The Edison Public Library, located in Middlesex County, New Jersey is seeking a dynamic, innovative, creative and community minded Teen Librarian-Principal to join our team. This individual should be one who likes to think outside the box and “move” our teen/tween services to the next level. The successful candidate would be responsible for providing services in all of our 3 Library Branches on a rotating basis. This position is for a Principal Librarian with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field.
Our Library is currently completing our Strategic Plan which has a strong emphasis on children, youth and parents. It takes an “outward” view in community engagement throughout the Township; being where the residents are. This is a position for someone who wants to make a difference and transform teen/tween services!
The Library supports growth and development of staff at all levels and encourages staff to get involved in county, state and national library groups and organizations. Our major projects for 2022 include renovation of the Main Branch, renovation and expansion of the North Edison Branch, expansion of our senior services programming, and expansion of our outreach to schools program.
Essential Job Duties, include:
- Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service. Creates a welcoming atmosphere in the Teen area through personal presence and area's design.
- Provides all library users with assistance in reference, readers' advisory, information literacy, and in the use of library materials and reference resources (all formats).
- Assists patrons in the use of the public computers, personal electronic devices, and library virtual materials.
- Promotes teen/tween volunteer activities though the Teen Advisory Board (TAB).
- Provides work guidance in the absence of the Manager and/or appointed person in charge as a Principal Librarian.
- Designs, promotes, presents, and evaluates teen programs and activities that address community needs and incorporates library resources with an emphasis on STEM and STEAM programming.
- Provides service and maintains liaisons with schools, community organizations, government agencies, and other groups as appropriate. Provides library outreach programs and school visits that meet community needs.
- Maintains attractive appearance of the Teen area in accordance with safety and ADA requirements. Creates displays and booklists to promote library use.
- Evaluates and suggests titles for purchase or replacement. Reevaluates and deselects materials which need to be cancelled, repaired, replaced, or redistributed.
- Submits required reports and budget requests. Serves on library committees. Attends applicable department meetings. Assists with system-wide programs, activities, and initiatives.
- Assists with the daily operations of the service desks, including opening and closing duties.
Requirements:
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science (preferred) or its equivalent with a minimum of 5 years’ experience is required.
- Valid New Jersey driver's license, acceptable motor vehicle record, and continuous insurability required. Ability to drive vehicle.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret reference resources, professional journals, policy and procedure manuals and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, book reviews, readers' advisory materials and business correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from teens, parents, teachers, patrons, managers, coworkers and members of the community. Ability to apply active listening skills. Ability to deal effectively with confrontational individuals and/or challenging situations.
- Knowledge of professional library principles, methods, techniques and procedures. Knowledge and appreciation of teen literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, web sites, social media and other electronic media which constitute a diverse, current and relevant teen collection. Knowledge of available teen library materials and reader's interests. Ability to determine patron information needs.
- Ability to construct a competent and complete search strategy using both print and non-print information resources. Knowledge of available and emerging technologies and their application to working with the teen/tween population..
- Ability to plan and implement programs and services to meet community needs.
- Ability to use Internet and other electronic reference resources. Ability to use e-mail, spreadsheet, and word processing software. Ability to learn integrated library system functions used in carrying out job duties. Ability to operate in a network environment.
- General knowledge of PC equipment required. Fluency with personal electronic devices and library virtual materials required.
- Schedule includes day, evening and Saturday hours. Sunday hours are also available.
Benefits:
- Salary: Principal Librarian, 73,179, with an expected increase due to a new Union Contract beginning 1/1/2022
- 10 Vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 1 floating days
- The Library staff is represented to AFSCME Local 63.
- Pension, NJ State PERS Pension System
- Health: Blue Cross Blue Shield; CVS Caremark (Prescription Drugs).
How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter along with 3 references to: Allan M. Kleiman, Library Director, Edison Public Library, 340 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08817: or, email: akleiman [at] edisonpubliclibrary.org
Deadline for applying is: Friday, February 19, 2022 at 4 PM.
The Edison Public Library is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.