Librarian (Children and Young People)

Leeds City Council; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a Children and Young People's Librarian to develop engaging programs for families and schools. You will work within a small team to promote reading and learning through various initiatives, creating an inclusive environment while managing library resources efficiently. The ideal candidate has a strong background in library services and community engagement, with a passion for promoting literacy among young audiences.

Benefits

Flexible/hybrid working options

Continuing professional development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Qualifications

• Understanding of public libraries and community engagement.
• Experience in the public library sector and working with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to deliver engaging programs for various age groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage library programs for children and young people.
• Engage with families and schools through events and digital initiatives.
• Maintain a welcoming and inclusive library environment.

Skills

Community engagement

Team management

Public speaking

Digital literacy

Education

Degree in Library Studies or Information Science

Tools

Library management software

Social media platforms

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a new librarian to join the Children and Young People\'s team at Leeds Libraries. As a Children and Young People\'s Librarian, you will join a small team of librarians based at Central Library with a focus on under-fives, families, schools and teens. You will play a key role developing core programmes and high-profile projects such as Leeds Book Awards and Leeds Storytelling Festival. You will engage family and school audiences through activities such as writing eNewsletters and social media campaigns, delivering primary school assemblies for the Summer Reading Challenge, providing reading recommendations, delivering creative digital and coding sessions for varied abilities, and facilitating school holiday events for children. You will create a friendly and welcoming environment for a diverse range of customers while maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders. You\'ll work with Customer Service and Librarians Teams across Community Hubs and Libraries, supporting, informing and engaging colleagues. At the heart of your work will be a passion for a diverse range of books to promote a culture of reading for pleasure. Supported by the Senior Librarian, you will analyse statistics, demographic data and local priorities to identify trends and inform service planning. You will identify opportunities for audience development and engagement across Leeds, seek new partnerships to diversify our offer, and align these with city-wide library service aims. This is a diverse role requiring a can-do attitude and commitment to continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a responsive library service which increases citizen engagement through:
  • Supporting the city with its information, reading and learning needs
  • Connecting communities to the opportunities and resources available through the library service
  • Development and delivery of core programmes of activity outlined in the Annual Business Plan
  • Proactive approaches to keeping current customers engaged and attracting new service users
• This is a generic job description and you will be expected to deliver on one of the key service areas detailed below: Service Support
• Responsibility for the delivery of the acquisition service
• Line management of the team of Library & Digital Assistants
• Ensure Library & Digital Assistant support for SLS
• OR Service Delivery
• Line management of Library & Digital Assistants
• Deliver programmes of activity across community libraries and central library
• Management of staffing rotas in Leeds Central Library and enquiry line
• Operational management of Leeds Central Library
• OR Service Development
• To deliver the programmes of activity supporting one or more specialist functions within Central Library Departments, across the community library network or in other venues across the city
• Responsibilities for Grade: you will contribute to development of the library service, engage in project groups and deliver the priorities of the business plan
• You will work directly with library customers, supporting their information, reading, learning and community needs
• You will contribute to the design, development and delivery of exciting and innovative library events and activities for customers of all ages
• You will develop and maintain awareness of sector-wide best practice
• You will facilitate digital engagement and assist library members with new technologies
• You will assist with audio-visual and digital support for library events and activities
• You will actively develop and manage stock and other resources
• You will contribute to ensuring that performance standards and targets are achieved
• You will engage with service users and potential users about services and collections to extend use of the service by residents, including delivering talks and presentations
• You will contribute to outreach projects and initiatives
• You will develop and deliver high standards of customer engagement, dealing with complex complaints and enquiries
• You will support the wider library staff team and deputise for managers as required
• You will manage, lead and motivate your team and community hub colleagues
• You will assist in recruitment, selection and development of staff, delivering training as required
• You will provide day-to-day management of a department, collection(s), venue and/or staff
• You will develop book knowledge, research and information skills and expertise in specialist fields
• You will supervise assigned staff, volunteers and work placements
• You will apply HR policies and procedures consistently
• You will follow Leeds City Council financial procedures and regulations
• You will carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work
• You will be responsible for personal health and safety and that of others; you may act as fire marshal or emergency officer as assigned; occasional solitary work may occur
• You will carry out the role of duty manager as assigned
• You will work across multiple teams and venues, with flexible hours including evenings and weekends; the role is physical and involves standing, lifting and carrying
• You will work in accordance with the Council\'s Equal Opportunities Policy and other applicable policies
• This post involves direct work with the public in an open access setting and requires resilience in demanding situations

People, Values and Policies

• The above list is not exclusive; duties may be assigned commensurate with the role level
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours
• Commitment to continuous improvement and delivery of the Best City Ambition
• Comply with Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies
• Adhere to Health and Safety policies and participate in training
• Flexible and adaptable to change; participate in appraisal and development
• Be aware of and comply with Council policies and procedures; support equality and anti-discrimination efforts
• Recognise and challenge racism, harassment and related issues, reporting concerns appropriately
• Flexibility protocol applies; role may require working within set parameters

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

• Knowledge: good understanding of the current climate of public libraries; understanding of community-based working
• Qualifications: degree or evidence of relevant public library work experience; degree/postgraduate qualification in Library Studies or Information Science (desirable)
• Experience: experience in the public library sector; experience of working with diverse stakeholders; experience of community work and team building; experience supervising others; experience assessing information, learning and reading needs

Desirable Requirements

• Qualification relating to educating adults (desirable)
• Experience of working with vulnerable people in community settings
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund; flexible and hybrid working options
• Career development opportunities and benefits

Eligibility and Benefits

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance requires evidence of right to work in the UK prior to employment. If applicable, sponsorship via Skilled Worker visa route may be considered in line with eligibility. Salary and benefits include a competitive salary, annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays, flexible/hybrid working arrangements, a clear career pathway, continuing professional development opportunities and staff benefits to support wellbeing.