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Children’s Librarian

Rochester Public Library
Rochester, MN

Deadline: February 24, 2012

The Rochester Public Library is seeking an energetic librarian who is passionate about children’s programming, committed to excellent customer service and who is technologically knowledgeable.

Rochester Public Library, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is a very busy downtown library and bookmobile (approximately 600,000 visits per year, over 1.6 million items checked out and the busiest bookmobile in the state of Minnesota). RPL serves the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and visitors from all over the world. The Rochester Public Library (RPL) is dedicated to providing the community with access to information, literature, and ideas.

Nature of Work: This is professional library work requiring basic understanding of theories and principles related to a special function of the library. Work is done under the general supervision of the Children’s Division Head. Work requires learning and using a rather complex computer program. The major responsibilities of this position are the collections, services, and activities of the Children’s Division. Incumbent understands the overall purpose of the library and has a thorough working knowledge of the policies and procedures related to the Children’s Division. As further knowledge is gained, incumbent may be assigned supplemental responsibilities which demand and develop knowledge and judgment in providing library services. Evening and weekend hours are required. This level differs from the Librarian II classification in that few administrative responsibilities are assigned, and work direction and coordination are limited to short term projects or projects of narrower scope. A greater percentage of time is spent in direct public service and more routine professional tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities (* indicates essential job functions):

• *Maintain Library Collections:
  • select materials for collection areas as assigned by the Division Head;
  • evaluate and weed collection areas as assigned by the Division Head;
  • evaluate donations for addition to the collection;
  • create story time Kits and Book Group in a Bag for Kids kits for addition to the circulating collection.
• *Public Service: 
  • provide reference and reader’s advisory assistance to Children’s Division customers, using a variety of tools including electronic databases;
  • explain and interpret library policies and procedures to the public;
  • create bibliographies, book and media lists and displays to increase access to library materials and encourage their use;
  • respond to customer inquiries in person, over the telephone, by email, instant messaging and other online means of communication;
  • meet or exceed the library’s customer service standards in all interactions with the public and staff.
• *Programming: 
  • plan, budget, manage contracts, promote, execute and evaluate programs for children ages birth to fourteen, parents, and adults who work with youth;
  • lead other staff assisting in programming; apply for grants to supplement programming funds;
  • present tours of the Children’s Division to classes and other groups;
  • provide outreach services to youth and adults who work with youth;
  • develop and nurture community partnerships.
• *Provide instruction to the public and staff:
  • develop classes; teach classes;
  • provide one-on-one instruction both formally & informally;
  • create and maintain informational & training documents for Children’s Division staff.
• Other related tasks: 
  • coordinate and participate on committees and work groups as assigned;
  • be an active participant on the division team, by working together to promote children’s services;
  • may participate in training and directing the work of student, clerical, volunteer or paraprofessional assistants;
  • responsible for special projects or tasks as assigned;
  • may act for the Division Head in his/her absence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science, preferably from an ALA accredited college.
• A minimum of one year of experience as a professional youth librarian including experience planning, presenting and evaluating programs for all ages and providing readers’ advisory and informational services to youth and adults.
• A thorough understanding of the theories of child development.
• Extensive knowledge of children’s literature and current trends and issues in library services to youth.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint, Internet, library automation systems, instant messaging and wikis.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree with major in children’s literature, education, or related field.
• Coursework in children’s literature and services as part of the Master’s Degree in Library Science
• Experience with the development and maintenance of children’s material collections.
• Experience developing community partnerships. Ability to speak and/or read a language other than English.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the Every Child Ready to Read @ your library parent education initiative.
• Experience with SirsiDynix Symphony.
• Proficient with ebook readers.