Basic Function: Under supervision and within the framework of the Library’s policies and practices, to assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library’s programs of service to a diverse population characteristic to an urban setting with emphasis on children and to perform professional work requiring application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to:  Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises: As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Initiates, develops, plans and implements the Library’s programs of service to children through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach and programs.
2. Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources by the community, especially through schools and other agencies which serve children and their families.
3. Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for toddlers, preschoolers and school age children such as story hours, book talks, craft programs, puppetry, book discussion groups, and summer reading programs.
4. Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.
5. Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
6. Manages program funds assigned to children’s services.
7. Responsible for the development of the children’s book collection and manages the appropriate materials budget.
8. Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
9. Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services for children.
10. Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on children’s activities within the branch library.
11. Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.
12. May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.
13. Actively participates in system-wide committees, training and other professional activities.
14. May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.
15. Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. Courses in children’s literature and children’s work taken for credit from an accredited library school. Storytelling courses and/or experience desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.
• Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices and procedures; extensive knowledge of children’s literature including bibliographic tools and sources pertaining to children’s literature and work; demonstrated knowledge of the techniques of programming for children; demonstrated interest in children and in library work with children; demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships; demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently; proven oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases; demonstrated ability to work well with staff and public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact and courtesy.

Requirements:

1. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
2. Residency - Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Hours per week: 35