Youth Services Associate

Christian County Library•Nixa, MO

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for implementing library programming and outreach for ages zero to eighteen and their families, providing library services to patrons, and helping to maintain a safe and welcoming branch environment.

Requirements

1-2 years library experience or 30 college credit hours
Excellent customer service skills
Proficient computer skills: familiar with using the internet, office productivity software (i.e. Google Workspace, Microsoft), and email
Ability to work with scanners, printers, and photocopiers
Working knowledge of reader interest levels, books, authors, and reference sources
Working knowledge of early literacy initiatives, child development, and current education standards
Working knowledge of automated library circulation systems and online databases
Working knowledge of print, non-print, digital, and online information sources available from a wide variety of sources, including publishers, the internet, and library and vendor-based systems
Ability to present ideas and provide instruction; comfortable with teaching and use of various forms of technology for ages 0-18 in small and large groups
Ability to adapt to multiple demands and changing priorities, to learn, and be willing to embrace change
Ability to develop or demonstrate necessary decision-making, leadership, team-building, strategic, and conflict resolution skills
Ability to set priorities, organize, and coordinate multiple projects
Ability to successfully maintain the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities to achieve the desired outcome
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and by listening
Ability to interact in a positive, effective manner with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
Ability to perform with minimum supervision, to work collaboratively in a team environment, and to demonstrate professional standards, good judgment, dependability, and timeliness in work environments

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children and teens
College credits with an education emphasis

Responsibilities

Plan and present youth programs for ages zero to eighteen
Plan and present regular storytimes for ages 0-18 months or up to age 6
Assist with the planning and implementation of annual library reading challenges, including the Summer Reading Challenge
Record statistics of programs and evaluate for effectiveness
Maintain knowledge of youth programming and literature trends
Prepare book lists and promotional literature as assigned
Pursue regular professional development training opportunities
Make necessary purchases for programming within approved budget
Prepare passive activities for the children and teen areas
Conduct youth library tours as requested
Assist the branch manager and administration with special projects and tasks
Travel to other branches as needed to assist with programs
Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment
Monitor youth services areas, enforcing policy as needed
Promote programs, including assisting patrons with registering for programs
Maintain general upkeep of the children and teen collections, including but not limited to shelving, straightening, shifting, and weeding
Help ensure all patrons have access to facilities and services
Assist patrons with the use of library online catalog, reference materials, internet and library databases
Guide patrons through the shelving arrangement to locate materials
Assist patrons in placing a hold on desired items, including via MOBIUS or Interlibrary loan
Be familiar with the contents of and technology needed to access the library’s digital collection, and teach patrons to use these resources
Assist with patron inquiries on a wide variety of topics using reference interview techniques
Utilize readers’ advisory tools and methods to suggest library materials to patrons
Plan, promote, travel to, and provide outreach services for area schools, preschools, daycares, and community organizations
Occasionally travel to and represent the library at community outreach events
Promote the library to the community
Work with the Outreach Department as needed
Check-in returned materials and process items appropriately
Evaluate the condition of items upon return, checking for components and assessing damage
Shelve materials as needed
Maintain patron and materials records, including registering patrons for new library cards and adding charges for lost or damaged materials
Process incoming and outgoing holds for patrons, including contacting patrons
Accept cash, check, and credit card payments on overdue, damaged, lost items
Collect money for printing, photocopies, and faxes
Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with co-workers in person, by phone, in writing, or by email
Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with Administration about scheduling, absences, co-worker performance issues, procedures, policies, etc.
Effective, timely, thorough, and respectful communication with IT on technological issues and use of the IT ticketing system