Childrens Librarian II

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston Public Library seeks a dedicated librarian to lead children's programming across branches, delivering outreach, story hours, book talks, crafts, and summer reading initiatives in an urban setting.

Required: MLS from an accredited library school, two years of professional library experience, knowledge of children’s literature, and a proven ability to build strong community relationships with schools and families. Boston residency is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university; MLS preferred.
• MLS in Library Science from an accredited library school is required or strongly preferred.
• Courses in children’s literature and storytelling are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service to children.
• Develops relationships within neighborhoods and with schools to stimulate use of resources.
• Plans and conducts programming for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
• Provides readers’ advisory services and reference work for the public.
• Manages program funds and develops the children’s book collection.
• Recommends changes in services for children and represents the Library in committees.

Skills

Communication skills

Community outreach

Program development

Team supervision

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MLS in Library Science

Children’s literature courses

Tools

Internet

Electronic databases

Bibliographic tools

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