Early Childhood Librarian & Community Programs Lead

Town of East Hartford; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of East Hartford seeks an early childhood specialist for the East Hartford Public Library to deliver high-quality programs for young children and their caregivers, and to build strong outreach with schools and community partners.

This full-time, 35-hour week role supports the Children and Teen Services team, with evening shifts; bilingual candidates, especially those fluent in Spanish, are preferred. A Master’s degree in library science is required or strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• A well-developed knowledge of the principles and practices of library work related to assigned areas of expertise such as reference, children’s, teens, or technology
• Ability to apply principles of library science to solve practical problems
• Ability to keep current with new technologies and methods
• Working knowledge of computer applications, including integrated library systems
• Ability to work effectively with library staff and patrons
• Knowledge of basic research materials, print and electronic
• Knowledge of literature is appropriate to a specific division: such as children, adults, media, reference, etc.
• Ability to interact with the public and employees in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to deal with disruptive patrons and emergency situations
• Skill in resolving confidential/sensitive situations
• Ability to manage and supervise subordinate staff
• Familiarity with the ethics and values of the profession, including an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Code of Ethics, freedom of information, confidentiality of library records, and privacy issues

Responsibilities

• Plans work according to established library procedures
• Establishes task priorities within work unit
• Assists in near-term and long-range planning
• Provides reference and readers advisory services
• Assists with library circulation functions as needed
• Provides technology instruction and basic support
• Plans and executions library programs
• Markets library programs and services through flyer creation, social media promotion, written press releases, and other strategies
• Collaborate with community partners
• Prepare statistical reports as requested
• Supports collection management functions, including materials selection and weeding
• Attends meetings and participates in professional library organizations
• May train and supervise clerical, paraprofessional and subordinate professionals in specific tasks
• May administer the entire library in the absence of a librarian in a more responsible position
• May work cross-departmentally, including with different age groups (adult, teen, children’s) regardless of primary departmental assignment

Skills

Reference services

Readers advisory

Program planning

Community outreach

Marketing

Statistical reporting

Collection management

Team collaboration

Public service etiquette

Technology instruction

Supervisory support

Education

Master’s degree in library science or equivalent subject-relevant master’s-level degree

Tools

Integrated library systems

Job description

The Town of East Hartford seeks an early childhood specialist for the East Hartford Public Library to deliver high-quality programs for young children and their caregivers, and to build strong outreach with schools and community partners.

This full-time, 35-hour week role supports the Children and Teen Services team, with evening shifts; bilingual candidates, especially those fluent in Spanish, are preferred. A Master’s degree in library science is required or strongly preferred.