Children’s Services Specialist

Fountaindale Public Library•Bolingbrook, IL

2d•$19 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Provides patrons with reference services, reader’s advisory and programming in Children’s Services. This is a part-time, non-exempt position (25 hours per week) that includes day, evening, and weekend hours. The role involves providing consistent, gracious, and friendly service, understanding and enforcing District policies while safeguarding intellectual freedom and patron privacy, and demonstrating commitment to the mission and vision of the Fountaindale Public Library District.

Requirements

Requires expertise acquired through completion of a LA/LTA certification in an Associate’s degree program, a two year Associate’s degree or a minimum of two years completed in a higher education program.
At least one year of related experience in a comparable business, school, organization, or library preferred.
Basic knowledge of children’s literature, popular materials and reference materials in a variety of formats.
Demonstrated ability to tell, read and interpret stories for children.
Basic knowledge of productivity suites and integrated library systems.
Basic knowledge of current technology trends, reference techniques and digital information retrieval.
Ability to incorporate technology into programming and other public services.
Ability to exercise reasonable and independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
Ability to analyze and synthesize data to produce new or revised processes and procedures.
Ability to effectively use a variety of tablets and similar devices.
Ability to adapt to change.
Communicates effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff and public.
Ability to stay calm and effective in difficult situations.
Ability to empathize and relate to the needs of all patrons, especially children and their caregivers.

Nice To Haves

Speaking skills in other languages, particularly Spanish, is a plus.

Responsibilities

Performs all duties at the Children’s Services desk including basic reference and reader’s advisory services, computer monitoring and one-on-one instruction.
Assists patrons and fellow staff members with online technology, eResources, digital collections and available hardware.
Plans, prepares, and conducts children’s programs. Participates in cross departmental programs.
Under the guidance of the Children’s Services Management Team, create and contribute to promotional materials both online and in print such as blog posts and content for the library’s newsletter and online calendars.
Assists in displays and maintenance of children’s collections, as assigned.
Helps to implement the use of technology.
Participates in library wide committees for special projects, strategic planning and new library initiatives. Serves as liaison for library in programming initiatives with external agencies.
Prepares and submits required records, purchase requests and reports in keeping with the policies and procedures of the library. Collects daily statistics and prepares monthly departmental statistical reports.
Keeps informed of current information and trends at the local library level. Participates in professional development activities relating to areas of responsibility.
Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.