Youth Services Library Assistant

Hancock County Library System
JOB DESCRIPTION
May 2025

TITLE:  Youth Services LA I
CLASSIFICATION:  Library Assistant I (Hourly, Non-Exempt)
REPORTS TO:  Waveland Branch Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting library services and programs for children, teens, and families. This position fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages youth literacy, learning, and personal development. The librarian collaborates with colleagues, schools, and community partners to ensure responsive and engaging services that meet the needs of young patrons.

GENERAL SKILLS:

•    Ability to learn and apply approved operating policies and procedures to the work environment.
•    Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationship and effectively communicate with all members of the          public, library personnel, volunteers and library administration.
•    Skills to plan, develop, and lead engaging programs for children, teens, and caregivers, including story times, summer            reading, STEM activities, and teen advisory groups.
•    Ability to learn and apply skills to research and answer informational questions in person, via the telephone, or via email.
•    Ability to train library users to successfully access public computers, library OPAC, Internet, and other reference and              information resources.
•    Ability to use library equipment, including but not limited to: ILS system, photocopier, fax, telephone, computer                        hardware/software, Databases, Envisonware, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Staff circulation desk, answering telephones, in-house requests for information, and assisting in selection of materials            from customers of all ages.
•    Assist with YS materials selection, collection development, and ordering of materials; maintain YS collections through            collection development, weeding, shelf reading, and shelving as directed.
•    Plan, develop, and lead engaging programs for children, teens, and caregivers, including story times, summer reading,          STEM activities, and teen advisory groups.
•    Coordinate class and other group visits.
•    Assist with preparation of bulletin boards and other displays/decorations for Youth Services Department.
•    Collaborate with schools, community groups, and organizations to promote library resources and services.
•    Develop and implement outreach initiatives to increase library usage among underserved youth populations.
•    Perform tasks related to library card registration, automated circulation, interlibrary loan, holds, reference services, and          other public services and routines.
•    Assist customers in use of the public computers/software, resources/equipment housed in the library and with the OPAC.
•    Helps customers with use of photocopiers, microfilm readers/printers, online catalog, public computers, internet                      searching, online form submittal, and software programs (MS Office, databases etc).
•    Makes appointments for community groups to use library meeting room.
•    Performs routine financial procedures including making change, collecting payments for fines and lost books, and                  providing refunds.
•    Assists handicapped, hearing and print-impaired customers with library services, including recommending patrons for            Services to the Blind and Print-Handicapped.
•    Handles customer complaints and seeks to resolve problems; ensures customers comply with Library Code of Conduct          and reports issues up chain of command as appropriate.
•    Maintains a neat and orderly public, work, and support area.
•    May assist branch staff with preparation of various programs and displays, as needed.
•    Performs any other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:
The qualified applicant must possess the following physical skills:
•    Ability to sit for extended periods
•    Ability to frequently stand and walk, bend.
•    Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 lbs.
•    Must be able to bend, stoop and shelve books on all levels of shelving.
•    Ability to use computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers and FAX machines.
•    Ability to drive with valid driver’s license; possesses personal transportation

Minimum Requirements:
•    High School Diploma or equivalent.
•    Excellent personal communications ability.
•    Computer/Internet skills.
•    Ability to place items in correct alphabetical order and numerical sequence.
•    A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.