Children's Librarian II

State; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Library's Fields Corner Branch in Boston recruits a Children’s Librarian II to lead service programs for children, deliver reference and readers’ advisory support, and build strong community ties. Under supervision, you develop toddler to school-age programs, manage the children’s collection and budget, train staff, and represent the branch on system-wide committees.

The role requires MLS, a second degree, two years of professional library experience, and excellent oral/written

Qualifications

• MLS from an accredited library school and a bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of professional library experience.
• Strong knowledge of children’s literature and programming.
• Ability to develop community relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements children's programs.
• Develops relationships with neighborhood and schools.
• Plans and conducts programming for toddlers to school-age children.
• Provides readers’ advisory and reference services.
• Manages funds and budget for children's services.
• Assists in training staff.
• May manage day-to-day operations in absence of Branch Librarian.
• Participates in system-wide committees.

Skills

Readers advisory

Children's programming

Community outreach

Budget management

Staff training

Communication skills

Education

MLS

Bachelor's degree

Storytelling courses

Tools

Electronic databases

Job description

Children's Librarian II, Boston Public Library - Fields Corner Branch (Boston)

Overview

Under supervision and within the framework of the Library’s policies and practices, assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library’s programs of service to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting with emphasis on children and perform professional work requiring application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to: Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises: As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

Responsibilities

Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service to children through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach, and programs.

Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources by the community, especially through schools and other agencies that serve children and their families.

Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children such as story hours, book talks, craft programs, puppetry, book discussion groups, and summer reading programs.

Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.

Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.

Manages program funds assigned to children’s services.

Responsible for the development of the children’s book collection and managing the appropriate materials budget.

Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.

Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services for children.

Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on children’s activities within the branch library.

Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.

May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.

Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.

May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.

Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. Courses in children’s literature and children’s work taken for credit from an accredited library school. Storytelling courses and/or experience are desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.

Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate the ability to do the work.

Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices, and procedures.

Extensive knowledge of children’s literature, including bibliographic tools and sources pertaining to children’s literature and work.

Demonstrated knowledge of the programming techniques for children.

Demonstrated interest in children and in library work with children.

Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships.

Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently.

Proven oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases.

Demonstrated ability to work well with staff and the public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, and courtesy.

Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$69,070.95- $89,571.13/year

Salary Notes

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Closing Date

open until filled

How to Apply

Successful candidate MUST be a resident of the City of Boston by first day of hire