Temporary Youth Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The Youth Associate is responsible for providing services directly to the public at the Youth Desk, participating in programming, outreach, and collection maintenance activities, and carrying out other duties in support of the Youth department and the library. This temporary position is to help cover a maternity leave.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(percentages are approximate; duties are illustrative, not exclusive)

• Provide services directly to the public at the Youth Desk, which includes
• answering reference and readers’ advisory questions from the public;
• assisting and training visitors in the use of the catalog, electronic, print and audiovisual resources, computers, and other equipment in the Youth department;
• placing holds on library materials; and
• interpreting library policies and procedures.

These duties and responsibilities account for 65% of the work time.

1. Assist in programming and outreach activities, which includes

• preparing for and conducting storytimes,
• helping plan and implement special programs and outreach visits,
• preparing for and presenting school year reading programs,
• and conducting tours, training, or storytimes for visiting groups.

These duties and responsibilities account for 25% of the work time.

1. Participate in collection maintenance activities, which includes

• assisting library staff by pulling items from lists,
• searching for materials reported as lost or missing and locating damaged materials, and
• maintaining the library discard cart.

These duties and responsibilities account for 5% of the work time.

1. Carry out other duties in support of the Youth department and the library, which includes

• participating in staff meetings, staff development programs, in-service days, library committees, and professional development activities;
• preparing and maintaining displays;
• preparing support materials for programs;
• preparing bibliographies and other visitor aids; and
• performing other duties as assigned.

These duties and responsibilities account for 5% of the work time.

INTERACTION

With the Youth Director, Youth staff, and the public

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of children’s and middle school literature
• Knowledge of the arrangement of materials in a library
• Skilled in creative thinking
• Skilled in listening
• Skilled in using everyday technology such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and Microsoft 365 for work tasks
• Skilled in written and verbal communication
• Able to calmly manage the pressures of public service in a busy environment
• Able to identify and address potential public relations concerns
• Able to organize work
• Able to pay attention to detail
• Able to plan and present creative activities for children
• Able to project a friendly, competent image to the public
• Able to think analytically
• Able to work well independently

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or demonstrated equivalent
• One year of professional experience in a public-facing position interacting with children

WILL BE TAUGHT

• Library policy and procedures
• Library-specific software
• Reference interview and readers' advisory skills

SCHEDULE

Mondays: 1PM-9 PM

Tuesdays: 9 AM-5 PM

Wednesdays: 9AM-1PM

Fridays: 12PM-6PM

APPLYING FOR THE JOB

Please include a resume and cover letter