Employment Opportunities @ LARL

Library Associate I

Youth Services

Nature of Work : Under the general supervision of the Public Services Supervisor and in consultation with the Youth Services Coordinator, this position provides a comprehensive program of library services in Moorhead for children, young people, parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who work with children. The expectation is that this program serves as a model for the rest of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and evaluate exciting and innovative programs, both in and outside the library, that inspire all ages of children and their families to enjoy reading and books, and to discover the library and its resources. These may include, but are not limited to, preschool/toddler story times, Story time-To-Go, book clubs, computer training classes, storytelling, puppetry, art, music, theatre, etc. Works with LARL Public Information Officer to ensure programs are thoroughly and appropriately publicized.
• Provide reader guidance and reference service to library users of all ages, with particular emphasis on children.
• Educate children, their parents, and others who work with children in selecting, using, and locating materials (both print and electronic, individually or in groups).
• Design, execute and evaluate the Summer Reading Program including the reading incentive program for K-6 children, Teen Read program, and a minimum of eight programs for K-6 children.
• Educate children and their parents in safe and effective use of the Internet.
• Actively contribute to the on-going development and maintenance of the branch juvenile collection by recommending titles and assisting in regular weeding.
• Actively contribute to the growth and development of children’s library services in Moorhead and across LARL by exploring, developing, and recommending new approaches and ideas for programs, materials, Web sites, etc.
• Create imaginative and enticing displays aimed at children both in and outside the library building.
• Design and maintain an attractive, inviting, and functional youth area, providing areas for reading, studying, and display of materials that are comfortable and easy to use.
• Develop and maintain communications with other community agencies, including the public and private schools, and organizations emphasizing children’s services and possible collaborative efforts, to enhance library services through outside resources and communicate the inherent value of libraries to the community.
• Lead library tours and conduct outreach into the community through library programs, public speaking, participation in collaborative projects, and other means of networking.
• Monitor customer activity in the children’s area and handle problems as they occur.
• Supervise and train volunteers working with children and youth programming.
• Other duties consisting of similar and related tasks or of a logical work assignment to the position.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from a four-year college with an emphasis on elementary education or children and family services. A minimum of 2 years professional experience in children’s services preferred.
• Knowledge of child development theory and practice.
• Knowledge of learning styles and information transfer theory.
• Successful experience working with children and young people.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for working with children and young people.
• Ability to interact and communicate, both orally and in writing, with people of all ages and backgrounds in a pleasant and effective manner, especially children and young people.
• Skill in public speaking, able to address groups of both children and adults.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library customers, other library staff, and the community at large.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete daily work and special projects efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to quickly identify problems, analyze the severity, and determine the appropriate action required.
• Ability to quickly learn the library’s operational policies and procedures, and follow them consistently.
• Ability to create a welcoming and attractive ambience in the children/youth area of the library and recommend themes, decoration, and furnishings that meet the needs of children.
• Ability to create attractive and informative displays that clearly encourage children to read and explore information about their world.
• Possess a working knowledge of children’s literature in fiction and non-fiction, age-appropriate titles and authors, and current popular children’s reading interests.
• Working knowledge of basic word processing, spreadsheets and databases (MS Office preferred) and basic computer functions.
• Skill in using automated library catalogs, online databases and Internet search techniques.
• Willingness to continually expand his/her knowledge of library services to children and their families.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; to bend, stoop, and reach to retrieve/shelve materials on low or high shelves; and to move quickly from one area of the library to another.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to other local agencies, branch libraries, or LINK Sites.

Working Conditions:

40 hr/week position including some evenings/weekends. Benefits include: paid single health and life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, optional dental and vision insurance, flexible spending plan, employee assistance program, optional deferred compensation plan, enrollment in Minnesota Public Employees Retirement plan (PERA), union membership (AFSCME), six-month orientation period. Place of employment is the Moorhead Branch of Lake Agassiz Regional Library.

Salary: $9.55 per hour

To Apply: Send resume and completed application to Human Resources at Lake Agassiz Regional Library PO Box 900. Moorhead , MN 56561-900 or e-mail larlhr@larl.org.

Application forms are available at all LARL agencies or at www.larl.org.

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Download Application Form Here!

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