Head of Youth Services Librarian

Head of Youth Services Librarian, Kingston Public Library (Kingston)

(The essential functions or duties listed below 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 work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Manages and supervises the children’s department at the Kingston Public Library.
• Writes and manages grants relating to children’s services.
• Plans, organizes, directs and implements programs and activities for children at the library; plans and conducts programs to stimulate the use of the library; including reading clubs, book fairs, holiday events, book readings at schools, and other related programs for children and parents; plans and develops related public relations materials.
• Provides reference and children’s services; provides reader advisory services for children, parents, teachers, and community and regional organizations; develops and maintains materials and collection for children.
• Initiates, develops, and responds to specific requests for services for pre‑school through intermediate school classes; advises teachers and/or group leaders on age‑appropriate programs and projects.
• Administers the Children’s Department budget.
• Develops and maintains collections in a variety of formats for children, families, parents, teachers, and students, requiring use of professional journals and standards, and a thorough knowledge of children’s materials, family relations, community resources, and child development.
• Supervises and manages the children’s area of the library website. Keeps informed of web resources for children.
• Actively integrates technology into children’s services. Attends workshops, webinars, conferences to keep abreast of appropriate emerging technologies. Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and particularly in children’s librarianship.
• Plans and oversees the physical condition and appearance of the children’s department, including book and bulletin board displays.
• Assists, as needed, in the performance of all procedures relating to library services and library organization.
• Represents the library at professional meetings, workshops, conferences and seminars.
• Participates in regional, state, and network committees.
• Advises Library Director and Board of Trustees in the development of library policies and procedures, as related to the children’s department.
• Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.
• Other duties as assigned by Library Director.

Education: Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA‑accredited school with a concentration in Children’s Services; experience in children’s services highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with technology is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work specifically related to library services including reference tools, current events, topics, movies, CDs and authors popular with the public, cataloging, automated library systems and information technology including websites and the Internet; knowledge of the organization and management of library including operations and emerging technologies in support of department operations and services such as the inter‑library loan system.

Knowledge of and interest in children’s books, new or controversial literature and media; basic familiarity with many fields of knowledge. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Knowledge and skill in Readers Advisory services and familiarity with reference sources. Knowledge of office software, the Internet and various forms of social media in support of department operations; thorough knowledge of professional library principles, methods, material and practices specifically relating to services to children;

knowledge and skill in readers advisory services; knowledge of and sensitivity to the special needs of children; thorough knowledge of children’s literature; basic knowledge of…