Youth Services and Maker Space Librarian, Swampscott Public Library (Swampscott)

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; Swampscott (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Swampscott Public Library invites a Youth Services and Maker Space Librarian to join the team. The role focuses on children's and teen programming, Maker Space oversight, and outreach within the community.

The position supports youth collection development, technology instruction, and collaborative learning opportunities, under the Library Director's supervision. Part-time hours are 19 per week with varied shifts.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience with youth programming in a public library or educational setting preferred.
• Maker technologies, STEAM programming, digital literacy or creative learning preferred.
• Strong public service and community engagement commitment.
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Punctuality, dependability and flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver programs for children and teens, including storytimes and workshops.
• Coordinate Maker Space activities and train patrons on technology use.
• Assist with youth collection development and reader advisory for young patrons.
• Build partnerships with schools and community organizations.
• Supervise staff, volunteers and pages when needed.
• Create promotional materials for youth programs and services.
• Maintain a welcoming and safe children’s area and assist with other library duties as needed.

Skills

Public service

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

STEAM programming

Maker technologies

Teamwork

Punctuality

Education

MLS/Masters

Tools

Evergreen system

Job description

Youth Services and Maker Space Librarian, Swampscott Public Library (Swampscott)

The Youth Services Librarian and Maker Space Librarianperforms professional library services for children, teens,and their caregivers while overseeing the operation,development, and promotion of the Library’s MakerSpace. Under the supervision of the Library Director, thisposition is responsible for youth collection development,programming, outreach, technology instruction, and maker-centered learning opportunities. The Librarian plans anddelivers innovative educational, recreational, and literacy-based programs for children and teens, develops partnershipswith schools and community organizations, and maintainsMaker Space equipment and resources. The position maysupervise pages and volunteers, participate in consortiuminitiatives, attend professional development opportunities,and assist with public service operations throughout theLibrary. In this role, the employee may also be asked toprovide coverage in Reference or Circulation Services asneeded.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Program Development and Implementation: Design and conduct engaging programs and activities, including storytimes, educational workshops, and special events tailored to various age groups – primarily children and teens.
• Maker Space Duties: Coordinate training sessions for patron on the use of various technologies. Run STEAM programming using the resources of the space, and oversee the organization allayout of materials.
• Collection Development: Assist with selecting, evaluating, and maintaining a diverse and current children's collection, encompassing print and digital materials, to meet the educational and recreational needs of young patrons.
• Reference and Reader's Advisory Services: Provide assistance to children, parents, and caregivers in locating information and selecting appropriate reading materials.
• Community Outreach: Establish and maintain partnerships with local schools, daycare centers, and community organizations to promote library services and programs.
• Supervision and Training: Oversee and mentor staff and volunteers assigned to the Children's Department.
• Library Promotion: Develop promotional materials and strategies to publicize youth programs and services, including flyers, newsletters, and social media content.
• Facility Management: Ensure the children's area is welcoming, safe, and conducive to learning and exploration.
• Performs other duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under the general supervision of the Library Director and the Head of Children’s, and the Head of Reference/Teen Librarian.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The employee may be required to supervise staff, volunteers and pages. Employee may also act as a Department Head.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Abilities: Ability to move and lift library materials upto 25 pounds, with assistance if necessary, from one location to another. Ability to handle minute detail and repetitive tasks. Accurate typing and wordprocessing skills. Ability to handle situations with tact, courtesy, initiative, resourcefulness, good judgment and punctuality.

Skills: Great customer service and interpersonal skills. Highly motivated and able to work independently. Understanding of the principles and practices of library systems and programs. Understanding of library classification and selection techniques. Knowledge of and interest in youth literature and reader interest levels. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs. Ability to perform reader’s advisory for all ages of patrons. Professional knowledge of library operations, policies and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Capacity to establish positive public relations for the library and the Town. Skilled in adapting to new technologies and methodologies. Ability to fairly and tactfully explain library policies and satisfactorily resolve any problems resulting from those policies. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team. Ability to continually balance the competing needs of large numbers of library users. Knowledge of the Evergreen system is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employee performs work in a municipal, public library setting subject to frequent interruptions. The facility can get unusually busy and relatively noisy on occasion.

OCCUPATIONAL RISK

Duties of the job present little potential for injury to the employee.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

Physical Demands: Lift and/or move library materials upto 50 pounds.

Motor Skills: Sustained periods of moving around three floors.

Visual Demands: Position requires the employee to constantly read documents and computer screens for sorting and categorizing purposes. The employee is rarely required to determine color differences.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the Town or requirements of the job change.

Qualifications

• 1. Master’s Degree in LibraryScience from an ALA-accredited program.
• 2. Experience working with children, teens, or youth programming in a public library, school, or educational setting preferred.
• 3. Experience with maker technologies, STEAM programming, digital literacy instruction, or creative learning environments preferred.
• 4. Strong commitment to public service and community engagement.
• 5. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• 6. Punctuality, dependability, and flexibility.

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary

$23.67/hour

Salary Notes

19 hours a week; performed Saturday – Friday, with rotating Saturdays from September – June, and one evening shift per week.

Closing Date

Open until filled