Job Information
The New York Public Library Children's Librarian - 125th Street Library in New York, New York
Children's Librarian - 125th Street Library
Department: Branch Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: 125th Street Library
Reporting To: Sumie Ota
Compensation: $68,177 / year
Description
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL’s neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie’s visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.
The Library is seeking Children’s Librarians to empower children from infant through pre-teen to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Library Manager, the Children's Librarian:
Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources
Collaborates with the Youth Educational Services Department to develop, promote and facilitate innovative programs to build literacy and a love of reading to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s children, parents and childcare providers, including storytimes and other early literacy programs, visual and performing arts programming, STEM programs, summer reading events, and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community
Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain the Children's collection ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant and meets the needs of the community
Works to engage children with the collection in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones
Conducts outreach to and develops partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, daycare centers, and community groups that target children to promote the library’s services (e.g., MyLibraryNYC, the Library’s partnership with NYC schools), collections, specialized programs and resources to enhance the reading skills of children
Encourages digital literacy and provides age-appropriate technology instruction to children
Develops and maintains content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest
Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the children’s space ensuring a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources
Mentors library staff in preparing and presenting children’s programs
Assists with circulation, fines & fees management, reserves and opening/closing procedures
May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
Maintains a working knowledge of trends in children's literature, youth services and the profession through webinars, meetings, internal training, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships
Performs related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
Required Skills
Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for children
Knowledge of children literature and experience maintaining an children's collection
Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users
Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills
Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
- May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Library Manager
Preferred Qualifications
Fluency in Spanish language preferred
Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for children in urban public libraries preferred
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
Be Resourceful in solving problems
Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Branch Library setting
Physical Duties
May require moving/lifting up to 15 lbs
Remaining stationary for periods of time
Daily use of a computer
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week during regular branch hours
Will require evenings and weekends