Kennebunk Free Library
Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian Job Description
March 2015
The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian works as a professional librarian under the general direction
of the Youth Services Librarian. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian provides library service and
programming to children and young adults and those who work with young adults, assists patrons in finding
materials for recreation and information, performs circulation, reference and technical services functions and
assists in selecting, cataloging and processing materials for children and teens. The Teen Librarian/Assistant
Youth Services Librarian is expected to have constant contact and collaboration with young adults (typically ages
12-18) with diverse backgrounds and abilities. In the absence of the Youth Services Librarian s/he provides
operational guidance for Children’s Room staff and volunteers.
The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian supports the Library’s mission to “serve the diverse cultural,
informational, educational and recreational needs of the community” as well as develops and promotes the use of
library resources for literacy and life-long learning.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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Provides readers’ advisory and direct assistance to patrons regarding use of library materials, equipment,
and services
Manages collection development and maintenance of all teen materials
Maintains and cultivates relationships with parents and other family members, the public, schools,
teachers, other libraries, town employees, state and regional library associations, and other professional
organizations
Cooperates with teachers and school librarians in research assignments, and conducts orientation and
promotional visits
Assists in training and supervision of staff and volunteers
Initiates, plans, and conducts a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the library by
children and Teens with an emphasis on young adults between the ages of 12 and 18, such as films and
special events, reading clubs, and school/community outreach
Takes a leadership role in developing effective and productive youth service teams
Keeps informed on trends in Teen and library services; attends professional library conferences, seminars,
and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting
discussions
Participates in near-term and long-range planning for the department, including budget preparation for
Teen programs and materials
Prepares regular reports for the Youth Services Librarian and maintains a constant line of communication
with him/her
Performs duties in other library divisions and participates in library special projects
Monitors the library’s general email address
Supervises and regularly contributes to social media postings
Updates the library’s website on a regular basis
Writes and submits press releases; creates fliers, posters, and other publicity content
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
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Knowledge of recreational and educational needs of young adults
Ability to translate young adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs
Knowledge of current trends in library services for Teens and issues affecting youth
Knowledge of standard library procedures, children’s and young adult literature, current information
technology, database search strategies, and social media resources
Communicates clearly with others, orally and in writing
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE
This full-time professional position is available for an energetic, team-oriented Teen Librarian with a strong public
service commitment. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian should have an MLS degree from an
ALA accredited program; at least one year of professional experience in a library is required. Supervisory and
administrative experience is preferred.
Library experience with teens (ages 12 to 18) is preferred. Demonstrated success in Children’s and/or Teen
programming, collection development, and budgeting are desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Hazards are minor and controllable, but can
include exposure to high precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, cramped quarters,
human error and angry/hostile humans.
The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian must be able to:
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Youth Services Librarian, Library Director,
co-workers, Library Trustees, and volunteers
• Positively interact with the public under varied conditions
• Exercise tact, leadership, and independent judgment
• Maintain focus under varied conditions including stressful, noisy and distracting conditions
• Exercise a full range of body motion to include standing, walking, talking, listening, stooping, kneeling,
and reaching
• Lift up to 25 pounds, with some exposure of weights to 50 pounds
• Pull and push book trucks, with casters, weighing up to 200 pounds
• Adjust focus to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception
• Use telephones, computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers and other office and telecommunications
equipment
• Have or obtain a valid Maine Driver’s License
• Work weekday, evening and weekend hours
STAFF RELATIONSHIPS
The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is hired by the Library Director and the Assistant Library
Director and will report to the Youth Services Librarian. When the Director is not in the building the Assistant
Director is in charge of all staff. When both the Director and Assistant Director are unavailable the Youth Services
Librarian is in charge. The Teen Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian serves as Librarian in charge when the
Director, Assistant Director, and Youth Services Librarian are not available. Immediate supervision of the Teen
Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is delegated to the Youth Services Librarian, however the Teen
Librarian/Assistant Youth Services Librarian is ultimately under the supervision of the Director.
This is a full time, exempt, professional position. Wage range, benefits and other personnel policies are in
compliance with the Kennebunk Free Library’s personnel policies and procedures.
Please send cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to:
Jill E. LeMay, Director
Kennebunk Free Library
112 Main Street
Kennebunk, Maine 04043
or email to [email protected]