Youth Services Manager

Handley Regional Library•Stephens City, VA

13d•$50,000•Onsite

About The Position

Handley Regional Library is seeking a dynamic and imaginative Youth Services Manager who believes in the power of stories to shape young minds and strengthen communities. In this role, you will inspire curiosity from the very first picture book to the threshold of young adulthood – designing engaging programs, building meaningful relationships, and creating welcoming spaces where every child feels seen and valued. If you are passionate about literacy, energized by collaborations, and ready to make a lasting impact on your community, we invite you to bring your ideas and enthusiasm to our team Position Summary Under the general direction of the Branch Manager, performs professional, administrative, and supervisory work in planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive program of services to children and teens and to their adult care givers, parents, and teachers. Develops and maintains several collections for which the Youth Services Division is responsible. Works with the Branch Manager to develop long and short-term goals for the department. Actively participates in Youth Services Division planning in coordination with library administration. Keeps current with new trends in library planning, services, and collection development. Examines operations on a daily basis to ensure that all resources are managed as effectively as possible.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of the professional practices, procedures and techniques of library science desired
broad knowledge of reader interests, reading levels and books and authors required
ability to design promote, execute and evaluate programs for children of all ages based on their developmental needs and interest required
comprehensive knowledge of and ability to use reference works preferred
knowledge of techniques of staff development and personnel management required
ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and library patrons necessary
ability to maintain an orderly atmosphere and deal with difficult patrons desired
demonstrated ability to manage a variety of projects required
ability to plan and conduct meetings required
ability to conduct statistical research on library operations and write clear and concise reports desired
ability to promote the library’s resources and services in the media desired
considerable facility in using the English language demonstrated through written and speaking skills required
considerable ability to interpret library resources and services to the public and to the larger community required.
Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited institution and previous professional library experience required.
Eligibility for Virginia State Library certification required.
Experience in working with children of various ages required.
Experience in developing and presenting library programs required.

Nice To Haves

considerable knowledge of children’s books and materials preferred
general knowledge of volunteer program development and management desired
Administrative experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the operation of Youth Services within assigned branch.
Trains, supervises and evaluates staff and volunteers.
Ensures the highest quality service to patrons as established by library policies.
Interprets library policies and procedures for staff and patrons and ensures staff understanding and adherence.
Collaborates with Branch Manager to develop and maintain the layout and appearance of the youth services areas, ensuring a safe and inviting environment filled with relevant resources.
Monitors the security of the youth services area, including behavior and conduct of library patrons.
Resolves problems related to the day-to-day delivery of services, such as reviewing and resolving patron complaints and questions.
May assume responsibility for all staff, public, and library building in the absence of the Branch Manager.
Provides direct service to library patrons by answering reference questions and providing reader’s advisory services by telephone and in person.
Assists and instructs patrons in the use of print and online materials and technology.
Troubleshoots library computers and other technology and reports unresolved problems through the proper channels.
Proactively develops, organizes, and conducts engaging programs for youth and caregivers which encourage reading, viewing, and listening skills and the use of library facilities and materials to help create lifelong library users.
Supervises program presentations by subordinates or outside presenters.
Conducts library tours for interested groups including schools, classes, groups, and organizations.
Promotes the library’s collections, resources and services by planning, coordinating, and participating in liaison activities; by overseeing the preparation of displays and other tools to increase access to materials; and by effectively using the media to motivate families to use the library.
Implements outreach efforts to local schools, businesses, day care centers, preschools, parent groups, and community organizations.
Represents the library to the community.
Partners with the Collections Team to develop and maintain the children’s collections of the Handley Regional Library through the selection, weeding, marketing, and merchandising of books and other library materials as spelled out in the library’s collections development policy.
Ensures the collections are diverse, current, relevant and meet the needs of the community.
Develops and submits programming and collection budget proposals.
Administers and expends assigned budgets to stay within appropriate levels.
Prepares statistics, reports, and periodic presentations related to Youth Services programs, and activities.
Keeps informed of current trends, technology, and developments affecting librarians through professional reading, continuing education opportunities, and participation in professional organizations.
Attends workshops, conferences, and training as needed.
Advises Library administration about the needs of residents for library collections, services and programs.
Assists in developing policies and procedures and the five-year plan of services, as assigned.
Interprets library policies to staff and patrons.
Other duties as assigned.