LibraryJobline

1. Provides efficient, courteous public desk service and a positive image of the library through exemplary reference and reader's advisory services. a. Provide general age-appropriate orientation, on-line catalog, and internet instruction b. Provides age-appropriate tours c. Develops reading lists, internet tools or other creative means to make the children's collection more accessible d. Maintains confidentiality in all patron interactions e. Demonstrates the characteristics of excellent customer service 2. Provides assistance and advice to collection development regarding the selection of children’s materials. a. Examines the collection for replacement and/or removal b. Reads and evaluates challenged materials as requested 3. Participates in the design, promotion, execution, and evaluation of programs for children and adults concerned with children a. Provides programs reflecting developmental needs of children b. Provides programs reflecting interests and goals of the library c. Provides programs to inform parents and other adults about library services and to encourage literacy. 4. Acts as a school liaison, increasing communication with assigned elementary schools. 5. Responsible for the development of reader’s advisory staff training (for branch children’s staff as well as main children’s department). Develops and coordinates reading lists and other reader’s advisory tools. 6. May coordinate and implement national initiatives in children’s and youth services, such as early literacy, family literacy, or school age programming. 7. Performs other job-related duties as assigned (i.e., bibliography notebooks, etc.) 1. Requires a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS) with a demonstrated interest in service to children. 2. Strongly prefer experience working with children and a demonstrated interest (i.e., coursework, training, professional experience) in service to children. 3. Requires the ability to work the schedule which includes Thursdays from noon - 9 p.m., every third Saturday (with Monday off) from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and two Sundays per quarter from 1 - 5 p.m. 4. In order to be considered as an applicant for this position, you must write and submit two typed, double-spaced essays (200 to 250 words per essay question) in response to each of the following: a. “Why are Children’s Services important in a library environment?” and b. “Which children’s services initiatives on a national-level are important to you at this time and why?” Applications submitted without the above requested essays will not be considered for this position. Please attach your essays to your PPLD job application form. You may also attach a resume if you wish, but a completed PPLD job application is required. 5. Requires excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, a “whatever it takes” work ethic, and an excellent customer service attitude! Bilingual ability is a plus in serving our diverse community. Spanish language skills are preferred, but not required. 1. Effective communication skills in conducting reference interviews and in meeting with children, parents, staff, and the community. 2. Ability to communicate enthusiasm for children's literature. 3. Ability to effectively encourage and instruct patrons in the use of the on-line catalog and other library resources to meet patron needs. 4. Knowledge of professional tools to access children's literature as well as the books, audio/visual materials, computer resources, and special file materials that constitute a balanced children's collection. 5. Knowledge of children's materials and the professional tools available to provide extensive reader's advisory services. 6. Understanding of in-depth search strategies to give children access to information from the widest possible range of sources including children's and adult reference materials, on-line resources, indexes, referral files, and interlibrary loan networks. 7. Understanding of web technology to perform assigned tasks. 8. Ability to understand and apply criteria for evaluating the content and artistic merit of children's materials in all genres and formats. 9. Demonstrates responsible fiscal accountability. 10. Demonstrates knowledge of children's developmental stages, interests, community needs, and children's literature. 11. Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of techniques and resources for effective storytelling and preschool programming. 12. Exhibits creative use of dramatic, artistic, musical and mnemonic skills in presenting programs. 13. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of children's programs and to make adjustments as necessary. 14. Demonstrates professional development and knowledge of materials and issues that impact service to children. 15. Physical ability to carry boxes of storytelling materials from branch to branch as necessary. Valid Colorado Driver’s license to drive as necessary for program presentation. With its 12 branches and 2 bookmobiles, Pikes Peak Library District serves the 500,000+ residents of El Paso County, which is nestled at the base of beautiful Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, CO.

PPLD job application required. Type and print one at ppld.org. Also, in order to be considered as an applicant, you must write and submit two typed, double-spaced essays (200 to 250 words per essay question) in response to each of the following: a. “Why are Children’s Services important in a library environment?” and b. “Which children’s services initiatives on a national-level are important to you at this time and why?” Applications that are submitted without the two above requested essays will not be considered for this position. Please attach your essays to your PPLD job application form. You may also attach a resume and/or cover letter if you wish.