Librarian Job at County of Chester, PA in West Chester

Salary: $27.22 Hourly

Location : Chester Springs, PA

Job Type: Part Time

Job Number: 03394

Department: Library

Division: Henrietta Hankin Library

Opening Date: 12/31/2024

Weekly Hours: 18

Shift: Hours will vary and include one night a week and one weekend a month.

Summary

The Henrietta Hankin Branch Library is seeking an experienced, creative, dynamic, and innovative part-time Youth Services Librarian. This librarian will create and implement fun, meaningful, and literacy-focused programs for children throughout the year. The successful candidate will provide excellent readers' advisory for children and have enthusiasm for working with children. Position requires strong organizational skills, flexibility, and ingenuity. They will enhance the high standard of customer service established by the Library. Responsibilities: Public desk hours, collection development for youth services, collection promotion, social media posting, community engagement, and programming.

Responsibilities: Public desk hours, collection development for youth services, collection promotion, social media posting, community engagement, and programming.

Requirements: This position requires an MLS/MLIS, ALA-accredited preferred, with at least one year's relevant experience, knowledge of children's and young adult literature, knowledge of child development, and experience planning and presenting programs. Excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to public service are essential. PC proficiency including Internet, email, and Microsoft Office skills is required.

Physical abilities: Handle, lift, or move library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; stand at a computer terminal for up to 4 hours; wheel book carts weighing up to 125 lbs.; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, walk, stoop or reach repeatedly throughout the day within a confined area. All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).
Essential Duties

• Staff the library's service desk(s)
• Provide guidance in finding library materials.
• Provide general reference and advisory services.
• Assist in collection development and maintenance.
• Plan, produce and promote library programs, presenting in-house and/or virtual programs as well as coordinating with outside organizations/presenters.
• Complete assigned projects that support the library's annual goals and objectives.
• Participate in community outreach activities.
• Assist supervisor with daily operations and provide reports, as needed.
• Assist with creating daily schedules and ensure there is adequate coverage.
• Serve as part of the Person in Charge team on rotation.
• Participate in continuing education workshops, seminars and conferences as needed to keep current in the field.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications/Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Library or Information Science or ability to attain one within 1 year.
• Working knowledge of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to View Statement.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Flexibility and ability to accept change.
• Accurate and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Work includes evening shifts and weekend shifts in rotation.
• PA Criminal background check.
• PA Child abuse clearance.
• FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal Background check

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• One year of job-related library experience.
• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited college or university in Library or Information Science.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of public library service.
• Knowledge of the use of review sources.
• Strong communication skills in person, over the phone, and by email.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge and skill with standard office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, etc.).
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Proactive and flexible.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to speak in public (presentation and storytelling skills).

Additional Information

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic computer knowledge and skill to use Windows software
• Basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills
• Basic knowledge of virtual communication platforms (ex. Zoom, Webex, Teams)
• Proficient in using databases and the internet

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk and hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand; sit; bend at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; lift and carry items up to 25 pounds; work with office machinery; and reach above shoulders to place books on and retrieve books from high shelves. Must be able to lift and transport books by hand and push a full cart of books for several yards. On rare occasions, the employee will need to crawl, climb on ladders, and push items weighing up to 75 pounds.
The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to read computer screen for extended time periods
• Ability to read print formats including small print

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but can vary especially when public programs are taking place.
• Work will be performed in an office environment.
• This position requires sitting in front of a computer the majority of the time.

Other:

• This position may require evening and weekend shift work.
• This position requires professionalism.

01

Do you have a current and valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of Library related experience do you have?

• None
• less than 1
• 1+
• 2+
• 3+
• 4+
• 5+
• 6+
• 7+
• 8+
• 9+

03

Do you have a current Pennsylvania Public Library Certification?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Library/Information Science or the ability to attain one within 1 year?

• Yes
• No

Required Question