About

Children’s Library Assistant

Reports to: Head of Children’s Department and Library Director

Part-time, 20 – 25 Hrs/Wk, Non-exempt

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Job Objectives

Responsible for providing assistance with children’s library programs in addition to providing technical and reference assistance to children, parents, teachers, and other patrons. Assists with planning, organizing, and performing scheduled programs and events. Assists with communications and patron service as appropriate. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Assists in scheduling, planning, and presenting Children’s Services programs for pre-school and school-aged library patrons, organizes, schedules, and promotes special exhibits, events, and programs.
2. Assists in planning, publicizing, and conducting Summer Reading Program, Pre-school Story Hour Programs, and contests or children’s events.
3. Provides reference assistance for children, parents, teachers, and patrons; locates materials; suggests resources in other libraries.
4. Advises patrons on choosing books or materials for themselves or their children.
5. Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, or lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in library services for pre-school and school-aged children.
6. Uses good communication skills to support a positive team environment and respect each patron.
7.  Promote community engagement with literacy-building activities and communications.

Additional Job Duties

Prepares bulletin boards, banners, reading lists, and assists with children’s dept. reports and communications. Conducts library tours. Performs other related work as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. General knowledge of resources and reference materials, particularly those pertaining to children.
2. General knowledge of children’s books and authors.
3. General knowledge of library organizational systems.
4. Ability to analyze and evaluate work procedures and to exercise appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and work methods.
5. Ability to use appropriate technology to support services such as email, document production, navigation of web resources, and other library technology.
6. Ability to offer assistance to patrons in the use of digital resources and promote their use.
7. Ability to deal effectively, courteously, and positively with the general public and library staff.
8. Willingness to attend training, staff meetings, and District tours or others as required.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Must be physically able to operate machinery and equipment, including office equipment, computers, copiers, printers, paper cutter, laminator, and Promethean Board. Work involves some lifting of boxes of books, pushing, and pulling of book carts. Ability to bend, stoop, and lift books and boxes of books. Ability to meet the physical and emotional demands of working with children and families with a positive and supportive demeanor. Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Education, Experience, and Training

A Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, or liberal arts in preferred, or the equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Background in education and experience working with children’s programming is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to director@indianafreelibrary.org