Teen Services Librarian - Hartford Public Library. The
Teen Services Librarian provides library service and programming for
and with young adults (13 – 19) and those who work with young adults in
collaboration with the Teen Services Coordinator, Youth and Family
Service Librarians, and the YOUmedia Manager. This position is
responsible for decision making of the library-based services and tasks,
including collection development, and will guide youth as they explore
digital media and library resources. The Teen Librarian will develop and
implement an intake process that determines academic and enrichment
needs for youth aging out of Youth Services and entering YOUmedia. The
Teen Services Librarian will also prepare teens aging out of YOUmedia
for the first-year college experience and recommend potential career
pathways. The Teen Librarian will also supervise and monitor teens in
the teen collection area and develop suitable programming. The position
will require activity on all three floors of the library, as well as
support services to the Youth Service Librarians at all branches. This
position also assists with routine library duties such as checking
materials in and out, creating library cards, assisting with reference
questions and reader’s advisory. May be asked to supervise staff in the
absence of branch or senior manager. Required time on the public service
desk each day. Works 37.5 hours each week requiring one evening a week,
Saturdays in rotation, and a few Sundays a year. This position ensures
the highest level of service is provided by staff to all customers.
Responsibilities include:
Program Development and Delivery:
• Adopts a connected learning approach to presenting programs, classes
and events for and with teens so that they educate, inform and inspire.
Plans, implements and evaluates library programs and services which
fulfill the diverse educational, recreational and personal need of local
teens. • Instructs teens and caregivers in information gathering,
research skills and digital literacy skills. Leverages community
experts, coaches and mentors for services and programs in order to meet
teen need and interests. • As opportunities arise, educates the public
about the value of public libraries and the profession. Creatively
promotes library services and the profession. Coordinates daily
activities of staff and volunteers assigned to teen services. Takes a
leadership role in developing, implementing and evaluating the overall
teen services program. • Works with Youth and Family Service Librarians
across the system to develop and deliver teen programming system-wide.
Partnerships and Outreach:
• Adopts a community engagement mindset and develops and maintains
effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies and
non-profits that target youth in order to plan and deliver programs and
services that meet local teen needs and interests. • Serve as liaison to
assigned schools under the Boundless partnership with Hartford Public
Schools. • Participates in community activities and meetings. Maintains
contact with organizations and library customers in order to interpret
the services and objectives of the library.
Customer Engagement:
• Conducts regular community needs assessments to identify teen needs,
in order to create tailored services and programs to address identified
needs. Provides prompt, courteous and direct assistance to all patrons
with basic information regarding use of library materials, equipment and
services. • Provides welcoming customer service to all customers.
Ensures safe conditions for staff, public and building operations. Takes
appropriate action in building emergencies. Positively reflects
Hartford Public Library’s mission, vision and values to staff and the
public. • Identifies and works with youth ready to transition to
YOUmedia and Teen services. • Identifies and works with teens preparing
to age out of YOUmedia for college or career pathways.
Collection Acquisition and Utilization:
• Ensures the library’s collections include relevant print and digital
resources aimed at the specific interests and needs of the teens in the
community. Curates content, including digital resources and special
collections, for and with teen patrons, based on teen needs and
interests. • Develops and implements new strategies and methodologies to
increase customer awareness of library resources and monitors the
results achieved.
Secondary Functions: Other duties as
assigned. The duties listed above are intended only illustrative of the
various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific
statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work
is similar or a logical assignment to the position.
Requirements:
• Master’s Degree in Library Science or Master’s Degree in Library and
Information Science from and ALA accredited institution required.
Currently pursuing an MLS/MLIS will be considered. • Must have knowledge
of the developmental, recreational, and educational needs of young
adults. Knowledge of current trends in library services for and with
young adults. Knowledge of current information technology, internet and
database search capabilities. Knowledge of connected learning and
ability to design programs that embed connected learning principles.
Knowledge of best practices in teen services, including guidelines and
standards published by ALA, YALSA and other recognized organizations.
Knowledge of best practices in community assessment and engagement.
Knowledge of effective practices in evaluation and outcomes measurement.
• Must be proficient with using social media technology (i.e. Facebook,
Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Tiktok, Snapchat etc.) is required.
Strong commitment to working in a team environment is required. •
Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks and meet program
deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with individuals and groups, both professional and
non-professional, co-workers, management personnel, and the public. •
Ability to create clear and concise reports, and to deliver them orally
to a wide variety of audiences. Ability to deal effectively with elected
officials, and other public constituencies.
To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to hpljobs@hplct.org and reference Teen Services Librarian in the subject line of your email.
Hartford Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
