Summary
Reporting to the Director of Library Services you will promote the mission and vision of the Library to patrons and the community. The Youth and Teen Librarian is responsible for providing engagement and educational library services to the children and teenagers within the community. Promoting literacy, fostering a love of reading, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for young library patrons are all key components of the position.  Your responsibilities include youth and teen collection development and acquisitions as well as creating and implementing programs and services for youth and families. We’re looking for that dynamic person to join our collaborative working team, live our mission and make a difference with our most impressionable clientele. That could be you! Apply now to the only independent, non-profit library in Maricopa county – you'll love what you find here at Desert Foothills Library.

Essential Functions

• Manages acquisition and collection development efforts, including using patron feedback, Dead on Arrival Reports and professional publications to guide decisions (youth & teen).
• Purchases, receives, processes and classifies books and materials (youth & teen).
• Maintains collection by weeding out obsolete or damaged materials and replacing same (youth & teen).
• Plan and present weekly story times with an emphasis on early literacy development in the library.
• Prepare book and promotional displays for Youth and Young Adult Areas.
• Represent the Library in outreach opportunities. This includes outreach and services with the local school districts.
• Design, present, establish, and support a variety of library sponsored early literacy and outreach programs for youth, including special events, family engagement programs, class visits, and library card signups.
• Prepares, assists, and promotes the annual Summer Reading Program. Youth and Teen Librarian will also collect and log Summer Reading Program statistics.
• Accurately tracks spending to ensure purchases stay within budget (youth & teen).
• Recommend annual budget requirements for children and youth activities.
• When needed, enters library materials into the database in accordance with the MARC standard using established utilities such as OCLC (youth & teen).
• Maintains circulation data and prepares regular statistical reports for the Executive Director (youth & teen).
• Recruit and train teen volunteers to assist library patrons in a courteous, professional and timely manner, directing Library patrons to the appropriate personnel to answer reference questions, assist in locating library materials, shelving books, and in maintaining a clean, inviting environment.
• Provide youth services language and statistics for youth and teen grants and reports.
• Provide reference services to children and youth; instructing them in the use of the electronic resources related to Internet and library automation systems.  Assist patrons in locating materials.  As required, provide reference assistance. 
• Oversee and identify trends in children and youth reading collections to meet the needs/wants of patrons.
• Establish and maintain a positive, effective, and cooperative working relationship with patrons, staff and volunteers, as well as the Board of Directors, business community leaders and the public.          
• Attend meetings, conferences and seminars of local, state, national and professional organizations devoted to children and youth services.
• As required, may respond to inquiries and complaints pertaining to Youth Services.
• Work a regular shift at least one Saturday a month.
• Perform desk duties at the main Circulation Desk, as needed.
• Utilizes library-provided means for continuing education and professional development, and attends training, workshops, conferences, and other continuing education related to Youth Services and Librarianship.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
• This position is in-person, full-time, and is salaried for 40 hours per week.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will share the Desert Foothills Library’s commitment to its mission and will bring a broad range of skills and experience including but not limited to:

• Must have the ability to work with a diverse population and effectively provide excellent customer service to multiple customers simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Solid interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong networking, facilitation and outreach skills
• A working knowledge of computer applications for library services
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks, and meet program deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both professional and non-professional, co-workers, management personnel, and the public
• Ability to create clear and concise reports, and to deliver them orally to a wide variety of audiences
• Experience working with youth from infancy to young adulthood, as well as their families
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with a positive attitude and the ability to multi-task

Education/Experience

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Sciences from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution preferred. Candidates completing M.L.I.S. degree will also be considered.
• Minimum two-years of youth program experience in a library environment preferred
• Prior experience in a non-profit environment preferred

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Salary Range: $52,000 - $58,000 (DOE)

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to:

Nathaniel Fortmeyer

Director of Library Services
Desert Foothills Library
[email protected]