Director of Youth Services

Overview

Description

This is professional, supervisory, and administrative work in planning, organizing, and conducting of the operation of the Youth Services Department at the Library. Work involves responsibility for the provision of library services to children, youth and their families at all Rock Island library locations. Responsibilities include staff supervision, collection development, programming partnerships, development of youth policies and procedures, and budgeting. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Library Director within the framework of general policies and guidelines with periodic supervision, and is reviewed through observation and conferences as well as review of reports submitted.

• General Administrative Functions
  • Experience in supervising staff in a fair and consistent manner, providing for appropriate feedback while setting goals and objectives for performance by training, evaluating, scheduling, and directing the activities of employees within the Youth Services Department;
  • Provides input and advice on library policies and procedures to the Library Director, particularly in the area of Youth Services;
  • Provides scheduled reports of activities within the Youth Services Department;
  • Periodically serves as the supervisor in charge;
  • Develops, recommends, and monitors the budget for the Youth Services Department, including grants and restricted donations;
  • Performs special projects as assigned by the Library Director;
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Collection Development Functions
  • Coordinates collection development for the Youth Services Department, including; selection, weeding of all children’s and teen materials at all library locations; and monitoring budgeted amounts.
  • Selecting and evaluating the needs of memorial accounts; contacting donors with accurate lists of purchases.
• Programming Functions
  • Coordinates development, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting of programming, annual reading programs, and special event programs for the youth services department.
• Partnerships & Outreach Functions
  • Promotes reading and multiple literacies through service and community involvement with community groups, educators, and volunteer or non-profit agencies.
  • Keeps a list of all active partnerships, with contact information.
  • Occasionally works on the mobile “Library2
    
    Go” to meet with parents, students, and teachers.
• Public Service Desk Functions
  • Provides customer service at any service desk when necessary.
  • Works periodically at the youth services desk, assisting with information requests, reader’s advisory, technology assistance, and general patron questions.

Typical qualifications include:

• Requires the knowledge and mental development equivalent to that which would typically be acquired through the completion of a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution; 3 years professional librarian experience; at least 1 year of successful supervisory experience; or any combination of training and experiences which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Professional experience working in public libraries, preferably as a Children's or Young Adult Librarian.
• Professional experience creating, implementing, and evaluating library programs.
• Thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures associated with the provision of youth services to the public, using both electronic and paper-based resources.
• Ability to work closely with educators and community groups to provide youth programs and services that address community needs.
• Knowledge of state library laws relevant to youth services.
• Ability to hire, train and mentor staff in the operation of youth services, with experience in supervising staff in a fair and consistent manner, providing appropriate feedback while setting goals and objectives for performance.
• Ability to speak comfortably and represent the library in public presentations to community groups, classrooms, children’s/youth groups and Library Board of trustees as needed.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to provide high quality, customer-focused service to patrons from varying backgrounds and levels of…