The Case Memorial Library in Orange, CT, is seeking an enthusiastic professional to oversee daily operations in our busy Children’s Department. The Head of Children’s Services will have overall responsibility for the planning and management of collections, programs, and services for children and families. The successful candidate will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of children’s literature and a love of reading; excellent reference, reader’s advisory, communications and customer service skills; proficiency in new and emerging technologies; and a commitment to maintaining positive relationships with families, schools, and community organizations. Applicants must have an ALA-accredited MLS, and a minimum of two years of professional experience in a public library delivering service to children, or an equivalent combination of education, work experience, and training. Supervisory experience is preferred. This is a full-time union position, 37.5 hours, salary is $63,326, with excellent benefits. Some evening hours and a Friday/Saturday rotation are required. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to James M. Zeoli, First Selectman, c/o Town Hall, 617 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT 06477, or by email to [email protected] by Friday, June 17, 2022. For a full job description, please visit the Town’s website www.orange-ct.gov. EOE

Case Memorial Library

Head of Children’s Services

Job Description

Position Description

The Head of Children’s Services organizes and directs a comprehensive program of library services for children ages 0-12, oversees collection development and develops collaborative relationships with local educators and community groups.

Duties

Directs and supervises the operation of the children’s department; trains and makes assignments to children’s library assistants and volunteers
Responsible for selection, acquisition and withdrawal of all materials in the Children’s Department
Prepares and presents library programs including all story times
Prepares book lists, flyers and public relations materials
Provides and monitors reference service, reader’s advisory service and circulation service to children and their families
Works in close collaboration with members of the library, local schools and community agencies to coordinate activities and exchange information
Administers gift monies designated for the Children’s Department
Compiles monthly and annual reports and provides circulation statistics
Assists in drafting children’s library service policies
Any other tasks that may be assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of current trends in library service to children
Knowledge of all available children’s library materials
Excellent and effective patron relation skills
Strong ability in oral and written communication
Strong ability to be self-motivated, creative and flexible
Must relate well with children
Must have experience with automated library systems
Must be able to work within budget
Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration; good sense of humor
Required Equipment Operation

Operates the following equipment as required, including but not limited to: computer equipment including keyboard, mouse and peripherals, Literacy Stations, fax machine, photocopier, video and projection equipment.

Required Physical Effort/Mental Ability

Push and pull loaded book truck weighing 300-500 pounds; bend down to floor level and reach up to seven feet to shelve and retrieve books often with the help of a foot stool; lift and carry books weighing 20-30 pounds; sit at a keyboard display terminal for two to three hours at a time; work at the public service desk up to 8 hours at a time with frequent change of standing and sitting positions; remove from shelf and carry reference books weighing up to 20 pounds; crawl on hands and knees to trouble shoot equipment and interact with children; cover large distances and walk quickly to find and retrieve materials for patrons, including the use of stairs, shift heavy equipment up to 200 pounds; set up 50 chairs and move tables for library programs, carry bags of books weighing 20-30 pounds.

Ability to read and write English at the college level, to process written information and numerical computation.

Required Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university with special course work relating to children and children’s literature and experience with computers in a library environment.  Experience working as a children’s librarian is desirable.  The position is full time (37.5 hours/week) and includes weekend and evening hours.