SENIOR LIBRARIAN (CHILDREN'S SERVICES MANAGER)

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Durham County Library is seeking an innovative professional to lead the South Regional Library’s Children’s Services Unit. The Senior Librarian will oversee services, resources, and programming for children at South Regional Library.

The ideal candidate will possess a passion for working with children in libraries and their information needs. The Senior Librarian will be responsible for creating a safe and welcoming space for children at the South Regional Library, with an emphasis on dynamic engagement of the community.

Work is performed with independence under the supervision of the South Regional Library Manager.

The position is based at the South Regional Library, but the successful candidate may be asked to work at other locations.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule. This position includes one evening shift per week (Tuesday), every third Saturday, and every twelfth Sunday on a rotating basis.

Typical Schedule:

Monday:            9 am – 5:30 pm

Tuesday:          11:30 am – 8 pm

Wednesday:      9 am – 5:30 pm

Thursday:          9 am – 5:30 pm

*Friday:             9 am – 5:30 pm (off when working on Saturday)

*Saturday:         9:15 am – 6 pm (every 3rd week with 1 hour and 15-minute lunch break)

*Sunday:          12:30 pm – 6 pm (every 12th week with 10-minute break)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as Children’s Services Manager at the South Regional Library. Trains, supervises, and manages the South Regional Children’s staff.
• Coordinates the implementation of age specific reader programs both in-house and throughout the community.
• Promotes and publicizes library services, programming, and resources, through, but not limited to, outreach efforts in places such as schools and/or childcare center visits.
• Expands the library’s outreach to appropriate community organizations and works collaboratively with community agencies serving youth.
• Develops proactive relationships with appropriate community organizations.
• Participates in planning special events such as the summer reading program, Library Fest and others.
• Creates book displays and book lists to promote the use of library materials.
• Keeps current with new trends in library planning and services, especially issues affecting youth.
• Assists customers at the information desk by providing reference, reader’s advisory, and computer assistance.
• Interprets library policies and procedures to the public.
• Actively serves on the regional library management team and system-wide teams and committees as assigned.
• Assists with preparation and monitoring of unit budget.
• Serves as Manager on Duty in the absence of the South Regional Library Manager.
• Assists at other service points when needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of current library policies, procedures, and materials
• Thorough knowledge of children’s literature
• Some knowledge of print and electronic reference sources
• Some knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision
• Skill with library technology
• Sufficient keyboard experience to use automated system effectively
• Ability to use personal computers and word processing and spreadsheet software
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement services to children
• Ability to supervise and motivate subordinate staff
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library employees and patrons
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to organize and maintain materials and reference files
• Ability to understand and interpret library rules, policies and procedures
• Ability to work pleasantly and effectively with people of all ages
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Commitment to excellence in customer service

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited library school and six months of professional library experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Considerable Public Library experience
• Ability to speak Spanish a plus

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.