Description:
The Piscataway Public Library Teen Services Internship offers an opportunity to learn firsthand about librarianship. Those considering a career in the field or those interested in learning more about libraries are encouraged to apply. Currently enrolled MLS students or recent graduates interested in learning more about Teen Services are also encouraged to apply.
The internship will provide an overview of librarianship, including developing an understanding of how different departments in the library work together, the basics of reference services, and the range of work available in the Library and Information Sciences field. While the part-time Intern will work primarily with the Teen Services department, opportunities will be provided to interact and learn from staff in all Library departments, including but not limited to the following areas: Adult Services, Children’s Services, Administration, and Makerspace/Technology.
Piscataway Public Library staff members will provide the intern with opportunities for resume-building projects with concrete outcomes that have lasting effects on future library patrons.
Responsibilities:
- Planning, coordinating, executing, and evaluating in-person and virtual programs that meet the interests and needs of the community under the supervision of the Teen Services Librarians
- Learning how to provide information, reference, and readers advisory services to all patrons, especially teen patrons
- Building relationships with patrons, with a primary focus on teens
- Assisting Teen Services Librarians with the maintenance of the teen print and nonprint collection
- Updating the Teen section of the Library’s website
- Assisting with technology-based questions relating to computers, printers, and accessing electronic resources and materials
- Completing resume-building projects with concrete outcomes and lasting effects for library patrons
- Follow, explain, and enforce library policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in any field is strongly preferred. Consideration will be given to high school graduates or equivalent who have completed at least two years of higher education with demonstrated experience with teens and/or public library service.
- Experience with and enthusiasm for working with young people in grades 6-12
- Ability to communicate clearly, courteously, and effectively with library patrons and staff
- Exceptional customer service skills; a strong knowledge of current computer technology; and the ability to collaborate in a team environment
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes afternoon, evening, and weekend hours at both Kennedy and Westergard Libraries
- Preferred qualifications include experience with Google Workspace suite, Canva, and WordPress.
- Although prior library experience need not be a prerequisite for the position, evidence of a genuine desire to learn is essential.
Schedule:
The schedule for this position is typically 15 hours per week including afternoon, evening, and weekend hours in rotation. Shifts may be at either Kennedy or Westergard Library. Additional hours may be available. Friday afternoon and Thursday evening availability is highly desired. The successful candidate will hold the position for a minimum of 6 months.
Compensation:
This is a part-time position, with a minimum starting salary of $36.70 per hour with MLS and NJ Certification; $30.91 per hour for applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree; $20.28 per hour for applicants without a Bachelor’s Degree.
Notices:
- The successful candidate must comply with the “New Jersey First Act”
- All Piscataway Township employees over 18 are subject to the successful completion of a 3-month performance evaluation period
- Offers of employment will be conditional pending the completion of a criminal background check and drug screening as part of our pre-employment procedures
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination, including eligible booster doses, is required for all new hires
To Apply:
Email a meaningful cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references to jobapplications [at] piscatawaylibrary.org and include Teen Services Internship in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but those received by January 31 will receive first consideration. Only applicants invited for interviews will be contacted.
About Piscataway Public Library Teen Services Department:
The Teen Services Department at Piscataway Public Library consists of two full-time and one part-time Teen Services librarian positions that serve the community.
About Piscataway Public Library:
Piscataway Township has a richly diverse population of over 58,000 and is located in Middlesex County, NJ. Piscataway Public Library is a statewide leader in public library service and has a tradition of providing pioneering programs and services. Piscataway Public Library nurtures professional development, leadership and innovation. The Teen Services Department at Piscataway Public Library consists of two full-time and one part-time Teen Services librarian positions that serve the community through two branches. The Piscataway Township School District includes three middle schools and one high school.
Piscataway Library and Piscataway Township are Equal Opportunity Employers.