Youth Services Librarian

The Youth Services Librarian will be responsible for planning, implementing, promoting, and evaluating programs and services for youths, their families, and caregivers. In this setting, youths are inclusive of a wide range of ages, including from infancy to late teens. They select materials to meet the interests of the public and to maintain a balanced and vibrant collection. Outreach and collaboration with members of the public and local organizations are key to success in making the library an asset for all South Burlington families. The Marabella Kidspace is a dynamic, highly utilized part of the library, and this position would foster the connection between the Kidspace and the Teen Space upstairs. The Librarian must be a strong manager and team member.

1. Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training Youth Services staff. Manages and mentors staff by meeting with them regularly and assisting with setting priorities and goals, conducting annual staff performance evaluations, addressing employee performance issues, and handling disciplinary action when necessary. 
2. Creates and maintains the youth service desk schedule among staff to ensure coverage, continuity, and a high level of customer service.
3. Serves on the library leadership team to set the direction of library services and programs and to collaborate across departments. Regularly assumes full responsibility for the operation and security of the library. Provides in-house staff  training on a variety of topics and engages in leadership training to better serve staff and library needs.
4. Maintains departmental budget
5. Plans, implements, and oversees youth library services and programs, to include regular story times, school age programming and occasional special events based on the Library policies and strategic plan, City goals, and current needs.
6. Creates a welcoming space for all youths and responsively bases activities and services on their input. 
7. Develops behavior management procedures in coordination with adult services.
8. Develops and maintains the library collection for youths and parents with an eye toward representation and inclusion as indicated in Library policies and strategic plan.
9. Supports youth and family literacy through active outreach to community organizations, schools, pre-schools, daycares, and City departments.
10. Creates a robust 8-week summer reading program for youths, setting goals and assessing success annually. Coordinates with adult services and the Recreation Department where possible. 
11. Staffs youth services desk to assist the public and build relationships with patrons of all backgrounds.
12. Promotes library services and programs through marketing and publicity.
13. Develops output measurement tools and prepares statistical reports.
14. Researches and prepares grants.
15. Assists patrons of all ages with reader’s advisory and information services using expertise and online sources.
16. Assists patrons in the use of library computers and equipment.
17. Oversees the preparation of displays and passive programs.
18. Performs routine circulation and processing functions as needed.
19. Enforces library policies and procedures in an appropriate manner, using de-escalation techniques and related best practices.
20. Serves on City committees as needed.
21. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Master’s degree in library science or a related field required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities, and skills.
2. Two years of supervisory experience required.
3. Two years of experience working with youth required.

1. Prior experience in library management preferred.
2. Prior experience in children’s library program planning and children’s literature preferred. 
3. Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and effectively with the public and other employees.
4. Strong communication skills.
5. Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and dependability.
6. Good organizational skills.
7. Expertise and proficiency with computers and related hardware, popular library software, internet, and digital communications.
8. Considerable knowledge of professional library principles, practices, and techniques.