Children's Services Associate - Nichols Library

Naperville Public Library; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual

Holidays

Sick accrual

Parental leave

Pension plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

Naperville Public Library seeks a Children’s Services Associate to provide reference and Readers’ Advisory services, assist customers with digital and print resources, plan programs for children, and support collection management. The role involves outreach with partners, volunteer supervision, and ongoing professional development.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

• Uses broad resources (print, electronic, online) for information access.
• Explains and assists with print and electronic resources.
• Provides reference and Readers’ Advisory assistance.
• Delivers high-quality customer service to customers, staff and vendors.
• Keeps current on materials, technology, and library trends.
• Plans and conducts programs for children.
• Organizes collections and creates displays.
• Assists with collection management following guidelines.
• Prepares reports and statistics.
• Engages in outreach with library partners.
• Manages volunteers and reviews tasks.
• Troubleshoots minor computer issues.
• Attends professional development opportunities.
• Performs other duties and special projects.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Customer Service

Reference Services

Presentation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Written Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Children’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 Librarian's 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.
• Attends professional development opportunities.
• 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 interpersonal skills 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.
• Bilingual proficiency 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).
• 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Training and development opportunities.

*WORK SCHEDULE

Monday & Wednesday OFF

Tuesday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

3 Fri/mo. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

1 Fri/mo. 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Rotating weekends (Every 4 weeks).

Friday 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

*Schedule may change