Youth Services Librarian

Middletown Police Department - Rhode Island•Middletown, RI

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Services Librarian is a department head level professional librarian responsible for managing all aspects of services to children, teens, and their caregivers. This position supervises the youth services team, manages the youth programming calendar, and leads the library’s community engagement initiatives related to children and teens by collaborating with schools, community groups, and other town departments to support early literacy, educational enrichment, and lifelong learning for Middletown's youth. The role includes direct patron service, community partnerships, and collaborative leadership within the library.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program required
Two or more years of experience providing youth services in a public library or similar setting preferred
Two or more years of supervisory or project management experience strongly preferred OR three years of related experience required, at least one in a supervisory capacity, with any equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience
Must possess strong supervisory skills
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, vendors, customers, Town officials, and the general public
Must have the ability to work well with people of all ages, abilities, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity, with an aptness to relate successfully with youth, families, and co-workers
Must possess/project a welcoming demeanor, positive attitude, patience, and a professional appearance
Must demonstrate exemplary customer service skills
Be self-directed, flexible, motivated, able to prioritize tasks, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail
Must possess strong computer and technology skills as applicable in the library environment
Must successfully complete a background check

Nice To Haves

Excellent supervisory, leadership, and staff development abilities
Strong understanding of youth learning, interests, and information needs
Ability to develop inclusive, engaging programs for children, teens, and families
Excellent public speaking, outreach, and community-building skills
Familiarity with reader’s advisory, digital literacy, and reference resources
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to work with a diverse public and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with staff, patrons, and community partners
Commitment to equitable access, intellectual freedom, and inclusive programs, services, and collections

Responsibilities

Plan, promote, and evaluate a wide range of programs and services for children, teens, and families.
Coordinate, develop, and maintain the youth collections, including materials selection, weeding, and display. Oversee and coordinate the cataloging and acquisitions of all youth materials.
Oversee the library’s digital collections for children and teens, including eBooks, audiobooks, online databases, and digital subscriptions.
Oversee the work of youth services team members and support their project development and creativity.
Provide reference, reader’s advisory, and technology assistance to children, teens, and caregivers.
Build relationships with local schools and educators to support student learning and outreach. Build and maintain community partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses. Represent the library at community and school events, meetings, and outreach opportunities related to youth services.
Lead the Summer Reading Program and other seasonal initiatives.
Maintain a welcoming, safe, and engaging youth area that supports play, discovery, and learning.
Stay updated on trends and maintain current knowledge of children and teen literature, media, and information needs.
Track attendance and engagement metrics for programs and outreach efforts. Ensure all library statistics are maintained and prepared for monthly board reports, annual state reports, and other requested data.
Respond to community feedback and emerging needs to guide programming and service priorities.
Assist patrons with reference questions, reader’s advisory, and technology support.
Participate in the development and enforcement of youth services related policies and procedures.
Collaborate with other department heads to ensure a cohesive approach to library services.
Contribute to and take initiative on grant writing, budgeting, and promotional efforts related to youth services and community outreach.
Provide coverage at any service desk as needed, and when assigned.
Assist in hiring, training, supporting, supervising, and evaluating department staff and other support staff. Keep the Director and Assistant Director apprised of employee related matters.
Assist with building operations tasks such as opening/closing, safety checks, and supply orders.
Work cooperatively as part of the library’s Leadership Team to provide feedback on library services, recommend policy changes, and develop solutions to problems to ensure efficient operations.
Attend or schedule someone to attend appropriate meetings and trainings.
Act as Person in Charge of the library in the absence of the Library Director, Assistant Director, or any other member of staff at the same grade level with higher seniority. Adjust staff schedules as necessary to help ensure staffing needs of the entire library are met.
Perform other related job duties as necessary, including but not limited to other duties at lower grade levels.