MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

GROTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Young Adult Librarian

Statement of Duties
Performs professional librarian tasks for a Library department. Performs other duties as required.

 

Supervision
Works under the general supervision of the library director who provides goals and objectives.  Works independently to analyze/evaluate current young adult services, programs and practices and to revise/develop programs as needed to respond to patron needs and service delivery. Library policies and procedures are available and must be observed and followed.

Has access to a limited amount of confidential information.

Trains, supervises and evaluates volunteers in Young Adult area;
 

Job Environment
This is varied work, involving many detailed operations as well as non-standardized tasks, procedures and techniques.  Evaluation and analysis are required to judge appropriate response to problems. Works in a very public, active area, with competing demands on attention; interactions may require considerable effort to diffuse potential conflict.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service and monetary loss, damage to equipment, patron dissatisfaction, or compromised patron safety.

Constant contact with young adults (typically ages 12-18), backgrounds and abilities.  Other contacts are with parents and other family members, the public, schools, teachers, other libraries town employees, state and regional library associations, social service organizations, civic organizations and other professional organizations.  Contacts are usually in person or by phone.  Written (including computer electronic mail) communication is frequently necessary.
 

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.

Plans, organizes, and maintains the library’s young adult collection.  Analyses collection for development needs.  Reads, reviews, and selects books and other material for purchase. 

Provides reference and reader’s advisory service for young adults.  Assists library users in the use of the library and its resources.  Assists young adults, parents, teachers and other adults in selection of young adult books, audio-books and other library materials.

Initiates, plans and conducts a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the library by young adults between the ages of 12 to 18, including but not limited to films and special events, reading clubs, school and community outreach.

Promotes programs and services through press releases, flyers and other public relations channels.

Maintains a pleasant, inviting, safe environment for young adults.

Trains and supports other staff members in the provision of services for young adults, as appropriate.

Coordinates volunteers assigned to young adult area.

Is responsible for allocated budget.  Monitors expenditures and approves purchases for department. Studies grant possibilities and seeks funds to support the young adult collection and programs.

Participates in developing goals, policies and procedures related to Young Adult Services.  Interprets policy and explains procedure to the public.

Involves young adults in planning and implementing services for their age group.

Advocates for young adults and young adult services with other community agencies.

Collaborates with schools and other agencies to serve young adults.

Makes presentations to community groups to explain library programs and services. 

Attends professional library conferences, seminars and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.

Compiles, reviews and interprets statistical data regarding use of young adult services. Prepares regular management reports for review by Director.

Provides material classification and cataloging services as needed. 
 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

          Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program required, with an emphasis on young adult literature and youth services.   Three to five years professional experience in a library setting, with supervisory and administrative experience required. Experience with young adults (ages 12 to 18) is preferred.  

          Knowledge, Ability and Skill

          Thorough knowledge of:

• Library operations and library services.

• Current trends in library services for young adults

• Young adult literature and other materials for youth

• Library policies and procedures in order to explain programs and services to others.

• Reference sources and research techniques, reader interest levels, publisher and dealer practices, methods of library supply resources.

Working knowledge of:

• Common computer applications and use of the Internet

Ability to:

• Work with young adults of varied backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

• Create long-range and short-range goals, objectives

• Handle a great many details some simultaneously, with accuracy.

• Handle a sizable number of young people simultaneously, with skill.

• Acquire skills in performing supervision over one (1) or more work units.

• Persuade, negotiate, resolve conflict

• Exercise initiative and independent judgment

• Maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety, respond to emergencies

• Communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing
   

Physical and Mental Requirements
Work is performed in classroom-type, open environment, subject to moderate noise.  Up to one third of time is spent standing, walking, stooping or reaching with hands or arms.  Up to two-thirds of the time is spent using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting is required up to 30 pounds; seldom required to lift up to 60 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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