Staff librarian - youth services

Full job description

Posting Date:

5/9/24

Department:

Library - Youth Services

Job Code:

L412

Sequence #:

721

Number of Hours Per Week:

37.5

Additional Work Hours Information:

The work week is 37.5 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule includes evening and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.

Union Affiliation:

CPLSA, MSLA, Local 4928

# of openings:

1

Type of Employment:

Regular

Civil Service Type:

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Deliver outstanding library services in a diverse community to patrons of all ages, especially youth (ages 0-18) and their caregivers. Perform professional reference, readers’ advisory, collection development, programming, and outreach activities.

• Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion: Perform all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
  
  
• Direct Patron Service: Provide professional readers’ advisory, reference services, technology instruction and assistance, and circulation services to the public. Develop and maintain expertise in a wide range of resources, especially literature and media for youth and new and emerging technology. Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
  
  
• Collections: Select, evaluate, and maintain collections in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets. Actively promote library resources through programming, merchandizing, and creating book lists, resource guides, and displays. May process deliveries and shelve materials.
  
  
• Programs and Services: Develop, present, and evaluate engaging library programs and services for youth, caregivers, and families, both independently and collaboratively, taking into consideration principles of child development; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local youth, caregivers, and families.
  
  
• Outreach and Community Engagement: Raise awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Create and maintain effective relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving youth and families. Conduct regular outreach to outside groups and host library visits and tours for student and community groups.
  
  
• Leadership and Project Management: Champion library initiatives and strategic priorities and foster a culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement. Work effectively with the Youth Services team and with colleagues in other departments. Participate in and may lead trainings and workgroups to develop library projects, plans, and initiatives. May oversee the unit in the absence of senior staff, supervise pages and mentor and train other staff.
  
  
• Other duties as required for the good of the Library.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program and experience working with youth, families, and diverse populations is required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.
  
  
• Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism
  
  
• Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community and with individuals who may be experiencing hardships that impact their behavior.
  
  
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
  
  
• Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
  
  
• Broad knowledge and appreciation of literature and media for youth, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.
  
  
• Knowledge of developmental principles, materials and current issues related to serving youth; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to establish positive relationships with youth.
  
  
• Reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, and project management knowledge and ability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working in public libraries or other community settings is highly desirable. Professional librarian experience and fluency in a language in addition to English are desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions.

SCHEDULE : The work week is 37.5 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule includes evening and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation. The initial schedule will be:

• Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Tuesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Wednesday 10:30am - 7:00pm
• Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (or off for Saturday)
• Every third Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Saturday Rotation #3)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
  
  
• Cover Letter

ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve - one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at .