DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves performance of paraprofessional librarian or specialized non-librarian duties specific to children’s programs and services. Responsibilities include the development and implementation of educational youth programs for libraries. The incumbent of this position operates independently within prescribed responsibilities. This position requires a high level of interaction with the public, in particular with children and teenagers. General supervision is provided by a Librarian or other higher level library administrator. Supervision may be provided to youth volunteers. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Assists with cataloging, collection development, interlibrary loan, or indexing applying library principles as directed by a Librarian;
• Provides reference services and assistance to library users, including directing users to commonly used materials;
• Refers reference questions requiring interpretation to the Librarian as necessary;
• Develops and implements fun and developmentally appropriate programs and events for children, teens and families;
• Assesses community needs and designs events and services to meet those needs;
• Provides instruction and conducts activities;
• Presents programs on online event hosting sites;
• Introduces and recommends appropriate children’s books and other materials;
• Continually re-evaluates effectiveness of programs;
• Prepares related handouts or other materials for children and/or parents;
• Prepares instructional and multi-media materials for utilization in various programs;
• Schedules and conducts library tours, book talks, multi‑media programs, as assigned;
• Prepares library exhibits and displays;
• Creates public relations materials to promote library programs, services and events, such as press releases, newsletters, fliers, posters, displays, social media posts, etc.;
• Prepares research, applications, and forms relative to grant proposals;
• Uses computer applications such as word processors, calendar,
• e-mail, database, graphic design and video-editing software in performing work assignments;
• Maintains and operates audio­visual equipment;
• Performs routine system maintenance and back‑up for PC or on‑line computer systems;
• Collaborates with other local libraries and community groups;
• Participates in community events on behalf of the library;
• May assist with recruiting, assisting, and supervising  volunteers, including teenagers
• May assist with organizing and implementing Summer Reading Programs for children;
• May assist with reviewing suggested reading lists that are presented and book purchasing decisions;
• May attend workshops related to juvenile library programs;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Working knowledge of children’s literature, development, and learning processes; working knowledge of group organization and instruction; working knowledge of library services; working knowledge of online research database systems and tools; knowledge of library materials, filing and shelving rules; skill with layout and design relative to public relations, informational and marketing materials; ability to write and produce public relations, informational and marketing materials such as press releases, posters, and fliers; ability to use computer applications such as word processing, calendar, e-mail, and graphic design and video-editing software; ability to operate and maintain technical equipment such as computers and audio‑visual equipment; ability to learn technical library tasks with attention to detail and accuracy; ability to do library research at a user level; ability to carry out assignments independently; ability to develop a project from inception to implementation; ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective and professional working relationships with a variety of people including children and teenagers; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public; organizational ability; initiative.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either

1. Bachelors degree; or
2. Graduation from high school or possession of a comparable diploma, and three (3) years of experience working in a library setting, developing, and implementing programs for children and/or teenagers.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

One (1) year of experience working with children and/or young adults in recreational, youth, park service, cultural or educational enrichment activities.

12/06; 7/07; 3/10; 6/21

Competitive Class