Children's Librarian

St. Tammany Parish Library; Slidell (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Tammany Parish Library seeks a Children\'s Librarian to plan, develop, and conduct engaging programs for children ages 0-12 under the supervision of the Youth Services Coordinator.

The role includes reader\'s advisory, reference services, and promoting library resources while maintaining a welcoming children\'s area. This position also develops outreach with community partners to support early literacy, learning, and child development; may supervise staff and serve as emergency manager as

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science (ALA-accredited) required.
• Experience in public libraries and program development is preferred.
• Knowledge of children's literature and early literacy practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct programs for children 0–12 reflecting developmental needs.
• Provide reader's advisory and reference services to children and caregivers.
• Lead outreach to daycares, preschools, schools, and community groups.
• Collaborate with staff to develop programs and booklists; assist with collection development.
• Supervise staff and assume leadership in absence of branch manager.

Skills

Child development

Program planning

Communication

Outreach coordination

Education

MLS/MLIS from ALA-accredited program

Job description

Description

Under the supervision of the Youth Services Coordinator, the Children's Librarian plans, develops, and conducts engaging library programs for children ages 0-12. Responsibilities include providing reader's advisory and reference services, promoting library resources, maintaining a welcoming and engaging children's area, and developing outreach initiatives in collaboration with community partners. This position also provides library services and resources to parents, caregivers, families, and educators throughout St. Tammany Parish to support early literacy, learning, and child development.

Requirements

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as a specialist in children's literature and reference services.
• Leads programs for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
• Collaborates with children's and teen services staff to develop programs and booklists.
• Provides outreach services to area daycares, preschools, schools, after school programs, camps, and other community groups.
• Teaches young library patrons basic library skills and effective use of library resources.
• Responds to reference questions and assists patrons in locating accurate and relevant information.
• Trains professional librarians, paraprofessionals, and support staff in library procedures.
• Assists the Youth Collection Development Librarian with collection management.
• Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of designated personnel.
• Serves as emergency manager in any location within the library system, as needed.
• Performs all library branch duties and activities as required.
• Works nights and weekends.
• Acts as supervisor in the absence of the branch manager and circulation manager.
• Performs other duties and assignments as designated by management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possess a knowledge of all library materials, including books, magazines, references sources, audio/visual, online sources, and adult materials appropriate for children.
• Understand the literature and information needs of children at all developmental stages.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan and conduct programs for children ages 0-12, that reflect their developmental needs, interests, and the goals of the library.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to communicate effectively with children and recognize their needs.
• Demonstrates skill in leading children in craft projects and hands-on activities.
• Possesses creativity to support engaging programs and activities.
• Maintains a professional demeanor when interacting with patrons of all ages and staff
• Demonstrates computer proficiency, including the ability to use the library's integrated library system.
• Provides courteous, respectful, and responsive service to patrons and staff.
• Exercises independent judgement when interacting with patrons to ensure a positive experience and resolve any issues that may arise.
• Possesses knowledge of library rules, regulations, and procedures.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a library setting. Noise levels are generally quiet but may increase during library programs and activities.

Physical Requirements

Must the ability to lift about 25 pounds, push, bend, and reach as needed. Work is performed primarily while sitting at a desk or computer or while standing at a counter for extended periods of time. Physical exertion may be required to replace or retrieve materials form shelves, high and low. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation are essential to permit the employee to read and sort library materials and observe and review the work of others.

Education, Training, Experience

• Master's degree in library and information science by an ALA-accredited library school
• Experience working in a public library or management experience is preferred but not required
• Must have a valid driver's license