Join our Team! We are hiring a Supervisor of Youth Services

We are searching for an experienced, energetic, playful, dedicated librarian to fill a position here at the library - could it be you? 

Visit the City of Portsmouth's Human Resources page for full application and job description details, or if you're ready to apply, click here to apply by email or click here to download an application form! 

The Portsmouth Public Library is looking to hire a Supervisor of Youth Services. The successful candidate will dynamically lead the Youth Services department in providing and administering a rich and diverse range of services for children and teens; create a welcoming, warm, respectful and inspirational environment in which library patrons and staff learn, grow and thrive; and facilitate and participate in collaborative decision making both within the department and with other library staff and administrators.

This will include supervising department personnel and functions, acquiring and maintaining diverse, up-to-date, top notch collections; using and training others to use information technology to access information and cultural materials which fulfill customer needs; providing suitable places for patrons to partake in intellectual, communal and playful activities; and working cooperatively with City departments, businesses, academic and cultural organizations and schools to meet the specific needs of the City's diverse populations.  

This position also involves conducting an ongoing “environmental scan” seeking out opportunities for new and/or improved library services, materials, programs, displays, furniture, space usage, community partnerships, and other forms of innovation.

DESIRED STARTING DATE: April 15, 2019

FROM OUR PATRONS...

I just wanted to share my gratitude and kudos to hands down the BEST library and librarians! I look forward to  taking my family to PPL for years to come. 

One of my absolute favorite memories with my son was due to the discovery that we could check out a fabulous telescope. As it happened, it was a full moon on the night we picked it up (I think we had some help in that planning), and we were able to experience the moon in all it's splendor at Newcastle Commons...which led us into the universe.

There was a time when many doors were closed for us, the Library's doors were always open. They have always been a beacon leading to something magical and transforming.

The library led me to a stronger sense of belonging to a community that is new to me and my daughter. We moved here 8 months ago from the Pacific Northwest and one of the first things we sought out was the library. Not only are we avid readers and enjoy the movie selection immensely too, but the library is a gathering place for so many different, vibrant pieces of this town. Political groups, children’s events, current movies, historical groups, art and music... the list goes on. Thank you for helping us feel more at “home” Portsmouth Library!

So many people think that libraries are just a boring place to get books. But I have come to know that the Portsmouth Public Library is much much more than that. The library opened the year that I was born 2006 so I have gotten to cherish all nine and now ten years of it and I have to say that it's the best library in the entire world. I remember right from the beginning I always went to story time,I participated in the teddy bear sleepover and I could never get enough of the touchy-feely board books. As I grew older I enjoyed the summer reading challenge and the movies and lastly the How To festival. And here I am 9 years old (turning 10) and the things that I love are more than I can count so I will only name one here it is:  EVERYTHING!

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Plans, coordinates and administers the operations of all services for children and teens by developing and implementing approved department procedures, maintaining records and statistics, assisting in annual budget preparation and interviewing staff candidates. 
• Keeps library collections for children and teens current and effective by strategically selecting materials in multiple formats and weeding the collection continuously.  Selection is accomplished through evaluating materials, reading reviews, and drawing upon knowledge of children’s and teen’s literature and youth development. Weeding involves evaluating the physical condition and usefulness of all materials in the collection. 
• Develops, implements and supervises a diverse range of programs and services for children and teens, including providing book talks, leading story hours, creating displays, visiting area schools and community groups to discuss library programs, conducting library tours, planning and leading the implementation of all summer reading programs for children and teens, and much more.
• Provides reference assistance for children and teen level inquiries.  Aids customers in locating desired materials by providing readers advisory services, teaching the use of library reference sources and the online catalog, searching reference materials to answer a wide variety of questions and by conducting sophisticated information searches using print resources and electronic databases. Prepares bibliographies for the library, schools and other organizations.
• Works with colleagues to publicize and promote Youth, Teen and All Ages library programs and services in the community.
• Oversees Youth Services web pages and communications, and the department’s contribution to the library’s creative, collaborative social media presence.
• Provides supervision to department staff by making job assignments and evaluating work performed, and by orienting and training new employees on library and department procedures.
• Helps develop, interpret and implement library policies, rules and procedures and assists in their evaluation for effectiveness, efficiency and contribution to customer service.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES: 

• Thorough understanding of theories of infant, child and adolescent learning and development and their implications for library service.
• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library administration and services to children, teens an caregivers; thorough knowledge of the reading abilities, interests and needs of children of different ages; thorough knowledge of children’s literature and developments in the children’s and young adult’s library field; thorough knowledge of children’s collections, long and near term planning, children’s and young adult’s program development, the administration of library operations, contemporary supervisory and personnel practices and the use of information technology in children’s services.  
• Strong ability to supervise personnel and work in a high-energy, team-oriented environment. This includes effective delegation of responsibilities to appropriate staff.
• Excellent personal example of providing a high level of service to customers. Proven ability to work effectively with children, teens, parents, teachers and other caregivers.
• Ability to develop, implement and present programs for children and teens. Creative abilities in such areas as storytelling, art and dramatics.
• Expertise in locating and providing assistance using relevant print, media and other materials to meet the intellectual, educational, cultural and entertainment needs of children, teens, parents, teachers, caregivers and the public.
• Expertise using Microsoft Office applications and conducting online research using free and subscription-based services.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, employees in other municipal Departments and City officials. This includes excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent listening skills, and the ability to make clear presentations, reports, and give clear instructions.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and the necessary judgment and public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Library Science and two or more years of related professional library experience; OR: an equivalent combination of education and relevant library experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
• Candidates must have supervisory experience, and must have proficiency and experience with office productivity software and a demonstrated ability and interest in using computers, the Internet, mobile and emerging technologies as it relates to resources and services for children and teens.

Visit the City of Portsmouth's Human Resources page for full application and job description details, or if you're ready to apply, click here to apply by email or click here to download an application form! 

SCENES FROM THE LIBRARY