Childrens Librarian II

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston Public Library is seeking a children’s services librarian to lead programs for toddlers through school-age children, provide reference and readers’ advisory services, and engage with local schools and community groups. The role includes program planning, staff training, and possible branch operations in the supervisor’s absence.

Responsibilities include developing the children’s collection, budgeting for materials, and presenting reports on activities to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus MLS/MSLS; children’s literature coursework desirable.
• Two years of professional library experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop interactive community relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication; independent work ability.

Responsibilities

• Initiates and implements children's programs via consultations and outreach.
• Develops relationships with neighborhoods, schools, and agencies.
• Plans story hours, book talks, crafts, puppetry, and summer reading.
• Provides readers’ advisory and reference services to the public.
• Teaches patrons to use books and electronic databases.
• Manages funds for children’s services and develops the collection.
• Compiles bibliographies and participates in system-wide committees.
• Trains staff and may run branch operations in absence of supervisor.

Skills

Communication

Outreach

Storytelling

Youth programming

Reference skills

Teamwork

Education

MLS/MSLS

Bachelor's degree

Children's literature courses

Tools

ILS systems

Online resources

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

COR I & S ORI CHECKS REQUIRED

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

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

Hours per week: 35