Children's Librarian II - Youth Services - Town of Brookline

The Public Library of Brookline is seeking a dynamic, innovative and creative Librarian II to plan and coordinate all children’s services for the Brookline Village library. Provides professional and direct service work advising and assisting patrons in identifying, accessing, navigating, and retrieving information. Handles reference and reader’s advisory related library services, print and electronic; performs all other related work as required.

Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Maintains collections and plans and implements all services for children and their caregivers at the Brookline Village Main Library.
• Staff the Children’s Services Desk. Answers reference questions from patrons and assists them to find resources to fulfill their information needs using the online catalog, electronic databases, the Internet, and other resources.
• Provides information to patrons on library policies, services, activities, facilities, and regulations.
• Assists with the circulation desk functions; check in/check out materials, reshelve materials, add/edit patron records.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services and troubleshoots computer and equipment problems for staff and patrons, in person, by phone or electronically. Assists with the set-up and use of audio-visual equipment.
• Plans, promotes and conducts story times and other programs for children.
• Responsible for promoting library services through outreach to schools, daycares, and other organizations and by utilizing posters, flyers and a variety of media. Coordinates outside visits to library and also visits to schools.
• Represents Children’s Services in working with the Supervisor of Youth Services to develop budget requests and other projects.
• Develops and maintains the main library's Children’s collection. Reads reviews and makes recommendations from review of journals. Meets with colleagues to evaluate books for purchase. Weeds collection of outdated and unpopular materials.
• Manages complaints and resolves disputes.
• Responsible for the organization and maintenance of the Children’s Room. Ensures that the noise and activity levels are safe and appropriate, and patron needs are met. Ensures books are shelved in a timely manner.
• Informs and instructs library users and non-users of the assistive technology materials and equipment available. Learns the use of such equipment being developed to help the disabled.
• Participates in professional development by attending library services related classes, workshops and conferences.
• Serves as Officer of the Day as assigned. Handles any problems and signs time cards for part time employees, serves on library committees such as, display, policy, programs, or other.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:
Master's of Library and Information Science degree and coursework in children’s literature is required; supplemented by additional training in library technology and two to three years of library experience. Experience working with children in a library, school, or child care situation is required, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge skills and abilities for this job. Knowledge of languages in Spanish, Chinese, or Russian is desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of public library principles and procedures. Familiarity with and appreciation of children’s literature, and appropriate techniques in working with children required. Knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, forms, and equipment. Knowledge of e-readers, e-books, and ability to troubleshoot various technologies. Working knowledge of Internet, social media trends and strategies.

Ability: Ability to communicate effectively with all members of the public in a courteous and tactful manner. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with patrons, co-workers and other libraries. Interest in reading and literature. Ability to work with a high level of detail. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions. Ability to identify and to analyze complex issues and to develop appropriate recommendations. Ability to fairly and tactfully enforce library policies. Ability to express him/herself orally and in writing. Ability to tell/lead stories in an engaging manner.

Skill: Excellent customer-service skills. Ability to supervise staff and organize work priorities. Skills in operating above mentioned equipment. Skill in collection development; weeding and maintenance of collection. Skill in graphic design software. Flexibility in order to adapt to constantly changing technology.

Salary: $33.52 - $38.60 hourly with excellent benefits. Please apply with resume and cover letter by September 24, 2024