Youth Services Librarian

GREENVILLE COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY SYSTEM
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, NO. 2025-017
Posting Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024    Application Deadline: Thursday, September 5, 2024 
Position: Youth Services Librarian, Youth Services, Hughes Main Library and 2 Branch Locations (TBD). Provides programs to children ages 0-17 and to families    Pay: $45,855 per year, plus benefits
Status: Regular Full-time, Exempt    Available: September 2024
Location: Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, South Carolina AND 2 Branch Locations (TBD)
Schedule: Mon. – Fri. 8:30a-5:00p. Every 5-6 weeks, this position works one weekend day at Main, either Sat. 8:30a-6:00p OR Sun. 1:30p-6:00p. (When working a weekend day, the employee is off the Friday before or another weekday.)

FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the Youth Services (YS) Manager, this position:
•    Performs a variety of specialized duties for youth and their families, both inside Library System facilities and at non-Library locations. 
•    Is responsible for providing quality collection development, programs for youth, reader’s advisory, reference and circulation services at assigned library locations.
•    May direct, assign, and coordinate duties of other staff to ensure efficient operation of the department. 
•    Conducts educational age appropriate programs, and may provide presentations to outside organizations. 
•    Embodies the Library System’s code of service by creating an atmosphere where customers and coworkers feel invited, informed, impressed, and inspired. 
•    Performs work in accord with the Library System’s vision and mission, using good judgment in the application of policies and established procedures. 

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
Required: 
•    Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university is required. 
•    Two years of experience working with children in a library or formal learning environment. 
•    Certified or eligible for certification by the South Carolina State Library.  

Preferred: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the ability to:
•    concentrate for long periods of time
•    speak clearly and distinctly
•    hear and/or comprehend verbal communication
•    see and interpret all job-related materials
•    operate library equipment as assigned
•    frequently lift up to 40 pounds for a distance of 300 feet
•    frequently push carts weighing over 100 pounds
•    frequently move, setup, fold, and stack tables and chairs
•    sit for long periods of time
•    stand for long periods of time
•    walk, bend and stoop
•    reach, grasp and use hands to touch, handle, or feel
•    type on an ongoing basis for long periods of time, using both hands
•    tolerate low levels of dust and mold associated with working around books and other library materials

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 
•    Use of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
•    Valid S.C. driver’s license  
•    Weekend and night work 
•    Perform duties at any Library location in the Greenville County Library System as requested
•    Ability to accommodate frequent and sudden schedule changes and to adjust to changing work environments

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).
Assists Customers
•    Provides readers’ advisory and reference services to children, teens and adults serving children. (E)
•    Assists patrons in locating materials and information using the library’s catalog, online databases and other online resources. (E)

Circulation
•    Works the public service desk in the Children’s Area and/or branches as assigned/needed. (E)
•    Provides general circulation services, including registering new borrowers, updating patron records, placing holds, etc. (E)
•    Uses the Library’s integrated library system to process discharges, fill or clear holds, place or receive items in transit and maintain accurate status of items. Includes processing of system-generated reports. (E)

Collection Development
•    Maintains youth materials in assigned branches, including weeding, following the pre-determined schedule and shifting the collections. (E)
•    Reviews, evaluates, and selects new books and other youth materials from professional journals and/or online resources. (E)  
•    Assesses library materials for mending or repair needs or consideration for discard/replacement. (E)
•    Assists in evaluation of youth materials that are subject to patron request for reconsideration or that otherwise require reevaluation. (E)
•    Keeps abreast of popular titles and series. (E)
•    Participates in YS and YS Collection Development meetings. Serves on other Library committees as assigned. (E)

Duties
•    Assists in the development of booklists, brochures, pamphlets, web pages, and social media pertaining to youth services and programs as assigned. (E)
•    Instructs and demonstrates use of library equipment and online resources as needed. (E)
•    Manages assignments and responsibilities effectively in a busy environment. (E)
•    Answers questions on library operations, policies and procedures, and handles problems and complaints. (E) 
•    Prepares monthly reports, timesheets, statistical information, and other documents for administrative use. (E)
•    Keeps abreast of developments in the field by reading current professional literature; attending local and state professional organizations’ meetings; and attending classes, workshops, seminars and programs dealing with child development and/or youth services. (E)
•    Submits programs events to be featured in print, social media, and/or the library website to the YS Manager in a timely, accurate manner. (E)
•    Proofs information carefully and by the stated deadline. (E)
•    Collects statistics for, assesses, and evaluates programs presented. (E)
•    Reads and is becomes familiar with juvenile literature and reference tools to facilitate tasks. (E) 
•    Acts as a Team Leader, i.e. serves as the responsible party for the unit’s operation evenings, weekends, or as designated. (Full-time positions) (E)
•    Communicates and enforces the Library’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures and rules to customers. (E)
•    Follows safe work methods to prevent injury. (E)
•    Promotes library use and services to youth. (E) 
•    Participates in Youth Services meetings. (E) 
•    Cleans and dusts office/computer equipment, materials and shelves, vacuums floors and cleans tables after programs, and assists in keeping the library clean and neat.
•    Recommends policy and develops procedures related to youth programming. (E)
•    Maintains regular and reliable attendance and remains compliant with the Library System’s Attendance Guidelines. (E)
•    Performs other duties and special projects as directed.

Plans and Conducts Programs/Events
•    Plans, develops, and presents youth programs, including virtual programs and kits, that meet the specific needs of assigned branches/audiences. (E) 
•    Considers program appeal, viability, budget, and safety when planning programs/events. (E)
•    Reserves, sets up, and breaks down programs spaces as needed, including washing tables, vacuuming floors, stacking tables and chairs. (E)
•    Gathers supplies needed for programs/events and transports them to/from event locations. (E)
•    Requests needed supplies in advance. Preps craft materials in advance. (E)
•    Presents database overviews and other trainings to school groups in the Training Lab or at schools. (E) 
•    Conducts library tours. (E)
•    Assists or acts as substitute for YS programmers. (E) 
•    Collaborates with YS and/or branch staff to develop, promote, and facilitate special programs. (E)
•    Reviews, evaluates, and responds to program requests from outside sources in conjunction with the Youth Services Manager. (E)
•    Presents programs, which may include singing, clapping, dancing, and/or jumping. (E)
•    Learns, understands, and incorporates Palmetto Basics principles and STEAM activities as appropriate. (E)  

Outreach
•    Works with Youth Services Manager to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community groups and cultural organizations that offer programs for youth and/or caregivers. (E)
•    Represents the Library System in developing and maintaining partnerships and other collaborative relationships with community groups and cultural organizations that offer programs for youth. (E)
•    Promotes awareness and encourages usage of library resources and services to schools and other agencies by attending PTA/PTO meetings, career fairs, and other youth-oriented organizations’ meetings and activities. (E)
•    Contacts youth-oriented agencies in the vicinity of assigned branches and offers to conduct programs for them. (E)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS
(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.) 
Knowledge:
•    Considerable knowledge of the functions of reference and readers’ advisory services, including general knowledge of the major fields of learning. 
•    Considerable knowledge of children’s literature and youth developmental stages.
•    Knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic. 
•    Good personal computing skills, including effective use of word processing and spreadsheet programs, various internet browsers and email. 
•    Knowledge of Palmetto Basics and STEM concepts.

Skills/Abilities:
•    Ability to plan and execute engaging, age appropriate children’s programs and/or tours.
•    Ability to perform setup and breakdown for programs, which includes moving, setting up, folding, and stacking tables and chairs.
•    Ability to lead songs with the public.
•    Ability to create and lead art based programs with preschool and school-aged children.
•    Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and Library System staff. 
•    Ability to provide adequate instruction and directions to subordinates. 
•    Ability to work under frequently stressful conditions and meet required deadlines.
•    Ability to perform routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.  
•    Ability to follow established procedures and to perform work requiring considerable detail including recognizing and correcting errors. 
•    Ability to learn, implement, and maintain complex filing systems, including the Dewey Decimal System, with a high level of accuracy. 
•    Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in oral, written and electronic forms. 
•    Ability to operate and care for computers and their peripheral equipment, e.g. RFID pads, barcode readers, printers, etc. 
•    Ability to learn the Library System’s integrated system software, i.e. an automation system used to manage library processes.
•    Ability to learn and demonstrate the use of current mobile device technology to assist customers in downloading and/or accessing the Library System’s online digital materials such as eBooks.
•    Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer records, security related incidents and other identifiable customer uses of Library System resources and services.
•    Ability to resolve conflicts, problems, and complaints with tact and diplomacy.
•    Preferred: Bilingual – English/Spanish skills.

Characteristics:
•    Works well in a team environment.
•    Enjoys working with children and families, and possesses a strong commitment to customer service.
•    Establishes rapport with others in person and on the telephone, and maintains effective working relationships with customers and coworkers. 
•    Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations and in a sometimes noisy and chaotic environment. 
•    Follows established procedures and instructions received from supervisor. 
•    Possesses strong organizational skills and is detail oriented. 
•    Performs routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.
•    Uses good judgment and discretion in carrying out duties and responsibilities. 
•    Receptive to feedback, willing to learn and embraces continuous improvement.
•    Takes ownership of work, does what is needed without being asked, and follows through until task is completed.
•    Punctual, works hours as scheduled, and maintains a good attendance record.