Children's Services Associate - Nichols Library

Naperville Public Library•Naperville, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Children’s Services Associate provides reference and Readers’ Advisory services to library customers, assists them in using digital and print resources, plans and conducts programs, supports collection management, and provides operational support to the Children’s Services department. The position also participates in outreach, works with volunteers, and helps resolve minor computer hardware and software issues. The role requires strong customer service, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills; the ability to provide reference assistance and instruction; and an interest in learning about children’s developmental stages and working with children. A bachelor’s degree or at least five years of related experience and/or training is required, or an equivalent combination. Bilingual proficiency is a plus. The position includes a part-time schedule with rotating weekend shifts. The physical work may involve prolonged periods stationary or moving about, communication with staff and customers in person, by email, and by phone, and moving equipment or library materials weighing up to 35 pounds. Reliable transportation is required to attend meetings and conferences and work at other locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or a minimum of five years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency in relevant computer software, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Ability to use relevant software and database applications to access information, answer questions, and perform daily tasks.
Ability to provide reference assistance and instruction services effectively.
Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, abilities, and backgrounds.
Ability to lead programs and give presentations.
Problem-solving skills, including determining priorities and finding timely solutions to departmental or system-wide issues.
Service orientation and ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and the public.
Ability to support or collaborate on projects and programs with staff members.
Willingness to learn about children’s developmental stages and enjoyment of working with children.
Responsibility for completing tasks consistently and following up.
Adaptability and responsiveness to change.
Positive approach to daily tasks and adversity.
Ability to recognize ways to improve library services and support coworkers.
Reliable means of transportation to attend meetings and conferences and work at other locations.
Ability to move equipment or library materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual proficiency.

Responsibilities

Use print, electronic, and online resources to locate information.
Explain, demonstrate, and assist users with print and electronic resources, including computer databases, websites, and downloadable materials.
Provide reference and Readers’ Advisory assistance, including topical research and locating materials.
Maintain high standards of customer service in interactions with vendors, customers, and staff.
Maintain current knowledge of new materials, services, relevant technology, and library trends.
Plan and conduct children’s programs, including developing and implementing new concepts and themes.
Maintain organization of library collections and assemble displays of public information, bulletin boards, books, and other library materials.
Assist Children’s Services Librarians with collection management according to established guidelines.
Prepare reports and statistics for management review as requested.
Participate proactively in outreach activities and events with library partners.
Assign tasks to volunteers and review their completed work.
Troubleshoot and resolve minor computer hardware and software issues.
Attend professional development opportunities.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.