The Cranford Public Library is accepting applications for the title of Librarian to serve in our Children’s Department, a full-time position. The work week is 35 hours, including evening and weekend hours. The library is located in Union County and is a new member of the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium, as well as the Libraries of Union County Consortium and Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries. Under general supervision of the Head of Children’s Services, the Children’s Librarian provides a variety of library services primarily to children and performs related work as required. Our ideal candidate is a creative professional with a passion for building community and a strong desire to continue learning and growing, who will foster an inclusive space for children and families. Candidates must have professional knowledge of and experience with librarianship theories, principles, and practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
These are examples of work required:
- Under direction of the Head of Children’s Services, plans, coordinates, presents, and evaluates in-person and virtual programs that address community needs.
- Answers a wide range of reference questions of varying degree of difficulty. Provides readers’ advisory services to children and families.
- Maintains attractive appearance of the Children’s area and various stored collections.
- Creates displays to promote library use.
- Assists with the maintenance and development of the children’s print and nonprint collection. Evaluates and suggests titles for purchase or replacement. Reevaluates and deselects materials which need to be weeded, repaired, or replaced. Processes books for circulation.
- Provides outreach services to schools, community organizations, and other groups in order to meet community needs.
- Stays current on library trends by attending seminars and trainings. Exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with the Head of Children’s Services to formulate policies, procedures, and programs. Attends applicable department meetings.
- Under direction of the department head, assists with supervision of Library Pages, Library Assistants, and Volunteers, including pulling, shelving and shifting materials as needed.
- Compiles statistical data and periodically composes narrative reports showing plans, programs, problems, or accomplishments of the work assigned.
- Assists with the daily operations of the Children’s Desk, including opening and closing duties. May be in-charge of Library building and staff.
- Develops working knowledge of SirsiDynix Integrated Library System procedures.
- Performs other duties as required.
- Handles special projects as assigned by the Head of Children’s Services.
REQUIREMENTS
EXPERIENCE
At least one year experience working in children’s services in a public library environment is preferred.
EDUCATION
A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science and possession of or qualified to obtain, a Professional Librarian Certificate issued by Thomas Edison State College.
LICENSE
Possession of or the qualifications to acquire a valid license as Professional Librarian issued by the appropriate department within the State of New Jersey. If appointee does not have a license at the time of appointment, proof must be shown that one has been applied for within the first three months of the appointment.
SKILLS
Ability to interact with library users successfully and familiarity with literature and audio-visual materials.
Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff.
Ability to participate in consultative or in-service training programs.
Ability to select, organize, and evaluate library materials, provide advice on desirable directions for growth of the Library’s collections, and to locate information in specific sources and assemble information from scattered sources.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other interested parties, to demonstrate teamwork skills and work both independently and as part of a larger group.
Ability to prepare reports.
Ability to supervise the maintenance of records and files.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position.
Must maintain consistent, regular attendance.
TO APPLY
The starting salary is $57,945 and meets NJLA minimum standards for the position. This is a full-time position which includes medical, dental and prescription benefits, and a generous paid time off package.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Head of Children’s Services Lauren Antolino by email (l-antolino [at] cranfordnj.org) with “Children’s Librarian” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.