Works under the general direction of the Library Director and Assistant Library Director.  Plans and implements youth service operations.  Duties include material collection analysis, selection, and development, reader's advisory, print and online reference service, bibliographic instruction, and youth events. Supervises and provides direction to Librarian-Youth Services.  Assists the general public in making full use of Library materials and services for their educational, recreational and cultural needs.
 

Interested applicants must submit examples of their professional Youth Programming experience, which may include video, pictures, and/or general program information. Documentation may be attached to this application or emailed to personnel@cowtx.org. Please include position title in the subject line.

• Provides instruction to customers in the use of the public access catalog, the library collection, databases, and the use of the Internet. 
• Evaluates and maintains the juvenile, young adult, and parenting/family collections, identifying weaknesses, selecting replacement materials and additions to the collection. 
• Plans, promotes, presents and evaluates library classes/events for children, families, and teens, including outreach services.
• Experience remaining within assigned budgeted parameters.
• Works with library staff on technology projects designed to organize online information to make it more accessible and useful to the public.
• Plans and implements special summer reading programs including promotions, school visits, materials, storytellers, and interactions with local merchants. 
• Schedules, hires, trains, evaluates and directs Librarian - Youth Services, part-time Library Assistants, Library Aides, and Volunteers.
• Publicizes library events and materials including preparation of news releases. 
• Assists in the development and implementation of library policies and procedures. 
• Creates bibliographies, brochures and other informational materials. 
• Maintains an awareness of children's and teen literature, services, professional trends, methods, and ethics. 
• Supervises staff by scheduling work duties; providing guidance for tasks as needed; monitoring volunteer performance; performing employee evaluations; providing employee training and employee discipline as needed; and conducting meetings.
• Designs and implements systems and procedures to accomplish youth services projects, activities and services.
• Works with Senior Adult Services Librarian to coordinate events and usage of space.
• Provides information services to Library users, such as reader's advisory.
• Responds to reference requests using various formats such as books, databases, Internet and community resources.
• Performs bibliographic instruction explaining Library material records and use of resources.
• Creates age-appropriate story times and classes for children using a variety of formats and resources, requiring originality and creativity.
• Provides tours of the Library and instructional classes as requested by the public and community groups. 
• Communicates with area schools to facilitate education both in school and in the community.
• Participates in Library staff, community, and professional meetings to discuss and act on Library services, needs and problems.
• Interprets Library policies and procedures for the public and determines when exceptions are allowed.
• Attends professional library conferences, seminars, and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.
• May perform other assignments and handle special projects as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education or Training:  Master's Degree in Library Science plus four (4) years of library experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Two (2) years of experience working with children preferred.  Two (2) years of supervision required.  Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License. 
 

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

• Knowledge of children's and young adult's literature and the practices and principles of modern public library operations.
• Must have creative and artistic skills and knowledge of child development.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize duties and tasks, and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.  Must maintain good relations with the public and other staff and demonstrate tact and courtesy in all situations.
• Knowledge of Library policies and Ordinances within the City.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.  
• Knowledge of operating the following programs - MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher, Internet bibliographical indexes and other computerized databases. Must have experience with library automation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, the general public, supervisors, and employees.
• Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once and to work positively and effectively within a team model.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours. 
• Ability to use independent judgment and provide good customer service when explaining policies to the public.
• Must like children and be comfortable working with children both individually and in groups.
• Ability to push large book trucks and carts filled with Library material or equipment.
• Ability to move furniture to set up for events.
• Must have excellent English communicative skills, both oral and written, to include spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Skill in using the Internet for research.
• Skill in providing exceptional customer service using email, social media, telephone and in person.