2025
Position Posted: 10/28/25 Please reference requisition #25-572-L Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain open until filled.
Position Summary: Responsible for Reference and Research assistance at the Youth Services Information Desk. Supports Division Head by assisting in selection, acquisition, and collection development of Juvenile Collections and specialized reading level collections. Supports Division Head in Juvenile Program production and presentation – remote, in-person and virtual. Provides direct circulation control staffing the Circulation Desk -- including data and patron entry, patron assistance, and circulation delivery via automated circulation procedures. Serves as an initial point of public contact within the facility, providing both in-person and telephone primary interface with the public. Provides initial directional and informational assistance within the facility. Responsible for overdue retrieval and reserve material coordination, collation of statistics pertinent to departmental performance and assistance with various library genres and collections. Responsible for technical production and duplication of promotional fliers and forms, and preparation of signage, displays and graphics to enhance and invite collection usage. Possesses specialized knowledge of library techniques and standards, collections, literary genres, library policies and procedures, juvenile Reference and Reading Level guidelines and Juvenile programming and direct public service. Related work as required.
At Youth Services Desk and/or Main Circulation serves as an initial point of public contact within the facility, providing both in-person and telephone primary interface with the public.
Assists in the selection, acquisition, weeding, collection development, and classification of a major library collection i.e. Juvenile print, multi-media and non-print materials and resource materials.
Possesses a specialized field of knowledge germane to the Youth Services Division and has working knowledge of all aspects of automated circulation control.
Responsible for the provision of Ready and in-depth Reference at the Youth Services Reference Desk.
Knowledgeable about the World Wide Web, electronic databases, regional and consortia databases and traditional reference resources.
Responsible for collection selection support at a variety of specialized reading levels and in a variety of specialized areas, weeding and creation and coordination of bibliographies and assignment lists to support juvenile research.
Responsible for delivery of traditional registration preschool story times, including the following: planning themes and content; creation of supporting materials, and conducting of some programs.
Coordinates themes for staff-run drop-in story times including: Book Bunch, Camp Read-a-Lot and Pajama Time.
Responsible for delivery of Mother Goose Time for infants and their caregivers, including the following: creation of supporting materials; identifying and purchasing items to enhance program presentation; presentation of programs ; mentorship and instruction to other staff in regards to programs for the youngest patrons.
Responsible for the development of juvenile grade-based Book Clubs including the following: selection of appropriate Book Club titles; creation of supporting materials; planning themes and content; identifying and purchasing items to enhance Book Club programs, and preparing and managing Registration process.
Creates publicity materials including flyers, posters and brochures for staff-run juvenile programs.
Maintains files of materials for preschool programs.
Evaluates preschool programs and makes recommendations to Division Head and Director in regards to changes.
Visits other libraries and preschools to observe programs and get material to keep our offerings fresh and vital.
Plans and prepares pilot programs for preschool program innovations.
Serves as community contact for parents of children with special needs.
Provides specialized program assistance and grant support to the Head of Youth Services, for the following: Apple Blossom Parade; Summer Reading Program Bash, and; specialized Librarian-led events.
Assists in developing, implementing, and publicizing juvenile and Young Adult Reader Services including Summer Reading Program.
Assists with after-school programs and presentations and drop-in crafts.
As needed, might act as host for Youth Services or Adult programming events managing the introduction of the performer and supervision of patrons attending the performance.
May serve as virtual Host/Recorder of Library meetings, programs and patron offerings on appropriate virtual platform.
As indicated, hosts, partners, presents, records and/or uploads Remote Virtual Program offerings appropriate to audience’s age and developmental ability. May provide outdoor, socially-distant programming, as indicated.
Responsible for periodic disinfecting, laundering, cleaning, mending or care of Youth Services pet animals, toys, puppets or play equipment.
In Circulation Division, provides courteous and timely movement of materials to and from the public and engages in all automated circulation transactions: patron registrations, check-in and checkout of library print and non-print materials, renewals and holds, patron and title data inquiry, network transfers and ILL’s, circulating AV equipment, reservations for museum passes, and all aspects of automated circulation within a networked and Regional environment.
In Circulation Division, is responsible for automated maintenance of circulation and registration records, coordination of overdue/reserve files, notification and billing, all aspects of overdue retrieval and fine collection, and all local circulation of network transfers, ILL’s and regional shared resources.
Sorts, separates and offloads all checked-in materials routing by unique format, genre, and collection or shelving area within the library.
Reproduces approved forms, fliers, promotionals and hand‑outs as required; distributes and replenishes supplies.
Directly responsible for shelving and maintenance of high-interest collections such as rentals, new titles, DVD’s and videos, CD’s, multi‑media, paperbacks and audio book collections. Directly responsible for shelving picture and series books in the Youth Services area and any backlog of juvenile titles.
Responds to divisional email inquiries, and communicates with the public and library staff as indicated.
Via telephone, email, Internet and mail, promotes orderly return and turnaround of circulated materials via patron notification of reserves and over‑dues.
Responsible for collecting and issuing receipts for fines, fees, rental and deposit monies, memberships, “Lost and Paid Materials”, over‑dues, ticketed events, computer room use, and various Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library functions and items. Ensures that monies have proper receipts issued and are directed to appropriate depositories in Administration or to appropriate member MVLC library.
Responsible for the timely processing of considerable quantities of incoming and outgoing network transfers and inter‑library loans at the Circulation desk – combining items being held for the same patron and pulling expired holds from the Hold Shelf.
Makes daily calls, or sends email notices, to patrons for whom items are being held – alerting patrons as to reserves, hold deadlines, and circulation loan periods.
Conducts inventories and searches for lost, misplaced or missing items using network‑generated electronic reports. Identifies and investigates incomplete returns – contacting patrons and following up on return of materials.
As needed, executes Pull List, pulling and checking in titles, to trigger Holds; interfiles Hold materials awaiting patron call and pickup.
Creates, organizes and distributes Craft Bags, Book Bundles, Activity/art bags, etc. as complements to virtual or in‑person programs, appropriate to audience’s age, reading and developmental ability.
As needed, provides prompt delivery of checked out holds, collections, documents, Craft Bags, Book Bundles, Program activity bags, etc. as valet service or to designated pick‑up site for safe, distant, convenient patron pick‑up, during designated hours.
Maintains and properly utilizes approved forms, brochures, circulars and hand‑outs.
Provides patron assistance with ready reference and Readers’ Advisory support. Maintains and replenishes the Staff Recommends shelf and displays, utilizing traditional print and digital Readers Advisory resources. Coordinates collection displays and readers’ advisory promotion to engage the public with various genres, formats, subject matters, cultural interests and collections. Contributes to collection selection support in a variety of genres, formats and subject matters.
Must be familiar with Basic Library Techniques: technical processing of materials, cataloging and classification, data entry, overdue retrieval, notification and billing, hold notification, filling and reserve coordination and follow‑through, acquisitions and bar‑coding procedures.
Per the Director and under the Division Head, collects data and maintains statistics relating to divisional usage.
Apprises Division Head of public trends, needs and issues warranting a policy or procedural change. Stays aware of current trends and policy and procedural changes within the Library Department.
Responsible for following proper opening and closing procedures for the Youth Services desk and the public Circulation Desk and the library building proper.
Empties book drops and book barges as needed.
Attends Staff Meetings and division meetings. Attends meetings and workshops pertinent to professional development; participates in in‑house and formal workshops related to the automated network and the Region.
Responsible for scheduled routine evening and weekend coverage of a library public service desk, providing circulation control, juvenile or adult patron and reference assistance as needed.
May provide exceptional supervision within the library building.
Based on need, is required to work flexible hours, performing additional duties as assigned.
Required Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Familiarity with ZOOM, CANVA, Assabet, Facebook, X, Youtube, Pinterest, Instagram, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with research procedures and resources. Ability to work independently and with discretion. Ability to multi‑task within a public service environment, while maintaining an overarching Customer Service orientation. Ability to provide first response to emergency situations. An informed and pleasant manner with both adult and juvenile users. Able to manage large group presentations. Comfortable speaking and performing before large groups. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Education, Training, Special Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in Art or Music History, Education, or Literature preferred. MLS‑track preferred. Background in automated library circulation, acquisitions and technical procedures. Any equivalent combination of education and experience. A CORI check will be conducted for all employees prior to hiring and at subsequent intervals.
Contacts (boards & committees, vendors, general public, etc.):
Extensive contact with the public, meeting room users, and library patrons. Continuous interaction with library staff and volunteers. Interacts with paid performers. Represents Library organization as juvenile or adult program presenter and/or preparer.
Supervisory Responsibility (Include Positions Supervised):
Works under the direction of the Library Director or his/her designee, typically Assistant Director or Senior Librarian in charge of division. Questionable situations are referred to supervisor. Work may involve some supervision but on a very limited basis. Varied and responsible work requiring some measure of independent judgment and initiatives; considerable public interaction and customer service is involved, as well as incessant communication via telephone, email, web correspondence, and in person. Has limited access to division related confidential information. Errors can generally be detected but could result in confusion, delay, administrative problems.
Responsibility for Operating Budget:
Responsible for cost-effective preparation of all preschool story time events. Responsible for cost value of all automated circulations and returns as well as effective retrieval of overdue materials.
Primary Physical Requirements:
Ability to operate and view a computer screen. Depth, color, peripheral, and distance vision routinely required. Regular lifting up to 15-20 pounds. Manual use of telephone, copying and facsimile machines, audio‑visual equipment, typewriter, keyboard, calculator). Ability to hear, talk, walk, sit, bend, reach, grasp. Frequently needs to climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. Frequently required to push or pull book trucks weighing up to 150 pounds. Required to stand for long periods of time. May be required to provide valet delivery or deliver curbside deliveries via stairs or elevator to designated patron pick‑up site, during designated hours.
Use F for Frequently, O for Occasionally, R for Rarely, N for Never
Primary Physical Requirements
Other Physical Considerations
LIFT up to 10 lbs.: F Twisting: O
LIFT 10 to 50 lbs.: F Bending: F
LIFT over 50 lbs.: N Squatting: F
CARRY up to 10 lbs.: F Kneeling: F
CARRY 10 to 50 lbs.: F Crouching: F
CARRY over 50 lbs.: N PUSH/PULL:F
Keyboarding F
Repeated wrist rotations; repeated reaching, grasping, and clutching: F
EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO:
WORK SURFACE(S): Desktop/Computer Table, Stationary & Rolling Office Chair, Carpeted & Linoleum Floored Offices, Stairs and Elevators, Public Work station
Consecutive Hours Total Hours
Sit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Stand: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Walk: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Summary of Occupational Exposures:
Work is performed indoors under typical library conditions. Noise fluctuates from low to loud depending upon the volume of patrons utilizing library collections and equipment, attendance at library programmatic offerings and age of patrons within the facility. May be required to work flexible hours.
Note: The purpose of this job description is to provide an outline of the more significant work elements of the position and to organize and present the information in a standard manner. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole basis for Human Resource decisions and actions.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Position will remain open until filled.
Please email resume and cover letter to:
Please reference requisition #: 25-572-L
#J-18808-Ljbffr