Children's Services Associate

Illinois; Naperville (IL); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual

Holidays

Sick accrual

Personal days

Pension plan

Job summary

Naperville Public Library seeks a Children’s Services Associate to provide reference and Reader’s Advisory services to Library customers. You will assist customers with digital and print resources, plan and conduct children’s programs, and support collection management within the Children’s Services department.

The role emphasizes excellent customer service, information literacy, and outreach collaboration with Library partners, including volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes and accesses information from a broad spectrum of resources.
• Explains, demonstrates, and assists users in using print and electronic resources.
• Provides reference and Reader’s Advisory assistance for customers.
• Maintains current knowledge of new materials, services, relevant technology, and library trends.
• Plans and conducts programs for children; develops and implements new concepts and themes.
• Assists Children’s Services Librarians with collection management following guidelines.
• Prepares reports and statistics for management review.
• Proactively participates in outreach activities and events with Library partners.
• Works with volunteers to assign and review tasks.
• Troubleshoots and resolves minor computer hardware and software issues.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Customer service

Reference help

Communication skills

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 5 years related experience

Bilingual proficiency a plus

Tools

Database applications

Job description

TheChildren’s ServicesAssociateprovides reference and Readers’ Advisory services to Library customers, assists Librarycustomersin the use of digital and print resources,plans,andconducts programs,assistslibrarianswith collection management,andprovide support services to the Children’s Services department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilizes and accesses information using a broad spectrum of resources, including print, electronic and online resources.
• Explains,demonstrates, andassistsusers in using print and electronic resources, including computer online databases, websites, and downloadable materials.
• Provides reference and Reader’s Advisoryassistanceforcustomers,including topical research and material location.
• Upholds the highest standards of customer service with polite, helpful, and efficient interactions with vendors, customers, and staff.
• Maintains current knowledge of new materials, services, relevanttechnology,and library trends.
• Plans and conducts programs for children; includes developing and implementing new concepts and themes.
• Maintains organization of the collections for the library. Assembles and arranges displays of public information, bulletin boards,books,and other library materials.
• Assists Children’s Services Librarianswith collection management following established guidelines.
• Prepares reports and statistics for management review asrequested.
• Proactivelyparticipatesin outreach activitiesand eventswith Library partners.
• Works with volunteers toassign and reviewcompletedtasks.
• Troubleshoots and resolves minor computer hardware and softwareissues.
• Performs other related duties and specialprojects asassigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in relevant computer software programs including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Usesrelevant computer software to access information, answer questions, and perform daily tasks. Familiar with the use of database applications.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service, providing qualityassistanceto vendors, customers, and staff.
• Ability to effectively provide referenceassistanceand instruction services.
• Demonstrates strong verbaland writtencommunicationand interpersonalskillsworking effectively with diverse cultures, interpersonalstyles,abilities,and background.
• Ability to successfully lead programs and givepresentations.
• Uses problem solving skills indeterminingpriorities, findingtimelysolutions to departmental or system-wide issues.
• Service oriented with the ability toestablishand maintain effective relationships with staff and the public.
• Successfully supports and/or collaborates on projects and programs with staff members.
• Demonstrates willingness to learn the developmental stages of children and enjoys working with children.
• Takesresponsibility for consistent completion and follow-up onall tasks.
• Responsive to change anddemonstratesadaptability.
• Maintains a positive approach while doing daily tasks and when faced with adversity.
• Demonstrates a broader understanding of the job and looks for ways to improve Library services and support coworkers.
  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; or minimum 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bilingualproficiency a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Communicate with staff and customers in person, via email,and over the phone.
• May require either being in a stationary position or moving about for prolonged periods.
• Moves equipment or library materials weighing up to 35 lbs.
• Must have reliable means of transportation to attend meetings, conferences, and perform work in other locations.

DETAILS

The benefits of this position at the Naperville Public Library include:

• Annual Vacation Accrual: 2 weeks per year.
• Holidays: 7 days per year.
• Annual Sick Accrual: 12 days per year.
• Up to 5 Personal Days per calendar year prorated based on the hiring date.
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (Pension Plan).