Children's Services Associate

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Naperville Public Library is seeking a Children’s Services Associate to provide reference and Reader’s Advisory, assist patrons with digital and print resources, and help plan and conduct programs for children. You will support librarians with collection management, create displays, and participate in outreach with library partners while delivering outstanding customer service.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and involves working with diverse communities, managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or minimum 5 years related experience.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes and accesses information using a broad spectrum of resources, including print, electronic and online resources.
• Explains, demonstrates, and assists users in using print and electronic resources, including computer online databases, websites, and downloadable materials.
• Provides reference and Reader’s Advisory assistance for customers, 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, relevant technology, 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 Librarians with collection management following established guidelines.
• Prepares reports and statistics for management review as requested.
• Proactively participates in outreach activities and events with Library partners.
• Works with volunteers to assign and review completed tasks.
• Troubleshoots and resolves minor computer hardware and software issues.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Program leadership

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Database applications

Microsoft Office

Job description

TheChildren’s Services Associate provides reference and Readers’ Advisory services to Library customers, assists Library customers in the use of digital and print resources, plans, and conducts programs, assists librarians with collection management, and provide 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, and assists users in using print and electronic resources, including computer online databases, websites, and downloadable materials.
• Provides reference and Reader’s Advisory assistance for customers, 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, relevant technology, 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 Librarians with collection management following established guidelines.
• Prepares reports and statistics for management review as requested.
• Proactively participates in outreach activities and events with Library partners.
• Works with volunteers to assign and review completed tasks.
• Troubleshoots and resolves minor computer hardware and software issues.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in relevant computer software programs including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Uses relevant computer software to access information, answer questions, and perform daily tasks. Familiar with the use of database applications.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service, providing quality assistance to vendors, customers, and staff.
• Ability to effectively provide reference assistance and instruction services.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication and interpersonalskills working effectively with diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, and background.
• Ability to successfully lead programs and give presentations.
• Uses problem solving skills in determining priorities, finding timely solutions to departmental or system-wide issues.
• Service oriented with the ability to establish and 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.
• Takes responsibility for consistent completion and follow-up on all tasks.
• Responsive to change and demonstrates adaptability.
• 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.

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).

Naperville Public Library- 95th Street Library, Will County