The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library in Sewell, NJ seeks applicants for a FT Children’s Librarian who will serve in the role of youth services supervisor. The person in this position will be responsible for managing all youth services operations, including staff supervision, programming, collection development, readers’ advisory, children’s reference services, and outreach. The Children’s Librarian is also responsible for collaborating with other library supervisors and departments, assisting with the revision of library policies and procedures relevant to youth services, and performing other duties as assigned.
Applicant must have proven managerial and organizational skills, the ability to work independently, and a strong knowledge of library youth services. Applicant must also have the capability to supervise others and have a thorough knowledge of personnel management. Knowledge of modern technology functions is necessary. The ideal candidate will have five years of experience as a professional librarian working with children, preferably in a public library and at least two years of prior supervisory experience, preferably supervising librarians. It is essential that the Children’s Librarian is able to tactfully lead and motivate others and is a strong role model who can prioritize duties in a changing environment. The person in this position must love working with people, especially youth, and must be energetic with a passion for providing excellent customer service in a public library setting. The preferred candidate will have a thorough knowledge of literature for youth and the developmental stages of youth.
This position requires a graduate degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program or a NJ State Professional Librarian’s Certificate. This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. The salary range for this position is $57,076 - $73,229 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The library provides excellent benefits. Full time employees must enroll in the NJ pension system. The library also pays for NJ Library Association and ALA memberships for librarians.
The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library is the municipal library for residents of Washington Township in Gloucester County. The library celebrated its 55th anniversary in 2021 and is located in a 20,000 square foot building that was renovated in 2010. The 2,065 square foot children’s library includes an ample collection of youth materials, public access computers, and a public service desk that is staffed during all library hours. A separate teen area provides middle and high school-aged students with books, recorded books, movies, magazines, seating, programming, and informational materials. There are six staff in youth services including two FT Children’s Librarians, one FT Library Assistant, one PT Teen Librarian, and two PT Library Assistants. The library’s 2022 operating budget is approximately $1.8 million dollars. The library has a strong history of excellent services for youth and strives to continue this tradition.
The selected candidate, if not a New Jersey resident, will be required to establish New Jersey residency within a year of appointment in accordance with the New Jersey First Act. Priority will be given to applications received by Friday, August 12, 2022. To apply, send a resumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to smikkelson [at] hegganlibrary.org with attention to Sheila Mikkelson, Library Director. Only candidates of interest will be contacted.