Library Youth Services Supervisor

Davenport Public Library; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Davenport Public Library in Davenport, Iowa, seeks a dynamic Youth Services Supervisor to lead day-to-day operations of the Youth Services department, plan and evaluate programs for children, teens, and families, and supervise staff across multiple locations. This role participates in leadership with administration and serves on the library leadership team.

The position may require scheduling at various library facilities, including evenings and weekends, and may involve off-site outreach to

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three years of professional library experience with at least two years serving youth and two years of supervisory experience.
• Public library experience, coursework and interest in children/teen literature preferred.
• Certification with the State Library of Iowa required upon employment and retained throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Creates a welcoming environment by providing excellent customer service and maintaining the appearance of public areas.
• Represents The Library at consortium and statewide meetings as related to job duties.
• Provides oversight to the creation of unique and exciting programming within budget.
• Selects and evaluates youth library materials.
• Manages software, such as Beanstack, and the creation and implementation of reading challenges.
• Analyzes youth services trends and best practices when making service recommendations.
• Designs and organizes the materials and shelving in the children and teen environments.
• Acts as person in charge of buildings and operations as needed.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership & supervision

Staff training & coaching

Multitasking & problem-solving

Education

Master’s Degree in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Job description

We're not just about books—we’re a community hub where imagination, learning, and connection thrive. If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact in your community and providing public service, we invite you to join us in our mission to connect a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain. Ready to turn the page on a new adventure? Come be part of our team!

Definition

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the day-to-day operation of the Youth Services department; creates, schedules, implements, and evaluates library programming for children, teens, and families; trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned employees; interprets and enforces policy; problem solves, and exercises good judgement; maintains knowledge of current practices in youth services; selects, organizes, and evaluates youth materials; develops and maintains the youth collection; actively participates in community outreach; acts as person in charge of buildings and operations as needed; actively serves as a member of The Library leadership team and works cooperatively with administration and supervisors to advance the goals and mission of the organization; and performs various other duties as assigned.

This position may require scheduling at any library facility as well as off-site locations during days, nights, and weekends.

Examples of Duties

• Creates a welcoming environment by providing excellent customer service and maintaining the appearance of public areas.
• Demonstrates commitment to The Library’s mission and vision by actively promoting services and resources.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues, patrons, stakeholders, and the community by responding
• Communicates organizational priorities, decisions, and policies to employees in a timely manner and ensures compliance.
• Actively participates as a member of the leadership team by sharing ideas that help to make needed organizational change.
• Demonstrates effective leadership by supporting and promoting the mission and vision of The Library by recognizing issues and taking the initiative to make changes.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues through open communication and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and The Library as a whole.
• Maintains confidentiality and manages employee performance through effective use of goal setting, performance feedback, evaluations, and coaching.
• Assists in the interviewing and selection process as appropriate.
• Manages the workflow of other employees, creates team schedules, and delegates tasks.
• Prepares and manages department documentation, procedures, and training manuals.
• Represents The Library at consortium and statewide meetings as related to job duties.
• Maintains public relations though the promotion of materials, events, services, public appearances, and presentations as needed.
• Compiles youth services statistics and contributes to reports.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the Davenport Community School District.
• Provides oversight to the creation of unique and exciting programming within budget.
• Selects and evaluates youth library materials.
• Manages software, such as Beanstack, and the creation and implementation of reading challenges.
• Analyzes youth services trends and best practices when making service recommendations.
• Provides opportunities for a passive programming environment that is engaging.
• Designs and organizes the materials and shelving in the children and teen environments.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited college or university. Minimum of three (3) years of professional library experience with at least two (2) years serving youth and two (2) years of supervisory experience. Public library experience, coursework and interest in children/teen literature preferred. Certification with the State Library of Iowa required upon employment and retained throughout employment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and diverse groups.
• Ability to provide positive, inspiring, and motivating leadership.
• Ability to train, coach, and evaluate employees.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, troubleshoot, and problem-solve beyond routine issues.
• Knowledge of youth development and library programs, services, techniques, principles, and trends.
• Knowledge of reference services, readers’ advisory, and materials selection.
• Knowledge of techniques to effectively supervise employees in multiple locations.