Librarian II

Summary

The Henrietta Hankin Branch, Chester Springs has an opening for a Librarian II in the Youth Services Department. This position is responsible for serving children and teens, and their families, in a high-volume, fast-paced library. The librarian assuming this position will be responsible for planning and presenting story time for preschoolers (Infants through Kindergarten), developing and leading library programs for elementary students, and assisting with other programs. Function as part of the library Person In Charge team, ensuring smooth operation of the building in the absence of the Branch Manager. The librarian will also provide reference and readers’ advisory services.

This position requires an MLS/MLIS, ALA-accredited preferred, with at least one year’s relevant experience, knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, knowledge of child development, and experience planning and presenting programs. Candidates should have excellent oral and written communication skills, organization skills and exemplify teamwork, enthusiasm, flexibility, energy, and a genuine enjoyment of work with library customers of all ages, especially children. This position may include daytime, evening, and a rotating weekend schedule.

This position requires the following physical abilities: to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; to wheel book-carts weighing up to 125 lbs.; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday. Library experience and experience with children a plus.

All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

Position Type: Full time/Exempt
Shift: Hours vary including nights and weekends

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).

Essential Duties

• Staff the library’s Youth Services desk. Occasionally staff other service desk(s) if needed.
• Provide guidance in finding library materials.
• Provide general reference and readers advisory services.
• Assist in collection development and maintenance, including material selection and weeding.
• Plan, produce and promote library programs and story times, presenting in-house and/or virtual programs and story times as well as coordinating with outside organizations/presenters.
• Assist customers and staff from other departments in the use of Youth Services resources
• Serve as part of the Person in Charge team on rotation
• Complete assigned projects that support the library’s annual goals and objectives.
• Participate in community outreach activities to promote the library and its services
• Serve on appropriate library committee(s)
• Train and supervise library volunteers
• Attend and participate in monthly department meetings and library-wide staff meetings.
• Assist with creating daily schedules to ensure there is adequate coverage.
• Assist supervisor with daily operations and provide reports, as needed.
• Participate in continuing education workshops, seminars and conferences to keep current in the field and fulfill state continuing education requirements.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library or Information Science
• Ability to obtain a PA Professional Librarian Certification
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Flexibility and ability to accept change.
• General knowledge of principles and practices of public library service.
• Strong work ethic – inspires the trust of others and upholds organizational values.
• Familiarity with the ALA Bill of Rights and Freedom to View statements.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervisionand cooperatively with colleagues.
• PA Criminal background check.
• PA Child abuse clearance.
• FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal Background check

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science from an ALA accredited program.
• One year of job-related experience.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of public library service.
• Experience in selecting current and appropriate library materials.
• Knowledge of national cataloging standards (including Dewey Decimal System, Anglo-American cataloging rules and Library of Congress subject headings).
• Knowledge of the Library Collection Development Plan.
• Ability to speak in public (presentation and storytelling skills).
• Strong communication skills in person, over the phone, and by email.
• Flexibility and acceptance of change.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgement.
• Demonstrated desire to work with the public.
• Proactive and flexible.

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Intermediate Office Suite Skills, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Explorer).
• Intermediate Outlook Skills (email and calendar)
• Basic Windows skills
• Proficient in using databases and the internet

• Close vision for reading, operating a computer and driving.

• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet but can vary, especially when programs are taking place.

• Ability to work extended hours, as necessary.
• Library is open seven days a week (62 hours). Closed Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.