Youth Services Assistant - Library

City of Cedarburg•Wi, WI

About The Position

Assist the Head of Youth Services in providing library services to the Cedarburg community in support of the Cedarburg Public Library’s mission. Provide welcoming, responsive service to children and teens of all ages and their caregivers, with an emphasis on planning and conducting programs for youth ages 11–18. Promote reading, learning, creativity, and exploration through engaging programs, reader’s advisory, collection support, and other youth services. Work independently and collaboratively with Youth Services staff to develop and deliver programs and services that respond to young people’s interests and needs. This is a part-time position scheduled for 19 hours per week, including one evening shift per week and rotating weekend shifts, typically every fourth weekend. Flexibility is required to accommodate programs and special events. The posting states there are no benefits for part-time work.

Requirements

Some college coursework in library science, education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
Experience working with the public, particularly children and teens, in a customer service, educational, recreational, or library setting is preferred.
Experience planning or conducting programs for youth is desirable.
Some knowledge of current library principles, materials, practices, and customer service.
Knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, popular authors, genres, and reading interests sufficient to provide reader’s advisory services.
Ability to develop, plan, promote, and conduct engaging, age-appropriate youth programs, particularly for teens ages 11–18.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Head of Youth Services and other team members.
Working knowledge of computer applications, internet searching, library catalogs, and electronic resources, including evaluating the reliability of online information.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to respond effectively to patron needs, build positive relationships with youth, and interact professionally with people of diverse ages and backgrounds.
Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to changing needs.
Ability to operate the listed tools and equipment.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and pushing or pulling wheeled carts weighing 300–400 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Some college coursework in library science, education, youth development, or a related field.
Experience working with the public, particularly children and teens, in a customer service, educational, recreational, or library setting.
Experience planning or conducting programs for youth.

Responsibilities

Help create a positive, helpful, friendly, and inclusive environment for library users and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers.
Develop positive relationships with children and teens and encourage their use of the library for reading, learning, creativity, social connection, and exploration.
Plan, develop, promote, and conduct engaging, age-appropriate programs and activities for youth, particularly ages 11–18; identify emerging interests and trends to keep services relevant.
Independently lead programs as appropriate and collaborate with the Head of Youth Services and team members on programs, special events, and department initiatives.
Provide reader’s advisory to children and teens and maintain knowledge of popular books, authors, series, graphic novels, and other youth materials and formats.
Staff the Youth Services information desk; assist patrons in person and by telephone, answer questions, locate information, recommend resources, and help patrons access library services and materials.
Promote library resources and services, including books, digital materials, research resources, and the Library of Things, as appropriate.
Help create displays, promotional materials, social media content, brochures, and other publicity for youth collections, programs, and services.
Assist with the Summer Reading Program and other department initiatives serving children and families.
Support outreach and partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and other groups serving children and teens.
Follow library and department policies and procedures, communicate them to patrons as needed, and maintain confidentiality of patron information.
Participate in training and professional development related to teen services, youth literature and development, programming, and library technology.
Communicate effectively, maintain a professional demeanor, and contribute to a respectful, cooperative, and productive workplace; support the library’s mission and uphold the ALA Library Bill of Rights.
Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
Complete assigned projects during desk hours, including reader’s advisory, collection development, processing, cataloging, displays, and database maintenance.
Attend and participate in staff and department meetings when required, and perform other related duties as assigned.