Children’s Experience Specialist

Position Purpose:

Serves as a member of Children’s Experience Services for the Framingham Public Library. Promotes and provides exemplary customer service to a vibrant, multi-cultural population in the city of Framingham, the premier resource for free inquiry, creative enrichment, and lifelong learning. Exemplifies innovation, flexibility, collegiality and enthusiasm for all aspects of library customer service. This position requires evening and weekend hours.

Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

1. Promotes and provides exemplary customer service to staff and public. Protects confidentiality of patron records according to library policy and Mass General Law.

2. Performs a variety of circulation duties including patron registration, checking in and checking out library materials, collecting overdue fines, and placing reserves.

3. Under the direction of the Head of Children’s Experience and in alignment with Library and Departmental goals, creates and develops additional monthly enrichment programming based on current professional practices and educational trends to supplement the core Children’s programming offerings.

4. Provides an array of programs for the public, and effectively promotes the Children’s Experience Services. Promotes increased use of library materials through book talks, author visits, story hours, and craft sessions.

5. Under the Direction of the Head of Children’s Experience and Assistant Head of Children's Services Branch, develops, plans, and executes creative and innovative Children’s programming based on community interest, professional trends, and current educational initiatives.

6. Assists with the development and facilitation of craft projects, S.T.E.A.M. programming, and baby and toddler story times.

7. Contacts, schedules, and facilitates processing of outside performers and presenters.

8. Participates in shelf reading and weeding.

9. Provides guidance, using print and electronic resources, to children and adults requesting information in the Children’s Room. Assists patrons in borrowing and using all library materials and accessing digital resources. Gives directional information. Provides information on library policies and procedures.

10. Acts as contact for patron concerns in the Children's Experience department, and responds in a positive and flexible manner, with assistance from supervisors as necessary. Ensures accessibility of library services for all patrons. Refers issues to Library Administration as required.

11. Assists with collection development for children from ages birth to 12 years and the maintenance of an attractive, current array of library materials.

12. Creates attractive displays to showcase and highlight library materials for children in all formats.

13. Troubleshoots library’s technology equipment as necessary.

14. Views change as a welcome opportunity to review, assess, and analyze library services. Freely shares innovation, cost efficiencies, and improvement suggestions with Library Administration.

15. Is pro-active in suggesting implementation of emerging technologies and visions for improvement of children’s services to the public.

16. Accurately collects and maintains library statistics as required for the ARIS report or requested by Library Administration.

17. Participates on Library committees and working groups as directed.

18. Monitors safety of the library facility for employees and the public. Responds appropriately to emergencies and keeps Library Administration informed of any problematic situation.

19. Follows safe work practices.

20. Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree.

• Must have two (2+) or more years’ experience in library services or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Must complete a course in Children’s Literature at an accredited institution. Coursework may be completed within one year of hire date.

• Knowledge of: o Integrated Library Systems (ILS), Innovative Sierra preferred. o Library electronic collections and technologies. o Customer service. o Children’s literature and culture.

• Ability to: o Interact effectively with children and parents. o Work in a fast-paced environment. o Exhibit humor, tact, flexibility, and initiative. o Learn new software and hardware quickly. o Embrace change and contribute to the overall mission of the library.

• Skills

o Public speaking o Strong writing ability o Organizational skills. o Familiarity with Social media platforms. o Spanish and Portuguese are desirable.

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

BA/BS

Salary Range$22.21 - $30.32  / year

Closing Date

How to Apply

Please visit our website: www.framinghamma.gov/jobs The City of Framingham is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer.