Senior Library Assistant (Youth Services)

Responsible for providing assistance with children and teen library programs in addition to providing technical and reference assistance to children, parents, teachers, and other library patrons. Responsible for developing, coordinating, and presenting literacy outreach programs in the community. Participates in planning, organizing, and performing scheduled programs and events.

Collaborates in scheduling, planning, and presenting Youth Services programs for infant, toddler, preschool, school-aged, and teen library patrons; organizes, schedules and promotes special exhibits and programs.

Oversees regular and special story times within the library and community. Creates and maintains story time guidelines, schedules, and trainings for story time leaders.

Participates in collection development, reads, reviews, and recommends materials; Recommends out-of-date materials for reading and damaged books to be readded to the collection; reviews materials and book donations for adding to the collection; reads shelves and shifts materials in order to maintain a neat and orderly library.

Selects and purchases a variety of materials for Youth Services.

Serves as a library liaison to internal and external agencies for literacy outreach opportunities. Presents literacy training workshops for parents and educators; coordinates, prepares, and conducts outreach activities including book deposits with York County’s Division of Children and Family Services Programs; partners with other County agencies for literacy outreach opportunities.

Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes or lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in library services for youth of all ages from infant to teen.

Assists with coordinating key components of the summer reading program.

Assists Senior Librarian with personnel related recruiting, selection, training, and scheduling.

Assists the Senior Librarian in managing the Youth Services division when supervisor is unavailable.

Performs routine, difficult and complex reference interviews and information searches for library patrons: instructs patrons in the use of library equipment and resources; performs reader advisory service.

Tracks monthly youth department statistics.

Designs bulletin boards, signs, flyers, brochures, and banners for publicity. Decorates display cases and arranges special display areas for special events or promotions.

Compiles reading lists and bibliographies.

Conducts library tours and presents special programs upon request.

Serves on library committees as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree and 1-2 years of closely related experience.

This job is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment checks to include criminal history and background checks.

Supplemental Information

General knowledge of library reference resources and services, particularly those pertaining to children, teems, parents, and educators.

General knowledge of children’s books and authors. Ability to choose developmentally appropriate literature and activities for varied age groups from infants to teens.

General knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System and standard library practices and procedures.

Ability to analyze and evaluate work procedures and to exercise appropriate judgement in establishing priorities and work methods.

Ability to work on several projects simultaneously, plan activities in advance, and complete with attention to detail.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the general public and other employees.

Ability to train others in assigned area.

Ability to oversee the daily operations of department in supervisor’s absence.

Ability to use computers, library software, and standard office applications with proficiency.

Ability to operate audiovisual, multimedia, and presentation equipment used in library programs and events.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, copiers, etc. Work involves some lifting of boxes of books and/or periodicals weighing between 20-25 pounds, and pushing, and pulling of a handcart or other type of cart. Must be physically able to set up rooms for programs, including lifting and stacking of chairs and equipment and pushing and setting up heavy tables.