Children's Services Supervisor
Position Purpose/Summary
Responsible for overseeing the daily operation and scheduling of the Children's Room and service desk at the Central Library. Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices and procedures in the field of library science related to children's services with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent professional judgment under the general direction of the Adult and Youth Information Services Manager who reviews work through observation, reports, and conferences. Supervision is exercised over select staff. Assists Manager in planning system-wide children's services goals, activities, and professional development.
Essential Functions
- Provides reference service at the Central Library Children's Room in person, over the telephone, or through email or other emerging technologies.
- Supervises select staff, including administrative tasks such as scheduling, time management, etc.
- Assists Adult and Youth Services Manager in recruitment, training, professional development, counseling, evaluation, and discipline of staff.
- Assists Adult and Youth Information Services Manager in planning, developing, and implementing department policy, procedures, and strategies for improving delivery of system-wide children's services.
- Selects materials for acquisition and withdrawal from system-wide children's print and non-print collections; coordinates system-wide children's collection development work.
- Assists Adult and Youth Information Services Manager with oversight of system-wide children's programming and participates in delivery, promotion, and evaluation of system-wide children's programs.
- Creates and conducts tours and bibliographic instruction for children and their caregivers and teachers; works with and provides outreach to various youth-serving city agencies, schools, and organizations.
- Plans and conducts workshops to train personnel system-wide in the implementation of children's programs. Identify and recommend training opportunities for staff development and performance improvement.
- Acts as a liaison to various community groups and organizations; gives presentations to promote library programs and services. Represents the library to groups and at meetings related to children.
- Assists in writing and implementing grants as assigned; including administration of the Early Childhood Resource Center.
- Prepares regular narrative and statistical reports for the Adult and Youth Information Services Manager.
- Performs related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions; advanced knowledge of children's services.
- Experience working with children, parents, caregivers and educators.
- Knowledge of current trends and developments in the library profession and in children's services.
- Experience in collection development; extensive knowledge of children's literature.
- Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance, and maintaining morale.
- Ability to develop and implement programs and services to children.
- Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
- Excellent interpersonal, writing, and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree and completion of an American Library Association-accredited Master's of Library Science degree with advanced knowledge of reference and public service functions.
- Four years of relevant service in a public library, with two years' experience as a supervisor of employees preferred.