Library Early Childhood Specialist/Reference Assistant

The Early Childhood Specialist/Reference Assistant plans, implements, and evaluates quality, research-based early literacy, and early learning library programming for families with children between the developmental stages of infancy through preschool.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Organizes and delivers weekly story times for preschool-aged children and their caregivers.
• Creates developmentally appropriate early childhood and family programs aligned with the library’s mission statement.
• Under the supervision of the Youth Services Librarian, assists with preparing, publicizing, presenting, implementing, and clean-up of events for children and families.
• Maintains and evaluates the library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program.
• Serves library patrons by answering reference questions, providing reader’s advisory, resolving patron problems, and providing guidance in use of information resources during regularly scheduled reference desk shifts.
• Assists patrons with use of library equipment, including microfilm, internet, computers, photocopier, scanner, printer, and coin-operated print release station.
• Acts as staff member in charge when working evenings and weekends, and monitors patron behavior, addressing any problems in a firm but respectful manner.
• Serves as back-up shift coverage at reference desk and youth services programs in case of staff illness or absence.
• Maintains order in the children’s areas of the library.
• Prepares displays that feature and emphasize themes being presented.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Summary of Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge - 

• Considerable knowledge of child development and early learning and literacy practices.
• Some knowledge of children’s books and story time practices.
• Knowledge of and willingness to follow and enforce Library policies and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of online and print reference resources.

Skills and Abilities - 

• Self-motivated to stay updated on the evolving needs and practices of child development, early learning and literacy, and family issues, especially in a library setting.
• Creative in motivating young children and families to explore the world of reading.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, with children and patrons of all ages
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with patrons, coworkers, supervisors, other agencies, and the public.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload and work efficiently.
• Ability to effectively operate Library computers and related cataloging software.
• Comfort with computers and other technology, including e-readers, cell phones (both Android and Apple operating systems) and other personal electronic devices.
• Proficient keyboarding, filing, basic math, and alphabetizing skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to remain calm and work under pressure when needed.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information handled.
• Ability to attend mandatory reference and youth services staff meetings.
• Ability to work the shifts as scheduled, including weekends and evenings.

Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.  Noise level increases during programs and when children are present.

The physical demands described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 plus pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, childcare, child development, or a related required. Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited college or university or currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLIS program desirable.
• Experience working with young children in a professional setting (ex. day care, summer camps, preschool teacher, teacher’s assistant, etc.) required.
• Equivalent combinations of training and experience may be considered.

Requirement:

• Reliable transportation for timely and punctual attendance.