Halifax County South Boston Public Library System

JOB DESCRIPTION

Childrens Services Specialist Suzanne Reeves (Sept. 29th)

Date: October 6, 2011

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Library Director and Branch Manager develop and present literature based programs for children ages infant through sixth grade; answer patron inquiries related to childrens services by demonstrating an extensive knowledge of children's literature, use of on-line data bases, and reference materials; plan, carryout and publicize a Summer Reading Program. Essential and Important Duties: 1. Develop and present weekly literature based programs for children to include storytelling, music, finger plays, flannel boards, crafts, puppetry, book talks, contests, and other activities. 2. Become familiar with children's literature to effectively recommend appropriate materials to both parents and children; maintain knowledge of award winning books and popular trends in children's literature. 3. Maintain an extensive knowledge of the children's collections at both branches to be able to assist patrons in selection of materials, and to maintain collections; keep upto-date on new additions to the children's collections. 4. Utilize the reference interview to determine patrons information needs in order to locate useful related print and non-print materials. 5. Develop and present the annual youth Summer Reading Program; carryout preselected Summer Reading theme through all aspects of the Program including costumes, stories, activities, crafts, displays, and bulletin boards. 6. Ensure decor and arrangement of the Children's Department at each of the libraries is safe, appealing, functional and inviting to children. 7. Collaborate with the Branch Manager to design and produce posters and flyers for media releases relating to children's programming. 8. Work closely with Library Director in working with the school district and various community organizations to promote, market, and enhance children's services. 9. Conduct library tours for all age groups. 10. Guide patrons in making effective use of library facilities and materials; advise on library regulations and procedures. 11. Create attractive and informative bulletin boards to appeal to children; enhance the appearance and appeal of the department by designing and creating seasonal and thematic displays. 12. Field telephone inquiries to determine patron's needs and provide library services as needed. 13. Chose materials for acquisition in assigned areas of the collection. Weed childrens collections as needed. 14. Respond to patron/staff inquiries in a courteous manner 15. Work evening and weekend hours as assigned. 16. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures; participate in maintaining Halifax County South Boston Public Library System 1
Childrens Services Specialist

librarysecurity. 17. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes. 18. Check the library wiki daily for updates and additions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Willingness and ability to work an established schedule; 2. Accuracy with alpha/numeric sequences; 3. Attention to detail; 4. Ability to use computers and a library automation system; 5. Ability to work without close supervision; 6. Dependability; 7. Keyboarding skills; 8. Good interpersonal communication skills; 9. Capable of reading labels for shelving and shelf-reading; 10. Physical ability to stand, bend and lift books; ability to move loaded book carts;

Education and Experience:

#Preferred Qualifications: Previous library or service position experience;

Special Requirements & Related Obligations: Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: Work requires physical effort in the handling of materials in work positions up to 30 pounds and/or continual standing or walking of 80%+ of the time. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meetings and training rooms, libraries, residences, or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Halifax County South Boston Public Library System

Childrens Services Specialist