Position: Youth Services Librarian 

Status: Part Time, Non-Exempt

Salary: Starting $26.27 depending on qualifications 

Benefits: IMRF, pro-rated vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave

Schedule: 24 hours per week, including evening and weekend availability as needed 

The Lake Bluff Public Library is seeking a friendly and customer service-oriented individual to work as a part time Youth Services Librarian. Lake Bluff Public Library is located in the North Shore of Chicago situated in the heart of downtown Lake Bluff and services a population of 5,616 residents. The Youth Services Department serves ages birth through 18. This position will be responsible for youth services programming, including storytime, and collection development, including nonfiction. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with children, teens, and caregivers, have excellent communication skills, a willingness to learn, be able to manage multiple responsibilities, can think on their feet, and thrive in a customer focused and fast paced environment. Cross training will be provided in support of Circulation and/or Reference coverage. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Master’s of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent degree 
• At least one year of experience developing and implementing programming for children, teens, and/or families 
• At least two years of experience working with children, teens, families and/or adults caregivers 
• At least one year experience working in a customer service setting 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous experience working in libraries 
• Knowledge of children and teen literature and popular materials 
• Experience preparing and implementing storytime programs
• Experience in collection management and development for youth focused print, nonprint, and/or online formats 
• Experience in conducting outreach visits and/or building relationships with youth focused organizations 

Duties & Responsibilities 

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. 

• Assists patrons in locating library materials 
• Offers prompt and accurate customer service to patrons, with an emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patrons 
• Enforces library policies and communicates policy information to patrons accurately 
• Assists with basic troubleshooting on computers and equipment, such as assisting with printing, email, and personal devices 
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory to children, teens, and their adult caregivers 
• Creates and updates print and online book lists as needed 
• Creates and maintains displays across a variety of age ranges and collections 
• Designs and creates necessary signage, including for programming, displays, and communications 
• Develops juvenile collections, including but not limited to nonfiction, using professional reviews, knowledge of popular materials, and patron requests 
• Manages any assigned collections with regular assessment, weeding, and replacing of lost or damaged materials 
• Collaborates with Youth Services Department on quarterly program planning 
• Develops and implements library programs for children, teens, and/or families 
• Assists developing and implementing department-wide programming, such as Summer and Winter Reading Clubs, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, seasonal programs, and outreach as needed 
• Acts as Person In Charge of the building when assigned 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment 

Knowledge of and experience with library systems, principles and procedures 

• Ability to effectively work with the general public using strong verbal and written customer service skills in public interactions 
• Ability to develop programming based on established goals for library and community needs 
• Knowledge of professional librarian reference and research methods and materials 
• Knowledge of and skill in using digital resources and library technologies of all types 
• Ability to relate societal trends to library services, collections, and programs 
• Knowledge and support of intellectual freedom, patron privacy and other key values and principles of librarianship 

Knowledge of collection evaluation and management 

• Ability to analyze the collection needs of the community using software and statistics. 
• Knowledge of subject, format, and related options to be considered in developing the collection for a public library with a popular materials focus 

Ability to work independently and collaboratively 

• Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility and accountability 
• Efficiently carries out library work objectives 
• Clearly communicates mission, objectives and expectations 
• Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and teams 
• Knowledge of process / project management 

Ability to effectively make decisions 

• Ability to independently track and prioritize task management with the needs of the library 
• Acts thoughtfully and decisively 
• Informs decisions with analysis of pertinent facts, data and trends 
• Modifies decision making to adapt to new information or changing conditions 

Ability to effectively communicate with internal / external staff, patrons, and vendors 

• Demonstrates capacity for effective public relations 
• Cultural awareness and understanding when working with diverse communities 
• Addresses conflict directly, efficiently and professionally, and follows up with manager as appropriate 

Work Environment 

The work is both active and sedentary. Work may include carrying of lightweight items, such as books and other library materials, or pushing of book carts. May require programming room set up, or ability to move boxes of books. 

Location & Schedule 

This is an in-person, on-site position that works at Lake Bluff Public Library. This position does require availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. 

Submit Your Application

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references via email to Eliza Jarvi (she/her), Youth Services Manager at ejarvi@lakeblufflibrary.org. Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 12, 2024 at 5 pm.