Library Specialist (Children's Focus)

Stark County District Library•Canton, OH

6d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

Located on Mahoning Rd., in Canton, OH, the Madge Youtz Branch of The Stark Library System is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Children’s Specialist to inspire children from birth to age 10 through engaging programs both inside the library and out in the community at day cares, schools, and summer programs. The ideal candidate will maintain our established programming schedule—ensuring the quality and consistency patrons value—while creating fresh, responsive programs that meet the evolving needs of the neighborhood. This role also includes clerical support at the circulation and business desks, helping ensure smooth daily operations, and may involve assisting or acting as a backup for internal or external events outside the focus area. This position requires working two evenings per week and a rotating Friday/Saturday schedule. Experience teaching children or working in a day care setting is helpful. We are looking for a creative, energetic team player who can connect with diverse families, support our Spanish-speaking community,and bring fun, inclusive learning experiences to children. An employee serving in this paraprofessional position advances the mission of the Library by creating and delivering internal and external programs, events and activities for a focus age group as well as helping to establish and/or maintain key external relationships (e.g., authors, publishers, organizations, etc.) on behalf of his/her location or department, all in alignment with location and system-wide goals. This role is also responsible for providing direct public service and basic to intermediate clerical support work as needed to ensure smooth delivery of basic library operations and services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor degree preferred.
3 or more years of related experience is preferred.
Ohio drivers’ license and ability to maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Library’s liability insurance carrier is required.
Experience presenting and implementing programs to groups is required.
Experience with the principles and practices of customer service is required.
Experience working with a focus age group is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching children or working in a day care setting is helpful.
Experience developing programs for individuals and groups is preferred.
Experience coordinating with external partners is preferred.
Experience with library circulation systems and procedures is preferred.
Experience in public libraries or public-sector organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists patrons with and demonstrates all library service and collection platforms, and is an advanced user of platforms.
Proactively promotes library services and offerings to patrons.
Provides instruction on platforms in area of specialization.
Provides intermediate reference assistance, and helps develop access tools in area of specialization.
Is aware of and can direct patrons to print and online reference tools, including Reader’s Advisory resources.
Assists patrons in accessing and using document machines, library computers and library-supported software, and troubleshoots intermediate technical problems. Provides advanced assistance in area of specialization.
Performs transactional services (e.g., notary, passport) that have defined rules, limited or specific answers, and/or detailed process guidelines.
Facilitates special support and services that include open-ended interactions requiring analysis, additional data gathering, independent judgment/decision-making and may have multiple “right” answers or possible outcomes (e.g., Book an Expert).
Performs all direct patron circulation functions.
May have responsibility for regularly implementing record maintenance tasks.
May have in-depth understanding of ILS Circulation Module, and may troubleshoot ILS issues.
May assist in shelving as needed.
Plans and assists with the merchandising of materials. May have responsibility over a specific display area.
May make collection decisions over a portion of a collection area, under direction of the Manager or Librarian.
Creates Educator Units as needed.
Plans and presents internal and external programs in focus area.
Leads or assists other staff with internal and external group program set up.
Assists or acts as back-up for other Library Specialist or Librarian staff in providing internal or external events outside of focus area.
May lead or participate in promotional activities outside the library.
Develops content and materials for both active and passive delivery to groups. May sometimes involve other staff, as needed.
May establish partnerships, develop content for, and/or implement joint services with outside agencies on behalf of his/her department or location in consultation with the Manager.
Mentors and trains other staff, including Library Associates and Library Specialists in other locations.
Contributes to, and sometimes leads, system-wide planning, development and training initiatives.
Coordinates with Manager and Librarian(s) to guide other staff regarding services, programs, and collections within area(s) of expertise.
Serves on library committees as needed.
Performs other duties as required.