Youth Services Librarian

Manheim Township•Lancaster, PA

1d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Services Librarian serves as a leadership position within the Youth Services Department under the direction of the Youth Services Manager. This professional position plans, coordinates, and oversees library services and programs for youth from infancy through high school. This position exercises independent judgement, leads departmental projects and initiatives, coordinates the work of staff and volunteers, and assumes responsibility for department operations under the Youth Service Manager. The Youth Services Librarian fosters a welcoming and engaging environment that promotes literacy, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to information while supporting the department's strategic goals.

Requirements

Master's degree in library science (MLS) or currently enrolled in a MLS program.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Effectively communicate with staff, volunteers, patrons, community partners, and administration.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Produce quality work with few errors and minimal supervision.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Integrated Library System (ILS), email, internet, and Canva design software.
Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, procedures, and library practices, and apply them effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Enthusiasm for working with children and promoting literacy.
Awareness of and adherence to best practices in youth services.
Knowledge of children's and young adult literature.
Knowledge of child development.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team under the leadership of the Youth Services Manager.
Ability to lead, motivate, and collaborate with staff while fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Flexibility in responding to changing priorities.
Ability to multitask without compromising work quality.
Must pass Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and FBI Fingerprint Criminal History Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children, preferably in a library or educational setting.
Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of youth programming, providing guidance and direction to support staff and volunteers to ensure successful program delivery.
Maintain familiarity with the collection and guide patrons toward reading selections based on age, interests, and reading level; create reading lists using the same criteria.
Maintain knowledge of library resources and provide excellent customer service when answering patron questions; instruct patrons in the use of library resources.
Coordinate and monitor staff participation in collection maintenance projects, including shelf reading, inventory, labeling, shifting, and other projects as assigned by the Collection Development Manager and/or Youth Services Manager. Coordinate collection maintenance by overseeing replacement orders, processing replacement materials, assessing donations for replacement, processing books for the collection, and training staff in book repair and processing.
In coordination with the Youth Services Manager, develop relationships with community organizations and educators, and participate in outreach activities to promote library services.
Actively and consistently enforce the Library's Code of Conduct Policy, exercising sound judgment and de-escalation techniques; relay significant issues and patron grievances to the Youth Services Manager.
Address safety concerns immediately and bring them to management's attention.
Keep current in all areas of youth services through ongoing continuing education, professional reading, and attendance at meetings and conferences as assigned by the Youth Services Manager.
Maintain confidentiality and ethical behavior in all library matters.
Track program expenditures and maintain accurate budget records; maintain inventory of program supplies and ensure adequate materials are available for upcoming programs by submitting purchase requests; develop and coordinate staff assignments for large events, ensuring responsibilities are clearly communicated and operational needs are met; and oversee the administrative operations of programming by ensuring accuracy of the program calendar, verifying that all required clearances have been obtained, monitoring registration levels and developing marketing strategies to maximize participation based on registration trends, and enforcing department registration policies, including residency requirements and no-show procedures.
Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Children's Library and Discovery Patio, including monitoring appearance, organization, cleanliness, and safety; reporting and following up on facilities issues; providing direction, training, and workflow coordination for Youth Services support staff and volunteers under the supervision of the Youth Services Manager; ensuring program rooms are properly set up and restored; maintaining an organized craft closet, storage areas, and program preparation spaces; and identifying operational needs and recommending improvements.
As a mandated reporter, promptly report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect as required by the PA Child Protective Services Law and library policy.
Participate in lost child and other emergency drills and incidents.
Assist patrons with the use of computers, tablets, e-readers, and other library technologies.
Perform other duties as assigned.