Children’s Area Supervisor, Youth Services, Hughes Main Library

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A. accredited college or university.
• Three years of progressive professional library experience, one of which must have been at the supervisory level.
• Considerable experience working with children in a library or formal learning environment.
• Certified or eligible for certification by the South Carolina State Library.
• Other combinations of experience and training that meet the minimum requirements may be considered.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field.

Must have the ability to:

1. concentrate for long periods of time
2. speak clearly and distinctly
3. hear and/or comprehend verbal communication
4. see and interpret all job-related materials
5. operate library equipment as assigned
6. lift up and carry to 40 pounds for a distance of 300 feet
7. push book carts weighing over 100 pounds
8. move, setup, fold, and stack tables and chairs
9. sit for long periods of time
10. stand for long periods of time
11. walk, bend and stoop
12. reach, grasp and use hands to touch, handle, or feel
13. type on an ongoing basis for long periods of time, using both hands
14. tolerate low levels of dust and mold associated with working books and other library materials

These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).

• Provides assistance in reference, reader’s advisory, referral, and circulation services to Children’s Area users. (E)
• Assigns, instructs, directs and supervises staff. (E)
• Participates in the interviewing of applicants for staff positions and makes recommendations for selecting new employees. (E)
• Provides training for subordinates; reviews performance of subordinates, and makes recommendations for improvement/growth as appropriate. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and regulations. (E)
• Prepares staff schedules, records attendance/schedule change requests, approves leave requests and timesheets, and requests supplemental coverage as needed. (E)
• Makes recommendations to Youth Services Manager regarding the development and maintenance of the Children’s Area collection; weeds collection based on condition, timeliness, and use. (E)
• Assists in planning improvements in Youth Services, including budget recommendations, formulation of goals and objectives, evaluation and implementation of best practices in child development and program presentation. (E)
• Plans, organizes, schedules, and implements programs with emphasis on children ages birth through sixth grade and their caregivers. (E)
• Coordinates and dispatches program substitutes as needed to maintain previously scheduled system wide programming. (E)
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local schools, agencies, and organizations. (E)
• Ensures safety in the Children’s Area and coordinates maintenance and repair requests for the Children’s Area. (E)
• Creates and proofs signage and flyers for all Children’s Area programs using the Style Guide and Editable Sign Templates provided by the Communications department.
• Reviews and studies professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science, especially related to Children’s Services. (E)
• Answers questions on Library System operations, policies, and procedures. (E)
• Handles problems and complaints related to the Children’s Area. (E)
• Provides oversight and staff assistance with circulation policies and procedures. (E)
• Assists in evaluation of children’s materials that are subject to patron request for reconsideration or that otherwise require reevaluation. (E)
• Works with Volunteer Coordinator to train, schedule, and supervise work of volunteers in the unit as appropriate. (E)
• Manages and operates library equipment, including personal computers, telecommunications equipment, photocopier and audiovisual equipment. Provides instruction and demonstrates use as needed. (E)
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit. (E)
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance and remains compliant with the Library System’s Attendance Guidelines. (E)
• Performs other related duties as required, including those of any staff member in the unit.

(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of children’s literature and child development.
• Knowledge of STEM activities.
• Thorough knowledge of modern library principles and major fields of learning.
• Knowledge of library computer systems and applications, online databases, office software, email, and mobile devices.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic. 

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to plan and execute engaging, age appropriate children’s programs.
• Ability to learn and enforce the Library System’s policies, procedures, and regulations to customers and employees.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer records and other identifiable customer uses of Library System resources and services, security-related incidents, and personnel issues.
• Ability to effectively exercise discretion, independent judgment, and critical thinking to resolve staff, patron, and operational problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to deal with difficult individuals in unusual situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in or
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct a complete program of Library activities.
• Ability to supervise and direct the work of others and provide coaching, training, and disciplinary actions, as needed.
• Ability to provide adequate instruction and directions to subordinates.
• Ability to work under frequently stressful conditions and meet required deadlines.
• Good personal computing skills, including effective use of word processing and spreadsheet programs, various Internet browsers and email.
• Skilled in the operation and care of computer equipment and barcode equipment.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-related information in oral, written, and electronic forms.
• Preferred: Bilingual – English/Spanish skills.
• Preferred: Touch typing skills.

Characteristics:

• Enjoys interacting with people and possesses a strong commitment to providing an exemplary customer experience.
• Enjoys working in a leadership role, providing direction and guidance to staff.
• Establishes rapport with others in person and on the telephone, and maintains effective working relationships with customers, coworkers, and volunteers.
• Is ethical, approachable, trustworthy, and apolitical.
• Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Follows established procedures and instructions received from supervisor.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Values technology as a tool, staying on top of technology trends.
• Recognizes change as an ongoing opportunity for growth.
• Performs routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.
• Is receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embraces continuous improvement.
• Takes ownership of work, does what is needed without being asked, and follows through until task is resolved.
• Arrives on time, works hours as scheduled, and maintains a good attendance record.