Youth Assistant Department Head

Are you a library leader with strong teambuilding skills and a passion for providing high-quality service to children and families The Mount Prospect Public Library is looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable individual to become our Assistant Head of Youth responsible for overseeing collection development technology and the summer reading program in the department. Our department serves children from 0 to 10 and their families caregivers and teachers.

The successful candidate will be a public service champion a collaborative innovator and have strong knowledge of best practices and trends in library services to children and families. Bring your outstanding customer service and communication skills to the management team in Youth where you will supervise staff coordinate training and support the Head of Youth with other management tasks.

SCHEDULE

Full-time exempt.Weekday hours (9am to 5pm) with one evening shift per a week (1pm to 9pm). Participationin the Friday rotation (11am to 7pm) approximately once every 7 weeks and participation in the weekend rotation (Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm) approximately once every 4 weekends.

SALARY

$57400 to $71700 per year depending on qualifications

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 general supervision of the Head of Youth this position oversees the Department in the absence of the Department Head. The Assistant Department Head assists the Department Head in the daily and strategic operation of the department. This position is also responsible for the supervision of department staff (either directly or indirectly) which includes various librarian roles and support positions. This position oversees the day-to-day operations of the public desk manages the collection and collection budget coordinates technology used by the department and directs public service/readers advisory/reference training for the Department. This position may also manage large scale annual in-house literary programs including but not limited to the Summer Reading program. This position provides values-based public service by training and demonstrating the ability to: conduct reference interviews; retrieve information from the Youth collection; present programs to children; perform materials selection; and use technology effectively.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position comprises of the following essential duties:

• Supervision/Management (approx. 50%)
• Collection Management including e-resources (approx. 30%)
• Public Service (approx. 15%)

Other non-essential job duties may include other administrative department tasks representing the Library and special projects.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision/Management

1. Advises Department Head on matters relating to Department operations
2. In charge of Department in the absence of the Department Head
3. Assists Department Head in development and implementation of training modules
4. Supervises trains and evaluates staff as well as conducting regular meetings with direct reports
5. Schedules work and maintains adequate staffing levels as established or directed
6. Monitors and approves the time and attendance records for department staff
7. Participates in the recruitment process and evaluates candidates for employment
8. Ensures training plans or programs are established and followed
9. Establishes standards of work performance and manages individual performance accordingly
10. Recommends any employment action for department staff
11. Encourages and solicits staff feedback and responds appropriately
12. Determine budget needs and operate within defined budget limitations
13. Resolves issues and problems applying Department and Library polices/procedures
14. Writes reports and compiles statistics as assigned
15. Assists in determining budget needs and operates within defined budget limitations

Collection Management

1. Performs collection development tasks related to selection maintenance and weeding
2. Plans and executes collection displays in coordination with other departmental staff
3. Implements Department training for collection development
4. Coordinates Youth digital content (e-resources etc.)
5. Responsible for managing the collection management plan and budget for the youth services collection in conjunction with relevant staff
6. Submits annual budget request for youth materials for consideration and approval
   

Technology & Electronic Resources

1. Collaborates with other library staff to manage the content maintained by the Youth Department on the librarys website
2. Manages the technology that is utilized by patrons in the Youth Department

Public Service

1. Assists patrons at the public desk on the telephone and online with locating materials and providing appropriate reference and readers advisory services
2. Applies MPPL values-based customer service
3. Monitors the behavior and conduct of Library patrons to ensure an atmosphere conductive to the use of the department and library resources for all patrons
4. Executes basic/in-depth electronic bibliographic and informational searches using online and in-house database sources
5. Assists patrons with related reservations (study rooms meetings rooms equipment etc.)
6. Registers patrons for library programs
7. Fulfills requests for materials on specific topics or themes made by community organizations served
8. Assists patrons in the use of equipment items in the public service area

Other

1. Serves as in-charge staff when assigned
2. Attends appropriate meetings workshops and seminars
3. Serves on committees as assigned
4. Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Masters degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school (or equivalent education and work experience) required. A minimum of 5 years public library experience in youth services is also required. Supervisory experience desirable.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Skills & Ability

• Ability to access input and retrieve data from the computer
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures
• Knowledge in the use of the Integrated Library System
• Knowledge/skill in the use of readers advisory and reference/service interview techniques
• Knowledge of online search strategies
• Knowledge in the use of various computer applications and electronic devices
• Knowledge of youth programming trends philosophies and best practices
• Knowledge of outreach/community engagement trends and best practices
• Knowledge of management practices and procedures
• Knowledge of standard budgeting procedures
• Ability to operate a two-way radio and telephone

Behavioral Skills

1. Communication. Able to clearly present information through the spoken or written word; read and interpret complex information; talk with customers or clients; listen well.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Leadership. Able to assume a role of authority as necessary; advocate new ideas even when risk is involved; set an example for coworkers; delegate responsibility and empower associates to make decisions; provide constructive feedback to others.
5. 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.
6. Relationship Management. Able to develop rapport with others and recognize their concerns and feelings; build and maintain long-term associations based on trust; help others.
7. 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.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a typical library environment.