Youth Services Librarian - Shannon Staub Library (Official Job Title: Library Professional):   This is professional level work supporting, coordinating or leading Youth Services programs/projects, teaching and coaching of staff and citizens, providing customer service, conducting research, performing analytical type work and coordinating collections. While the primary focus will be leadership in Youth Services, the librarian will also work with youth and adults in inter-generational programming.  In the team environment employees will participate in setting unit, library, and system goals, contribute to decision making and evaluation of progress.  Employees will collaborate with co-workers to support the team process.

Subject to Passing a Substance Screening

This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening.  An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment in any class for a period of five years.

Duties:

  Customer Service

• Implements standards of service that ensure the prompt and efficient resolution of each inquiry by internal and external customers, delivered with the utmost courtesy and respect.
• Establishes liaisons and performs outreach activities with organizations, agencies, day cares, schools, and home school providers in the community to creatively promote library services and facilitate programming and service delivery.
• Keeps abreast of developments, trends, best practices, and innovations in libraries.
• Represents Sarasota County to library users.
• Assists customers, responds to requests and monitors progress of requests.
• Creates a user-friendly and safe environment; assesses risk and safety issues.
• Participates in all areas of library services as needed.
• Interprets objectives, policies and procedures for staff and for the public.
• Participates in and/or facilitates training, community meetings, and activities of the Library Advisory Board, Friends Alliance, Friends of the Library, etc.
• Conducts presentations to Board of County Commissioners, community and at professional events.

Programming

• Provides formal/informal instruction to individuals/groups on use of library resources, learning tools, etc.
• Initiates, designs, facilitates and evaluates education programs; collaborates on activities and programs related to identified branch and community goals with an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).
• Writes and develops book reviews, promotional materials, fliers, book lists, and web content.

Collection  Development/Management

• Assists in material selection and weeding.
• Makes acquisition decisions consistent with policy.
• Administers special collections.
• Maintains awareness of literature related to current best practices and future trends.

Administration

• Designs the data collection processes.
• Integrates research and monitors patterns and trends into planning process.
• Assists, leads, develops, implements, and/or evaluates special projects, services and library programs.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with internal core services to manage operational issues, support community goals and form strategic partnerships.
• Participates in business planning, staff planning, and budget development.
• Compiles and analyzes statistical, budgetary and other information and reports.

Staff Development

• Provides guidance for and facilitates the activities of self-directed work teams.
• Assists and participates in selection and training of other library staff and volunteers as needed.
• Provides opportunities for continuing professional development of self and others, especially in acquiring relevant understanding and skills.
• Establishes and pursues strategies to stay informed about current and relevant information resources to meet the youth community’s evolving needs.

Minimum Qualifications:  A Master's Degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association OR a Bachelor's Degree AND enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program with the ability to obtain a MLS/MLIS within six (6) months from date of hire.   

Preferred Qualification: One year experience in library environment.

Job Competencies:  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Knowledge of modern library principles with emphasis on services to youths and families. Knowledge of practices, theories, procedures, technology and public library operations.  Knowledge of materials, reading tastes, and publishers.  Knowledge of laws and regulations governing access to information in library.  Ability to provide high level customer service.  Ability to effectively collaborate/partner with internal and external organizations/services.  Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment and handle a variety of customer services issues tactfully. Ability to work effectively in teams, and to train, develop and guide other team members.  Ability to educate and instruct internal/external customers.  Ability to prioritize, manage, organize, and present work/information effectively.  Knowledge in team facilitation, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. Ability to plan and implement new systems and instruct others in their use.  Knowledge of office equipment, computers and software.

Physical Demands:  Must occasionally lift/move up 50 pounds and frequently lift 20 pounds.  A dolly/cart or team member is available to help.

NOTE  When applying for positions, you will be requested to respond to some questions.  We recommend that you type your response in a WORD document (or similar software) and save your answers.  If for any reason you need to stop and come back to your application, you could be timed out and lose any unsaved information.  Applicants are asked to answer a number of questions where you can write a response up to 900 characters.  If you save your responses in WORD (or other software) and are time-out of the system for any reason, you will be able to cut and paste the responses into the application when you apply at a later time. 

Work Schedule: Days, Hours will vary. Must be able to participate in all hours of operation including daytime, evening and weekend hours, as well as hours at other locations. May be re-assigned to a different work location.

Info about Sarasota County Government Libraries:

Sarasota's County Library System was recognized as the  "2012 Library of the Year" by the Florida Library Association.  For more information on Sarasota County Libraries, please go to:  www.scgov.net/Library

Sarasota County Government is committed to wellness and successful applicants must be tobacco free for twelve months preceding date of application.

Drug Free Work Environment             EOE/AA/ADA