Youth Services Librarian

About the position The Youth Services Librarian provides reference services, readers' advisory, and computer assistance to patrons of all ages, prioritizing time at the Information Desk. The role involves participating in collection development and maintenance, planning and presenting story times with an emphasis on early literacy development for children birth to age six and their caregivers/teachers, and implementing programming services appropriate to community needs. The librarian also engages in community outreach opportunities. Additionally, this position mentors and trains MLS Librarian Interns, trains and oversees department volunteers, and is responsible for scheduling department staff. The librarian is expected to maintain proficiency with Library databases and digital services, learn new technologies and software, and serve as a member of internal and external committees. Responsibilities include enforcing Library policies relevant to public use, responding to emergencies and providing support, and acting quickly with good judgment. The role requires effective communication with patrons, co-workers, and professional colleagues, and working positively and collaboratively across departments to accomplish departmental and Library goals. The librarian is also expected to foster and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and community, adapt and respond to multiple priorities, interruptions, and demands, resolve problems positively, and seek professional continuing education to keep services current and appropriate. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference services, readers' advisory and computer assistance to patrons of all ages using a variety of collections, materials and formats.
• Recognize the essential role of reference services in public librarianship and prioritize time at the Information Desk over other responsibilities as necessary.
• Participate in collection development and maintenance, keeping within monetary and physical space constraints.
• Plan and present story times, with an emphasis on early literacy development, to children birth to age six and their caregivers/teachers.
• Plan, promote and implement programming services appropriate to the needs of the community.
• Engage in outreach opportunities within the community.
• Mentor and train MLS Librarian Intern.
• Train and oversee department volunteers.
• Scheduling of department staff.
• Maintain proficiency with Library databases and digital services, and learn new technologies and software.
• Member of internal and external committees.
• Enforce Library policies relevant to public use.
• Respond to emergencies and provide support, as needed; act quickly, exercising good judgment.
• Communicate effectively with patrons, co-workers and professional colleagues.
• Work positively and collaboratively across departments to accomplish departmental and Library goals.
• Foster and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
• Adapt and respond to multiple priorities, interruptions and demands; resolve problems in a positive manner.
• Seek professional continuing education, both organized and casual, with a commitment to keeping services current and appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA accredited school.
• Knowledge of youth literature.
• Proficient in MS Office, Google Workspace, internet browsers and other computer related technologies.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Dedication to public service and providing excellent customer service.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and manage projects to completion.
• Enthusiastic, positive, friendly, self-motivated, creative and approachable.
• Strong obligation to confidentiality.
• May require a valid Michigan driver's license based on assignment.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous youth programming experience.
• Ability to speak multiple languages.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan (Defined Contribution plan, with employees contributing 3% and the City of Novi contributing 9%)
• Personal business time (6 days annually)
• Sick time (1 day per month)
• Vacation time (7 hours per month to start, increasing based on years of service)
• Paid Holidays