PLAINSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY

JOB OPENING:  Full-time Youth Services Librarian

Plainsboro Public Library seeks an energetic, positive, and self- motivated Youth Services Librarian for a full-time position.  The ideal candidate will provide friendly, high quality customer service to library patrons and has an in-depth knowledge of children’s and teen literature with the ability to provide high quality readers advisory.  They create and execute innovative programs under the direction of the Head of Youth Services.  They are a team player and participate in executing department initiatives and accomplishing department goals.        

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide reference service in person, by telephone and electronically to the children, tweens, teens and their caregivers;
• Assist customers in the use of department resources, print and electronic;
• Provides high quality reader’s advisory to assist customers in selecting materials appropriate for their age group, interest and reading capabilities;
• Provide information about and registration for department programs;
• Provide customers with assistance at the public computers and equipment in the Science Center including troubleshooting problems;
• Oversee and direct the work of library pages and volunteers;
• Develop and execute department programs, including traditional programming as well as special events and, summer reading clubs,  “maker” and tech based activities that maximize use of the Science Center in the department;
• Participate in outreach in the school district and township to bring the library out of the building;
• Participate in the weeding and maintenance and display of all department collections; and
• Participate in the selection of materials for the children's, tween, and teen collections;  
• Ability to guide customers out of the building during emergency evacuations; and
• Perform related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

A Youth Services Librarian must have some knowledge of:

• the principles, practices and techniques of modern library operation;
• current trends in the delivery of library services to children, tweens and teens;
• children’s, tween, and teen literature and resources;
• library software, apps, and common computer software such as MS Office; and
• library research techniques.

A Youth Services Librarian must have the ability to:

• to maintain accurate records and statistics and complete reports;
• plan and execute children’s programs;
• to exercise initiative and independent judgment;
• to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department supervisor, library staff and patrons; and
• to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

Education and experience: A Youth Services Librarian must have a Master's degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school or be  enrolled in a Master of Library Science degree program.  Some experience working in Youth Services in a public library is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of children’s and teen literature is expected.  A New Jersey Professional Librarian Certificate must be on file. 

Schedule: 35 hours per week; regular weekends and evenings.

Salary:  $52,000 for MLS Librarian; $40,000 for MLS student.  Generous benefits package.

Application: For consideration, please send a cover letter and resume to:  Plainsborojobs@lmxac.org Include “YS full-time position” in the email subject line.  Please no phone calls.  Only candidates selected for interviews will be notified.  Employment offers are conditional upon a successful background and reference check and include a six month probationary period.  Plainsboro Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Applicant must comply with the “NJ First Act.”

The Mercer County Library System is seeking to fill a full-time, 35 hour per week position in the Youth Services Department of the Twin Rivers Branch. This is an excellent opportunity for a librarian with a strong vision to provide an exciting home for youth services and programming within this small, friendly community. This position includes at least one evening per week and Saturdays in rotation.

We are seeking an energetic, experienced librarian with a passion for children’s services and a strong commitment to providing excellent public service.  The candidate will have primary responsibility for providing reference and readers’ advisory services to children and parents in a diverse community, developing the children’s and teen collections, creating innovative programming, outreach to schools and the community, and the Summer and Winter Reading programs. 

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, writing library blog articles, preparing statistical reports on departmental activities and use, maintaining the collection budget for YS/YA materials, staying current on new developments in the library field (particularly with regard to children’s and teen services), providing reference assistance to patrons of all ages, and writing the annual branch report on youth services. 

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, flexible, and forward thinking.  Strong knowledge of literacy, child development, and literature for children and teens are vital in this role.  S/he will be comfortable planning programs that encourage children to read and sharing literacy tips with parents.  Strong organizational skills, program management skills, and a sense of humor are essential.  Knowledge of current library technologies and demonstrated experience using technology (including library automated systems, online reference resources, and Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Excel) are required. 

The candidate should have flexibility for scheduling programming at days and times that children and young adults will find convenient, and expect to participate in outreach in the schools and community.  Willingness to be part of a team environment and collaborate with the adult and circulation librarian are a must, as are strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

This position requires an MLS from an ALA accredited institution, although we will consider applications from students enrolled in an MLS program who are at least half-way through the program (Library Associate).  A New Jersey Professional Librarian’s Certification is required for those with an MLS degree.  

This title is affiliated with AFSCME 3566. The current salary range for Librarian 1 is $37,009 - $68,271 in 8 steps.

Full job descriptions can be found on the State of NJ Civil Service Commission website. There is a 90-day probationary period before permanency.  The County of Mercer adheres to a strict residency requirement.  Residents of Mercer County will be given first priority.  Mercer County residency is required within one year of appointment.

This position is open until filled; only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

Résumés may be submitted care of:
Ellen O'Shea Brown, Library Director
Mercer County Library System
Lawrence HQ Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
email: director@mcl.org