Library Volunteer Jobs Near Me

Job Title: Youth Services Librarian - (40 hr./Exempt/Full-time)
Location: Main Library
Starting Pay Range: $51,064.00 - $68,619.20 annually (commensurate with experience)
Note: For internal candidates, pay adjustments are made in accordance with our Compensation and Salary Administration policy

Our Commitment to Diversity

Open to all doesn’t just apply to our customers, it applies to our hiring practices as well. We put respect at the top of our values and that’s how we treat our candidates and employees. The Columbus Metropolitan Library is committed to equal employment opportunity and adheres to these principles in decisions regarding hiring. The Library does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based upon their sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, color, ancestry, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, familial status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

At Columbus Metropolitan Library, we are striving to build a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. Learn more about Our Employee Experience: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/careers/employee-experience/.

What We Offer:

• A robust benefits package that supports your physical, mental, and financial well-being.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to meet your healthcare needs.
• A qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs for your peace of mind.
• Generous paid time off and leave options to balance your work and personal life.
• Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and additional investment & savings plans.
• A variety of voluntary and supplemental insurance plans to complement your lifestyle.

Comprehensive overview of our benefits: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/employee-benefits/

About the Position:

The Youth Services Librarian will provide a positive and enriching experience by engaging youth and their caregivers in conversation and activities while promoting literacy and reading. This position will develop and deliver programming and services for youth aligned with the library’s Young Minds Strategy. The strategy is designed to help youth establish the foundation for a successful life, as well as collection management and general customer service. Additionally, this position plays a role in community outreach efforts with schools and organizations serving youth and families.

The Young Minds Strategy focuses on three (3) categories:

• Ready for Kindergarten; building kindergarten readiness skills for ages 0-5
• Third Grade Reading; supports and promotes early literacy development for K-3rd grade
• High School Graduation; support and preparation for tweens and teens

Position Schedule

• One weeknight closing shift - 12pm-9pm
• Other weekdays - 9am-6pm
• Alternating Friday/Saturday rotation - 9am-6pm
• 1 in 5 Sundays 1:00pm-5:00pm (as assigned)

What You’ll Do:

• Proactively provides a high level of customer service and assists customers through various aspects of utilizing the library, including expert level reference service in person, over the phone, by email and chat.
• Initiates the development, implementation and promotion of teen and children’s programs and informal engagements in support of CML’s Young Minds strategy.
• Provides readers’ advisory to customers (in person and virtually) using appropriate sources of information including knowledge of the collection, the publishing industry, and relevant resources.
• Provides training and guidance to staff and customers in the use of research databases, community resources, digital resources, and reference tools.
• Evaluates and provides feedback on the location’s juvenile collection and leads collection management and visual merchandizing activities based on knowledge of the community needs, usage levels, and relevance of materials.
• Constructs and applies a detailed approach to training for customers and staff on the use of library resources (print and digital) and/or community resources. Models the use of such resources.
• Adds expertise to system-level information and community resource training for staff.
• Promotes the library through community outreach, relationship building and information sharing with schools and other organizations serving youth and families.
• Promotes behaviors and activities supporting early literacy skills, developmentally appropriate tools, and resources for youth of all ages and promotes the advancement of reading.
• Supervises volunteers and/or practicum students/interns.
• May participate and present at local, state, and national conferences.
• Assumes responsibility for the operation of the location in the absence of a manager.
• Performs additional duties as assigned including being a project lead and/or serving on task forces, committees, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s of Library and Information Science Degree from ALA accredited institution of higher learning required.
• 1-3 years’ working with youth required.
• Ability to use appropriate judgment in handling information and records.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Acts with the customer in mind using information gained from interacting with the customers. Meets the expectations and requirements of external and internal customers.
• Ability to effectively present in a variety of formal settings - one on one, group, peers, direct reports, etc. Command attention and manage group process.
• Ability to operate library technology including personal computer, email, software programs (i.e., Windows/Microsoft Office) and other job-related equipment and systems.
• Ability to utilize reliable transportation to promptly report to job assignment and other locations, per job requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles (e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, and/or working in moderate outdoor weather conditions).

Work requires occasional lifting or pushing of up to 50 lbs. and the frequent lifting or pushing of up to 20 lbs.