Youth Services Manager

Handley Regional Library•Winchester, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Handley Regional Library seeks a Youth Services Manager to plan, implement, and manage services for children and teens, as well as their caregivers, parents, and teachers. Under the general direction of the Branch Manager, the manager oversees the Youth Services Division’s operations, staff, collections, programs, and budgets; works with the Branch Manager and library administration on department goals and planning; and keeps current with developments in library services, planning, and collection development. The role includes direct patron service, community outreach, and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and effective youth services environment. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, and pays $50,000 per year. It is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and remains open until filled. The Youth Services Manager works independently under the general supervision of the Branch Manager, who sets priorities and assignments and monitors progress. The manager directly supervises paraprofessional and volunteer assistants. Work is performed in a public library during regular business hours, including evenings and weekends. Physical demands include climbing steps, lifting up to 25 pounds, moving furniture and book trucks, reading and projecting one’s voice for children’s programs, and frequently walking, stopping, reaching, and bending.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited institution.
Previous professional library experience.
Eligibility for Virginia State Library certification.
Experience working with children of various ages.
Experience developing and presenting library programs.
Broad knowledge of reader interests, reading levels, books, and authors.
Ability to design, promote, execute, and evaluate programs for children of all ages based on developmental needs and interests.
Knowledge of techniques of staff development and personnel management.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and library patrons.
Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of projects and to plan and conduct meetings.
Strong English-language written and speaking skills.
Ability to interpret library resources and services to the public and broader community.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive knowledge of professional library science practices, procedures, and techniques.
Considerable knowledge of children’s books and materials.
Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to use, reference works.
General knowledge of volunteer program development and management.
Ability to maintain an orderly atmosphere and deal with difficult patrons.
Ability to conduct statistical research on library operations and write clear, concise reports.
Ability to promote library resources and services in the media.
Administrative experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee Youth Services operations at the assigned branch; train, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers; and ensure service quality and adherence to library policies and procedures.
Collaborate with the Branch Manager on the layout and appearance of youth services areas, maintaining a safe and inviting environment with relevant resources.
Monitor security, behavior, and conduct in the youth services area; resolve day-to-day service issues, patron complaints, and questions; and, when needed, assume responsibility for staff, the public, and the library building in the Branch Manager’s absence.
Provide reference and reader’s advisory services in person and by telephone, and assist and instruct patrons in using print and online materials and technology.
Troubleshoot library computers and other technology and report unresolved problems through appropriate channels.
Develop, organize, and conduct programs for youth and caregivers that encourage literacy and use of library facilities and materials; supervise presentations by staff or outside presenters; and conduct tours for groups.
Promote collections, resources, and services through liaison activities, displays, access tools, and media outreach.
Conduct outreach to schools, businesses, day care centers, preschools, parent groups, and community organizations, and represent the library in the community.
Work with the Collections Team to select, weed, market, and merchandise children’s materials in accordance with the library’s collection development policy, maintaining diverse, current, and relevant collections that meet community needs.
Develop and submit programming and collection budget proposals and administer assigned budgets.
Prepare statistics, reports, and presentations about Youth Services programs and activities.
Stay informed about professional trends, technology, and developments through reading, continuing education, professional organizations, workshops, conferences, and training.
Advise library administration about residents’ needs for collections, services, and programs; assist with policies, procedures, and the five-year plan as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.