Under supervision, and within the framework of Library policies and practices, to participate in services to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting with emphasis on service to children and to perform professional work requiring application of professional knowledge of literature, bibliographic sources and services with a concentration on children.

 Under supervision performs the following:

• Assists in the development, planning and implementation of the Library’s program of service to children through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach and programs.
• Participates in the development of interactive community relationships and in the implementation of activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources through schools, and other agencies which serve children and their families.
• 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.
• Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference for the general public.
• Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
• Manages, as delegated, program funds assigned to children’s services.
• Participates in the development of the children’s book collection and manages the appropriate materials budget.
• Assists in the compilation of annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• May be responsible for oral presentations and written reports on children’s activities within the department.
• May be responsible for day-to-day operations of the department in the absence of the Department Head or other ranking staff member.
• May participate in recommending and/or planning changes in service or new services for children.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training and other professional activities.
• Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. Courses in children’s literature and/or work, taken for credit, at an accredited library school. Storytelling courses and/or experience is desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience, may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Knowledge of children’s literature including bibliographic tools and sources pertaining to children’s literature and work; knowledge of the techniques of programming for children; interest in children and in library work with children; willingness and ability to develop strong interactive community relationships.
• Willingness to assume responsibility and carry out assignments independently.
• Good oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to search the Internet and other electronic databases; ability to work well with staff and public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, courtesy.

Requirements:

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

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade:   PSA/P-1

Hours per week:   35