A broad range of knowledge of a wide variety of subjects acquired through a four-year college degree. Experience using computers. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
Position Description :
Provides direct library service to people of all ages, especially children from birth through late teens. Interprets library policies and procedures, answers reference and reader’s advisory questions, maintains a working knowledge of the collection and library services, develops and implements programming, assists users at the circulation desk and shelves materials.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Interprets library policies and procedures for library users in a customer-responsive manner. Reports any unresolved problems to the branch manager or Librarian-in-Charge.
Maintains a working knowledge of the material collections, library services, and developing trends in library to people of all ages, especially children and young adults.Helps evaluate existing library services.
Makes recommendations for improvement and suggestions for new services as needed.
Answers library users’ reference questions in person and on the telephone, using materials in a variety of formats (i.e., books, audio/visual materials, databases, periodicals, etc.), including the WebOPAC and the Internet.
Provides reader’s advisory services and bibliographic instruction for library users of all ages, particularly children and young adults. Assembles collections for teachers as requested.
Conducts training for the public in the use of computers and other electronic resources, and assists the public in using the WebOPAC, computers Internet, printer, self check-out stations, and copiers.
Reserves library materials and facilitates interlibrary loan requests for library users, using a computerized holds management system.
Assists in maintenance of branch’s materials collection for children and young adults, and makes recommendations for purchase/replacement to the Collection Development Department. Assists with the processing of donations.
Maintains knowledge of the automated circulation system, policies, and procedures in order to assist library users at the circulation desk.
Maintains knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification system in order to sort and shelve materials on a daily basis.
Presents information about library services and programs to individuals and groups, including daycares, schools, and parent groups.
Develops, plans and implements programs for children, young adults and community groups, including story times, summer reading activities, and special programs. In-house programs and outreach to the community may include opportunities to participate in storytelling, puppetry, and early literacy promotion.
Responsible for ordering craft supplies for youth services activities within the assigned budget.
Helps compile branch’s monthly program and user contact statistics as needed.
Participates in professional development activities including conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, listservs, blogs and reading professional journals.
Assists with system-wide decision making by serving on committees. Assists in setting long and short range goals, objectives, and priorities.
Develops displays to promote programs and the library materials collections.
Additional Examples of Work Performed :
Responsible for the supervision and operation of the branch in short-term absence of the branch manager, including staff scheduling and resolving library user issues.
Assumes responsibility and leadership as a member on branch and system wide committees.
Trains new staff members in library policies and procedures as needed. Serves as a mentor for new staff members.
Assists with supervision of volunteer and other community service workers activities.
Monitors branch safety and facility conditions, notifies administration as issues occur, and completes facility reports.
May review, verify, and approve time sheets for payroll purposes, as needed.
Helps maintain branch files, particularly in relation to youth services.
Required Abilities :
Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public, volunteers, library staff in all departments, and administration, respectful of diversity and all ages.
Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills when providing excellent internal and external customer service to staff and the public. Knows and explains available library services, policies and procedures.
Demonstrates a high level of courtesy and tact. Maintains composure, demonstrates diplomacy, and maintains confidentiality while addressing complex issues with the public and staff, including complaint resolution.
Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills in a variety of formats. Uses available communication tools to keep informed of policy and procedural changes. Communicates with manager on a daily basis.
Possesses knowledge of current and classic library materials for people of all ages, particularly children and young adults.Is skilled in using computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office products, and troubleshooting equipment.
Is familiar with electronic resources to aid in reference and reader’s advisory assistance, programming, statistical reports, and communication. Learns new search techniques as they develop or are implemented.
Has the analytical ability to understand and solve unusual or difficult reference questions by supplying information well-suited to the library user.
Demonstrates independent judgment, organizational skills, and is detail oriented. Performs duties without direct supervision, determines appropriate time commitments for the task at hand, handles multiple priorities, and concentrates on a task despite frequent interruptions.
Is self-motivated, and demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making techniques. Applies library policies and procedures to the situations encountered.
Performs periodic self evaluation, and sets long and short range goals and priorities for self
Sits, stands and/or walks for extended periods of time. Must have agility and strength necessary to effectively and safely reach up or down, stoop, stretch, and use step stools and ladders to retrieve and shelve materials, conduct programs, carry equipment, straighten facility, rearrange furniture under 50 pounds, shovel snow, etc.
Manipulates loaded book cart weighing up to 200 pounds over carpeted floors and carries materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license for travel to and from other branches and departments. Works at other branches as necessary.
Note: This job analysis describes the nature and level of assignments normally given in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of duties; additional related duties may be assigned.
July 2011
Keywords: Service Specialist- Youth Services
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