Youth Collection Development Librarian

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Collection Development Manager, selects print and non-print materials according to the collection policy for child patrons, with an emphasis on patron demand, collection breadth and balance. Performs other duties as assigned. Reports to the Collection Development Manager. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Builds and maintains a relevant, high-interest, and diverse collection of digital and print materials for children and teens through purchasing, data analysis, and weeding advice, under the supervision of the Collection Development Manager 

• Spends within the budget established by the Collection Development Manager

• Employs vendor services, professional tools, and purchase suggestions to evaluate, select, and purchase sufficient materials in various physical and digital formats across age groups in accordance with the library’s collection development policy, best practices in collection management, and publishing trends

• Works with supervisor and Public Service Managers to analyze existing collections, community trends, and ILS data to identify the needs and interests of diverse communities, anticipate public demand, and improve collection performance

• Participates in department assessment of library-wide resources and services 

• Assists supervisor with setting annual collection maintenance goals and coordinates maintenance of materials in areas of responsibility 

• Assists with promoting the collection on the library website; prepares content for library newsletters or brochures or other publications

• May develop and present programs such as Summer Reading, story hours and class visits;

• May perform outreach and represent the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations; ensures that community groups are kept informed of library programs and services; may assist in developing outreach materials; 

• May be required to work in multiple locations and on any of the 7 days of the workweek (Sunday – Saturday)

• Attends meetings and participates in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and goals

• Keeps abreast of library developments by attending workshops, webinars, and educational programs and reading periodicals and specialized literature; attends staff meetings

**REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES **

The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

1. Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Peoria Public Library’s policies and procedures;

2. Ability to act as a representative of Peoria Public Library to the public;

3. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures for public library service and the ability to interpret them to the staff and the public;

4. Extensive knowledge of children’s and young adult materials, interests and trends

5. Knowledge of reference services, practices and procedures; 

6. Ability to establish priorities and organize workload;

7. Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere;

8. Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and to recommend changes as appropriate;

9. Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals (customers and staff) in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives;

10. Ability to effectively communicate and present information to others;

11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals;

12. Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval; 

13. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines; and

14. Ability to obtain a valid IL driver’s license.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE **

1. MLS or MLIS; 

2. One to three years relevant library experience.

**PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS **

Work requires light physical effort in the handling of light materials in non-strenuous work positions up to 20 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries, classrooms or meeting and training rooms, e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire and building safety regulations and traffic signals when driving. 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

How to Apply

Peoria Public Library is accepting applications for

FULL-TIME YOUTH COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT LIBRARIAN

Currently assigned to Main Library

To apply, please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Application Form

in person or via email to

[email protected]

Or mail to:

Peoria Public Library

ATTN: Jenny Ulrich

107 NE Monroe St.

Peoria, IL  61602-1070

The application deadline is 5:00 p.m., Thursday, October 03, 2024

Application form is available at https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/about-ppl/careers/

Application Contact

Jenny Ulrich

[email protected]

Apply To

Peoria Public Library 107 NE Monroe Peoria, IL 61602

https://peoriapubliclibrary.org/about-ppl/careers/