Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - Avon Free Public Library

Library Specialist in Children's Room (2 positions) - Avon Free Public Library.

• POSITION #1: 25 Hours/Week, including 1 evening and Saturday Rotation
• POSITION #2: Alternate Sundays, January through March, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Position Definition: Performs responsible and varied library services in the Children’s Services Department, including assisting children and students in the use of library materials, equipment and resources, and conducting programs for pre-school, elementary and middle school students and young adults. Supervision received: Works under the general supervision of the Children’s Librarian, who assigns areas of responsibilities, outlines policy and procedures, provides guidance as necessary, and evaluates work in terms of accuracy and effectiveness. Works with a great deal of independence in Children’s Services. Supervision exercised: Provides task supervision to Library Pages and volunteers as assigned. Examples of Essential Job Duties: Assists in the planning, development and implementation of library programs and services for children and young adults, including story hours, library tours, and related events to encourage reading, viewing and listening skills. Provides reference and readers advisory services to children, teens and adults. Assists children and students in the use of the library's catalogue and reference materials, answers reference questions; locates information or guides children to source materials. Assists children and students in use of computer system to locate books and materials, to access Internet and CD ROM reference sources. Refers children and students to Children’s Librarian as necessary. Plans, prepares and presents pre-school and early grade story-time and literature related programs. Uses literature, music, dance, and puppets, etc. to enhance presentations. May develop scripts, posters, and audio-visual materials for programs. May involve audience, including adults, in activities. Visits schools, childcare centers, and community locations to present programs. Participates in the developing Children’s Services collection of books, periodicals, and audio-visual equipment and materials. Evaluates library materials for children based on knowledge of community needs, review of professional journals and children's literature, and library policy. Recommends selections to the Children’s Librarian. Enters new materials into automated circulation system and barcodes materials in the Technical Services Department on an as needed basis. Performs collection maintenance tasks, including shelf reading, weeding of damaged or obsolete materials, and noting gaps in subject areas, etc.Performs circulation desk duties, including charging and discharging library materials, recording and filing circulation cards, and registering new children; answers telephone calls and provides information to children. Reserves books and loan materials. Maintains circulation desk area in neat and functional condition. Provides backup assistance in other library areas as necessary. Examples of Incidental Job Duties: Organizes programs and activities with school librarians, teachers, parents’ groups, and community organizations. Arranges programs using volunteers, artists, and others. Attends professional library conferences to remain abreast of changes in library matters. Performs other duties as required. Maintains appearance of Children’s section. Prepares displays and exhibits. Minimum qualifications required: The skills and knowledge required would generally be acquired with an Associate’s degree in Library Science, and three years of experience in an educational institution or a public library, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Prior experience in working in childcare, child development, pre-school or elementary education is desirable. Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Must have a working knowledge of children’s, juvenile and young adult literature. A working knowledge of library principles and practices is required. Must be able to apply the principles of library science to resolve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must be able to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagrammatic and schedules form. Ability to acquire a working knowledge of, and to work with, computer applications and technical equipment applicable to library operations is required. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure, and compute ratios, rates and percentages. Must be able to relate to children and have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff and adult patrons is essential. Salary: $22.1649/hr. (no benefits associated with these positions). Closing Date: 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2013. Employment Application: www.town.avon.ct.us (under job opportunities). Send completed application, cover letter and resume to: William F. Vernile, Director of Human Resources, 60 West Main Street, Avon, CT 06001.