Author Archives: astonlibrary

The Aston Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic, organized and creative person to coordinate and perform story hour and other programs for the children at our small community library on a part-time basis.  Duties include preparing and delivering several story hours each week for children 0 – 9 years of age.  Qualifications:  prior children’s programming or teaching experience, ability to work independently and responsibly, strong verbal and written communication skills and a love for libraries.  Job description and compensation details are below.  Submit letter of interest, resume and references to Stephen Sarazin, director@astonlibrary.org .

ASTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Organizes, coordinates, and performs children’s services of the library.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:

Is responsible for programs and services for toddlers through elementary school children, both in-house and off-site.  Assists with creating a welcoming, pleasing, creative, vibrant and dynamic space for children and their caregivers in the library setting.  Covers circulation desk as required, as well as other related library duties.  Reports to the Director.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements all aspects of story times and programs for children as assigned by the Director.
• Coordinates programs with contracted performers as needed.
• Coordinates outreach to local daycares, preschools, and schools, including frequent visits.
• Advertises programs and services.
• Records and tracks statistics.
• Maintains strong familiarity with current children’s literature and actively recommends titles for purchase.
• Assists patrons with use of juvenile collection.
• Creates displays to enhance and promote use of the children’s area.
• Represents the library at DCLS children’s services staff meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Assists with customer service and circulation duties as needed.
• Participates in staff training, as scheduled.
• Supervises volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Is committed to public service values: is patient and helpful with all patrons; values patron satisfaction above library rules
•    Knows and follows library policy and procedures; accepts management’s direction when given
•    Must be able to learn and meet the minimal competencies for telephone system, web site, staff email and wiki, and be able to operate and troubleshoot technology/software
•    Knows and follows safety procedures, pointing out problems and keeping equipment in satisfactory condition
•    Keeps informed on library issues: reads emails, attends staff meetings
•    Keeps skills current and growing: attends required trainings, actively seeks opportunities to learn new things
•    Shares knowledge and skills: documents procedures, trains others to do tasks
•    Works well with others, including patrons, volunteers, and fellow staff
•    Is flexible, has a good sense of humor about the irritations of daily work life, and respects the feelings and needs of co-workers
•    Understands that change and evolving library procedures are constants in library work
•    Is sensitive to patron privacy and intellectual freedom issues
•    Is a good office citizen: submits timecard weekly, keeps work and break area clean, responds to emails and requests promptly, has a positive attitude

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•    Works effectively under stress with the public and co-workers.
•    Demonstrates courtesy and empathy.
•    Communicates well in writing and face to face.  Performs essential clerical and math functions–filing, spelling, typing, adding, making change–accurately.
•    Uses the Windows operating system, basic office software, web browsing and search engines skillfully.
•    Shifts from one task to another quickly.
•    Works independently and demonstrates good judgment.
•    Manages a limited budget effectively.
•    Organizes and plans with a high degree of effectiveness.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Moderate to substantial physical effort is required to perform duties under typical work conditions. The employee is sometimes required to participate in active physical exertion as part of performing programs.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, speak, hear, and use hands to operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arms. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents and use a computer.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:  Must be available to work day, night or weekend shifts.  Must be available to work a schedule that fulfills the staffing needs of library services and programs.  Must be punctual and dependable.

QUALIFICATIONS: Successful candidate will possess reliable transportation, the skills to provide exciting children’s programs, good judgement and emotional stability,  and ability to supervise and work well with children of all races, ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc. from infancy through fifth grade and their caregivers. College degree preferred with some concentration in childhood development, children’s literature, or related studies.

Hiring will be contingent on satisfactory passage of Pennsylvania Criminal History and Child Abuse Clearances by the incumbent and receipt of official transcripts verifying any degrees.

PROBATION: The position is probationary for one year and non-probationary afterwards.

COMPENSATION: $15 per hour.  Approximately 20 work hours per week.  No benefits provided.