Library Youth Services Assistant

GENERAL PURPOSE  

Assist the Head of Youth Services in providing library services to the Cedarburg community in support of the Cedarburg Public Library's mission as established by the Library Board of Trustees.  Provide welcoming, responsive service to children and teens of all ages and their caregivers, with an emphasis on planning and conducting programs for youth ages 11-18.  Promote reading, learning, creativity, and exploration through engaging programs, reader's advisory, collection support, and other youth services.  Work independently and collaboratively with Youth Services staff to develop and deliver programs and services that respond to the interests and needs of young people in the community.    This is a part-time position scheduled for 19 hours per week, including one evening shift per week and weekend shifts on a rotating schedule, typically every 4th weekend.  Flexibility is required to accommodate programs and special events.  There are no benefits for part-time work.  Wage increase in January 2027.  Application deadline is Monday, November 23.  Eligible applicants may be interviewed prior to deadline.  Apply on the City of Cedarburg website under Employment Opportunities. https://www.cityofcedarburg.wi.gov/218/Employment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contribute to a positive, helpful, friendly, and inclusive environment for library users.  Provide excellent customer service, demonstrate a collaborative approach and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers. 
2. Develop positive relationships with children and teens and encourage their use of the library as a place for reading, learning, creativity, social connection, and exploration.
3. Plan, develop, promote, and conduct engaging, age-appropriate programs and activities for youth of all ages, with a primary emphasis on programming for ages 11-18.  Identify emerging interests and trends to help keep programs and services relevant to children and teens.
4. Independently plan and lead programs as appropriate and collaborate with the Head of Youth Services and other team members to develop and conduct programs, special events, and department-wide initiatives.
5. Provide reader's advisory services to children and teens, recommending materials based on reading interests, age, and reading ability.  Maintain knowledge of popular books, authors, series, graphic novels, and other materials and formats of interest to youth.  
6. Staff the Youth Services information desk and assist patrons in person and by telephone.  Respond to questions, locate information, recommend resources, and help patrons access library services and materials.
7. Promote library resources and services to children, teens, and their caregivers, including books, digital materials, research resources and the the Library of Things, as appropriate.
8. Assist with the creation of displays, promotional materials, social media content, brochures, and other publicity to highlight youth collections, programs, and library services.  
9. Assist with the Summer Reading Program and other department initiatives serving children and families.  Support outreach efforts and partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and other groups serving children and teens.
10. Follow library and department policies and procedures and communicate them to patrons as needed.  Maintain confidentiality of patron information. Maintain confidentiality of library patron information.

1. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in teen services, children and young adult literature, youth development, programming, and library technology.
2. Participate in relevant training, workshops, and professional development opportunities to maintain and improve skills and knowledge.
3. Maintain a professional demeanor, communicate effectively, and contribute to a respectful, cooperative, and productive workplace.
4. Support the Cedarburg Public Library's mission and uphold the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights, providing equitable access to information, resources, and ideas.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Assist with opening/closing procedures as assigned.
2. Complete assigned projects during desk hours, including reader's advisory, collection development, processing, cataloging, displays, and database maintenance.
3. Attend and participate in staff meetings and department meetings when required.
4. Perform other related duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Some college coursework in library science, education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.    
2. Experience working with the public, particularly children and teens, in a customer service, educational, recreational, or library setting is preferred.  Experience planning or conducting programs for youth is desirable. 
3. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Some knowledge of current library principles, materials, practices, and customer service.
• Knowledge of children and young adult literature, popular authors, genres, and reading interests to provide effective reader's advisory services.
• Ability to develop, plan, promote, and conduct engaging, age-appropriate programs for youth, particularly teens ages 11-18. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Head of Youth Services and other team members.
• Working knowledge of computer applications, internet searching, library catalogs, and elecronic resources, including the ability to evaluate the reliability of online information.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to respond effectively to patron needs, establish positive realtioandhiops with youth, and interact professionally with people of diverse ages and background.
• Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to changing needs.  
• Ability to operate all items listed under Tools and Equipment.

Tools and Equipment
Automated shared resource system (Monarch Cat), networked personal computer and peripherals, MS Office and other job related software, printers, copy machine, fax machine, scanner, telephone, calculator, paper cutter, laminator, elevator and carts.
Physical Demands
This position requires the employee to frequently walk, sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel and/or operate objects, tools or controls.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move upt to 25 pounds and push/pull carts on wheels weighing 300-400 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.  Work is performed primarily in a library environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderately noisy.