Main Branch - Librarian I - Children's Cataloger - Main Branch

City of Abilene, Texas; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 35,073 - 42,085; Full time

Job summary

The City of Abilene, Texas is seeking a Librarian to manage youth services at its main library. This role involves overseeing collection development for children and teens, providing reference and advisory services, and collaborating with other librarians. A Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent is required, along with one year of related experience. The position offers a salary between $25.46 and $30.55 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in children's literature or early childhood education, preferably in a public library.
• Knowledge of library operations and cataloging best practices.
• Ability to effectively supervise and train staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop youth library collections appropriate for ages birth to 18.
• Provide advisory services and reference assistance to children and parents.
• Compile reports and statistics for library services.

Skills

Communication

Cataloging knowledge

Customer service

Program presentation

Team collaboration

Problem analysis

Grant writing

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Tools

Integrated Library System

Microsoft Office

G-Suite products

Job description

Overview

Under general supervision of the Technical Services Manager, to perform and oversee a variety of professional library tasks related to youth services; to manage collection development, cataloging, and processing of materials serving ages birth through 18; and to support and implement programs and services for children and teens. Functionality is evaluated through review of plans, programs, reports, and conferences. Provides subject‑matter expertise and applies best practices in cataloging and processing materials for children and young adults.

Job Description

Under general supervision of the Technical Services Manager, to perform and oversee a variety of professional library tasks related to youth services; to manage collection development, cataloging, and processing of materials serving ages birth through 18; and to support and implement programs and services for children and teens. Functionality is evaluated through review of plans, programs, reports, and conferences. Provides subject‑matter expertise and applies best practices in cataloging and processing materials for children and young adults.

Supervision Exercised

• Exercises direct supervision over paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff.

Important And Essential Duties

• Maintains the children’s and young adult library collections by selecting age‑appropriate books and materials and replacing titles as appropriate while operating within established budget guidelines.
• Collaborates with Children’s Librarians throughout the Abilene Public Library system to ensure comprehensive and balanced coverage of youth materials.
• Provide reference and individual readers’ advisory guidance to children, parents, teachers, and others interested in the resources of the library.
• Compile, prepare, and maintain reports, records, and statistics. Submit monthly report of library activities to supervisor for distribution to library administration.
• Travel to other branches of the Public Library system and other City of Abilene departments to assist with programming and branch coverage assignments.

Other Job Related Duties

• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of contemporary library operations as applied in a public library setting.
• Contemporary library cataloging practices across multiple formats.
• Children’s and young adult library collections, with emphasis on literature and materials for ages birth to 18.
• Print and online professional review resources used for selecting and evaluating youth materials.
• Library collection classification and selection tools and techniques.
• Principles of office organization, collection management, and basic supervisory practices.
• Online electronic databases and current technologies for the purpose of statistics reports, library procedures and promoting library resources and programs for children.
• Developmental stages and reading interest levels of children and young adults.

Skill To

• Efficiently and effectively interact with the public, staff and internal customers to provide exemplary library service.
• Apply knowledge of cataloging standards in a shared automated library system.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to present programs and materials to the public, both internally and externally.
• Skill in the operation and use of hardware and peripherals plus standard office software which includes databases and presentation programs, along with standard Microsoft and G‑Suite products.
• Analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• Participate in grant writing to assist with program funding and to supplement library needs.
• Perform basic duties in other areas of the library or outreach locations as needed.

Ability To

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Supervise, train, and direct paraprofessional, technical, clerical, and volunteer staff in the processing and handling of library materials.
• Make appropriate changes to catalog records to adequately reflect age levels, subject headings and placement in collection.
• Interact with patrons and staff tactfully, respectfully, and professionally at all times.
• Perform library functions via the Integrated Library System.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Experience And Training Guidelines

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the field of children's literature and/or early childhood education, preferably in a public library setting is required.

Education/Training

A Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university is required. Training or education that includes an emphasis on childhood or early childhood service is preferred.

License Or Certificate

A valid Texas Driver’s License, the ability to attain a valid Texas Driver’s License within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
• ___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
• ___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
• _X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
• ___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
• ___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

• N = No
• E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Job Details

• Job Family Librarian - Main Branch
• Pay Type Salary
• Hiring Min Rate 25.46 USD
• Hiring Max Rate 30.55 USD

Note: This description reflects the information posted as of the date above. The Library reserves the right to modify the job duties and responsibilities at any time.