The posting
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision of the Technical Services Manager, to perform and oversee a variety of professional library tasks related to youth services; to manage collection development, cataloging, and processing of materials serving ages birth through 18; and to support and implement programs and services for children and teens. Functionality is evaluated through review of plans, programs, reports, and conferences. Provides subject‑matter expertise and applies best practices in cataloging and processing materials for children and young adults.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises direct supervision over paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer
staff.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Maintains the children’s and young adult library collections by selecting age-appropriate books and materials and replacing titles as appropriate while operating within established budget guidelines.
Collaborates with Children’s Librarians throughout the Abilene Public Library system to ensure comprehensive and balanced coverage of youth materials.
Provide reference and individual readers’ advisory guidance to children, parents, teachers, and others interested in the resources of the library.
Compile, prepare, and maintain reports, records, and statistics. Submit monthly report of library activities to supervisor for distribution to library administration.
Travel to other branches of the Public Library system and other City of Abilene departments to assist with programming and branch coverage assignments.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of contemporary library operations as applied in a public library setting.
Contemporary library cataloging practices across multiple formats.
Children’s and young adult library collections, with emphasis on literature and materials for ages birth to 18.
Print and online professional review resources used for selecting and evaluating youth materials.
Library collection classification and selection tools and techniques.
Principles of office organization, collection management, and basic supervisory practices.
Online electronic databases and current technologies for the purpose of statistics reports, library procedures and promoting library resources and programs for children.
Developmental stages and reading interest levels of children and young adults.
Skill to:
Efficiently and effectively interact with the public, staff and internal customers to provide exemplary library service.
Apply knowledge of cataloging standards in a shared automated library system.
Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers and the public.
Ability to present programs and materials to the public, both internally and externally.
Skill in the operation and use of hardware and peripherals plus standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft and G-Suite products.
Analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
Participate in grant writing to assist with program funding and to supplement library needs.
Perform basic duties in other areas of the library or outreach locations as needed.
Ability to:
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Supervise, train, and direct paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer
staff in the processing and handling of library materials
Make appropriate changes to catalog records to adequately reflect age levels, subject headings and placement in collection.
Interact with patrons and staff tactfully, respectfully, and professionally at all times.
Perform library functions via the Integrated Library System.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy and respect.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in the field of children's literature and/or early childhood education, preferably in a public library setting is required.
Education/Training:
A Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university is required.
Training or education that includes an emphasis on childhood or early childhood service is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas Driver’s License, the ability to attain a valid Texas Driver’s License within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_I_ Standing
_E_ Sitting
_I_ Walking
_A_ Lifting
_I_ Carrying
_I_ Pushing/Pulling
_N_ Overhead Work
_E_ Fine Dexterity
A_ Kneeling
_A_ Crouching
A_ Crawling
_A_ Bending
_A Twisting
_A_ Climbing
_A_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
_ Other: _______
