Children's and Young Adult Services Librarian

Perkins helps kids with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

Be a part of an amazing team and join the Perkins Library which circulates more than half a million accessible books, newspapers and publications in braille, large print and digital audio formats annually to thousands of registered patrons with print disabilities in New England and beyond.

As our Children's and Young Adult Services Librarian, you are responsible for the provision of resources and services to children and young adult patrons, post-secondary students, parents, educators, and agencies serving such patrons of the library; conducts outreach activities to expand the users of the library and to heighten awareness of services. You will assist with the development of relevant web content, and publications for all applicable children and youth, parent, and educator audiences.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations

• Selects books for patrons and agencies; provides on-demand bibliographic searches and assists students and educators in identifying other sources of alternative media materials for titles not available from the Library; develops custom bibliographies of titles available from the Library.
• Maintains patron reading records; investigates and resolves service problems; Provides basic information and library service questions to patrons, parents, teachers, etc.
• Determines task priorities and procedures for children and youth services in consultation with other appropriate staff.
• Fosters ongoing contact with deposit sites and institution/organization staff, teachers, parents, librarians, etc. Develops and maintains informational resources on agencies, programs, and services available to children, youth, and post-secondary students with disabilities.
• Coordinates the Library's Summer Reading Program and other specialized activities for children and youth, educators, parents, etc.
• Makes presentations to groups, workshops, conferences, in-service seminars, and other activities to increase and expand the service to eligible users.
• Write and/or edit various publications and specialized newsletters targeted to children, youth, post-secondary students, and educators to assist and promote effective use of the Library’s services. 
• Assists in the development, marketing, and communications efforts as needed, and participates in staff committee activities and staff meetings. Performs other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and/or Experience                                                          

Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program; two to four years’ experience working in a library setting is preferable. Preference is given to those with experience with the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled network, and experience in children’s and youth services.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from patrons, groups, managers, constituents, and the general public. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Write clear materials, and business correspondence.

Computer Skills                                                                                

To perform this job successfully, an individual should know circulation/Database software, web browsers, Microsoft Office, Spreadsheet software, and word processing software.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Typically, workers are required to sit, ascend and descend stairs, walk, bend, reach, and handle objects, travel independently, use hands to operate equipment specific to the library’s operations, use a telephone to speak to and listen to borrowers, and use computer and keyboard.

Work requires the expression or exchange of ideas and the ability to receive detailed information; the ability to compare, compile, analyze, and coordinate data and information; the ability to follow instructions or train others; and the ability to utilize effective interpersonal skills and behaviors. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

After a 6 week orientation period, there is flexibility for hybrid work with one day as a work from home option per week.

If hired as a regular employee at Perkins, we have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.

Perkins is an equal opportunity employer. View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.