Library Associate I Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

YOUTH SERVICES PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN

Category/Classification: Full-time – Non-Exempt

Reports to: Associate Director of Youth Services

General Summary

The Youth Services Librarian supports and assists the Associate Director of Youth Services. The Youth Services Librarian is responsible for providing assistance with children and young adult library programs in addition to providing reference assistance to children, young adults, parents, teachers, and other patrons. Assists in planning, organizing, and performing scheduled programs and events. Participates in the youth services collection development and weeding of the collection.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the Direction of the Associate Director of Youth Services:

• Assists in directing and supervising the operations of the Youth Services department.
• Assists in the planning, preparation, and presentation of story times, summer reading activities, special events and programs for children and teens that meet their specific needs
• Supervises program presentations by youth service assistants
• Coordinates children and teen service operations with other library services and functions
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory service to children, teens, parents/guardians and teachers using materials in a variety of formats (i.e. books, electronic reference databases, periodicals, newspapers)
• Evaluates materials and services; assists in the selection of materials for library acquisition and weeding the collection
• Assists in promoting library use, especially programs and services for children and teens Monitors the conditions of the teen service area and the security of the young adult collection
• Maintains working knowledge of materials collections, services available and trends in library services to youth, primarily teens
• Maintains awareness of developments and trends in librarianship by attending workshops and conferences pre-approved by the Director and reading professional literature
• Prepares monthly reports to be submitted to the Associate Director of Youth Services as required
• Presents a positive view of library, staff and administration, and services to community
• Interprets ECPL policy and procedures to public in a customer-responsive manner
• Is flexible and able to work evenings and weekends
• Performs other job related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of current librarianship
• Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the workflow
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to delegate work effectively
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, government officials and the general public
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information technology
• Knowledge of children's and young adult materials both current and classic
• Analytical ability to understand and solve reference questions
• Knowledge of and ability to explain available library services
• Ability to work independently
• Desire and ability to serve the public with friendliness, tact, and diplomacy
• Knowledge of library information systems
• Skill at accurately and efficiently sorting and shelving materials in alphanumeric order
• Physical capacity to place materials on shelves at all shelving heights
• Ability to work in a team setting. Willingness to assist and support coworkers, contribute ideas, maintain flexibility, and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment

Physical and Mental Requirements

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively

Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of technical and training materials, written correspondence, reports, and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form

Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a keyboard

Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at Main and RAP locations on a regular basis

Must have some agility to stoop, stretch, and climb to retrieve materials and conduct programs

Stands for extended periods of time, lifts and carries books and other library materials

Must have reliable transportation for travel to agencies within the system and out

Education, Experience, and Training

Master’s degree in Library (and Information) Science from an ALA-accredited university with a concentration in children’s and young adult services

License and Certification Requirements

Library Certification 5 or higher; to qualify for recertification, one must complete a minimum of 50 Library Educational Units every 5 years, as specified by the Indiana State Library

Possession of a valid Indiana driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility

The requirements given above are not intended as exclusive standards for this position. Additionally, the duties and responsibilities listed are meant to be illustrative of the nature of the position and do not include all tasks that may be necessary to this job function. Further, individuals may be required to work in other areas and at different functions than those described in accordance with the changing needs of the library.