Do you enjoy working with teens and their awesome energy? The Fiction/AV/Teen Department at the Mount Prospect Public Library is looking for a Teen Services Librarian to join our team. You'll collaborate with another Teen Librarian and the rest of the Fiction/AV/Teen staff to support teen patrons in grades six through twelve. This position takes the lead in programming activity in addition to material selection and staffing the public desk helping adult and teen patrons.

SCHEDULE: Full-time, non-exempt. 37.5 hours per week.

•    Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
•    Tuesday 1pm to 9pm
•    Friday 9am to 5pm; once every 13 weeks, 11am to 7pm
•    Participation in a weekend rotation, approximately once every 7 weekends: Saturday 9am to 5pm & Sunday 11am to 5pm

BENEFITS

Medical, dental, and vision benefits are offered. Part of the total compensation package also includes paid time off benefits (paid holidays, vacation time, personal days, and sick leave), participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan, 457 retirement savings plan, pet insurance and a commuter transit benefit. 

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Fiction/AV/Teen Department Head, the Teen Services Librarian is responsible for collaboratively developing and implementing a comprehensive program of services to teen patrons in grades 6-12. The position provides readers’ advisory services, performs collection development, and plans and presents programming for teens. This position also provides public services at the Fiction/AV/Teen desk.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

1. Programming/Outreach (approx. 50%)
2. Public Service (approx. 30%)
3. Collection Development (approx. 20%)

Other non-essential job duties may include serving as an in-charge leader when assigned, representing the Library, and committee work. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming/Outreach

• Plans and presents programming events for teen patrons, including reading programs/challenges/events
• Develops new programs/services based on the library’s strategic goals and community needs in conjunction with the Department Head and Assistant Department Head
• Works with library marketing staff to generate program publicity as needed.
• Researches and reserves outside presenters for the audiences served
• Coordinates the vendor process with performers by securing the appropriate contract and facilitating the payment process.
• Assists in monitoring the programming budget in conjunction with the Department Head.
• Prepares programming reports and statistics as needed or requested
• Collaborates with other library programmers and assists in coordinating library wide events
• Keeps current in public library and program trends; monitors best practices in programming and developments in the field.
• Coordinates, implements, and presents outreach events for teen patrons.
• Works with Community Engagement Director to develop new outreach programming/services. Acts as a liaison between Community Engagement and Fiction/AV/Teen Department
• Assists in managing the outreach portion of the programming budget in conjunction with the Department Head
• Serves as liaison with community partners, specifically local middle and high schools
• Attends networking events, meetings, and other community events when assigned
• Prepares reports and compiles statistics relating to outreach as needed or requested
• Monitors current trends in public libraries, specifically focusing on outreach
• Works with library marketing staff to obtain appropriate resources and items for outreach activity

Public Service

• Assists patrons at the public desk, on the telephone, and online
• Applies MPPL-values-based customer service
• Maintains welcoming active teen-specific public spaces
• Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conducive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
• Provides appropriate reference and readers advisory services
• Executes basic/in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online and in-house database sources
• Assists patrons at the public service desk in locating materials in physical and electronic formats
• Provides bibliographic instruction and tours, as needed
• Prepares reports and complies statistics as assigned

Collection Development

• Performs collection development tasks related to selection, maintenance, and weeding 
• Plans and executes collection displays in coordination with other departmental staff 

Other

• Represents the Department on the Programming Workgroup, as assigned
• Represents the Department on the Reading Program Workgroup, as assigned
• Represents the Department on the Community Engagement Workgroup, as assigned
• Attends appropriate meetings, workshops and seminars
• Serves on committees as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school (or equivalent education and work experience) required.
• Minimum one year’s experience in a public service librarian position required
• Experience working with teen patrons required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY

Knowledge & Ability

1. Ability to access, input and retrieve data from the computer
2. Ability to reach, bend, push, pull, grasp, lift, kneel, crouch, stoop, and carry
3. Ability to carry library materials weighing up to 10 lbs
4. Ability to use the English language correctly both verbally and in writing
5. Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone
6. Ability to read library material spines and labels in order to comprehend and put in correct order
7. Ability to perform light/medium/heavy work 
8. Ability to speak publicly
9. Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office applications
10. Knowledge of interactive web applications and email
11. Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
12. Knowledge of online search strategies
13. Knowledge of teen programming trends, philosophies, and best practices
14. Knowledge/skill in the use of readers advisory tools
15. Knowledge of literature, popular fiction and non-fiction for teen audiences
16. Knowledge of popular AV materials 
17. Knowledge of service interview techniques
18. Knowledge of standard collection development practices
19. Knowledge of outreach/community engagement trends and best practices
20. Knowledge / skill in the use of electronic reference tools 
21. Knowledge of library policies and procedures

Behavioral Skills

1. Continuous Learning. Able to stay informed of current industry trends; learn and apply new concepts and demonstrate career self-reliance; identify own areas of opportunity and set and monitor self-development goals.
2. Decision Making & Problem Solving. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.
3. Flexibility. Able to remain open-minded and change opinions on the basis of new information; perform a wide variety of tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.
4. Planning, Prioritizing, & Goal Setting. Able to prepare for emerging customer needs; manage multiple projects; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; organize and schedule people and tasks. 
5. Teamwork. Able to share due credit with coworkers; display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment; work closely with other departments as necessary; support group decisions and solicit opinions from coworkers; display team spirit.
6. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
7. Customer Focus. Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; do what is necessary to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction; deal with service failures and prioritize customer needs.
8. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Able to adapt behavior to others' styles; interact effectively with people who have different values, cultures, or backgrounds; optimize the benefits of having a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce.