Associate Librarian - Children's Services
hace 5 días
Salt Lake City
Job DescriptionSalary: Associate Librarian Children's Services Salt Lake City Public Library - Main Library - Children's Department Salary: $21.26/hour - Depending on Qualifications FLSA Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt Posted:December 26, 2025 Closes: Preference will be given to applicants who apply by January 5, 2026 Reports to: Children's Department Manager Location: Main Library, 210 E 400 S, SLC About the Library The City Library builds foundations for equity, connection and limitless possibility. We are active in our community and collaborate to address needs and realize aspirations. We connect people to information, resources, experiences, and each other. Our work sustains a vibrant Salt Lake City. Guided by a deep understanding of the aspirations, needs, and motivations of our customers, The City Library takes a human-centered approach to designing and delivering meaningful services, collections, resources, spaces, programs and events to all members of the community. Library staff are highly engaged, purpose-driven, people-centered, and express a high level of satisfaction with their work. The City Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. Click here to learn more about what makes The City Library a great place to work and why Salt Lake City is a great place to call home. Important Note: The City Library is currently engaged in strategic planning. This position, and all positions at the library, may evolve in the future to a different focus or take on an entirely different scope based on organizational needs and strategic priorities. About the Position Associate Librarians perform a variety of reference, circulation, customer service, and location support. Associate Librarians lead or assist with programming, and/or outreach activities. Primary Responsibilities High quality customer service. Provides customer service assistance to library patrons by responding to patron inquiries. Interprets Library rules, policies and procedures to the public. May be called upon to handle difficult patron interactions or solve customer service problems requiring the intervention of a supervisor. Assist patrons with the use of computers and technology. Has the ability to serve a diverse population.(All of the above will have a focus on working with children and tweens.) Working relationships. Fosters good working relationships with diverse people including staff, patrons, volunteers and vendors. Accepts assignments from supervisor, manager or other Library staff in a professional and timely manner. Programming and outreach. Under the supervision of the designated program or service coordinator and with approval of supervisor or manager, may perform a role in delivering high quality library programs and services to community members, including planning, preparing and presenting children's programs, storytimes, and literacy activities for children and tweens. Committees and workgroups. Takes on a leadership role when participating in committees or workgroups on activities that align with strategic goals. Collection maintenance. Provide support with collection maintenance as assigned. Create and maintain displays. May create and maintain high quality library displays. This may include the use of library materials, art, bulletin boards, graphics and/or other objects. Supervision and leadership. Takes a leadership role in mentoring staff with training and on assigned committees or workgroups. May assist the manager with filling vacancies, may supervise or support volunteer programs at the location. May assume the role of acting or in-charge manager in the absences of Department Manager, Assistant Manager, or Librarian. Circulation tasks. Performs a variety of activities which are repetitive in nature related to the checking-in and checking-out library materials and processing patron hold requests. Assists patrons with account activity and fines. May be required to handle cash transactions. May use automated material handler for automated sorting of library materials. Material placement. May perform a variety of material placement processes including sorting and shelving library materials. May retrieve materials from library book drop. Other duties. Performs other duties as assigned or required. Minimum Qualifications Completion of a Bachelor's Degree and one year related job experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates background and knowledge in performing primary responsibilities will be considered. This is a community impact role that directly serves patrons and requires excellence in public-facing service delivery. The following core competencies are essential for success in this position: Core Competencies for Community Impact Customer Service Excellence • Demonstrates exceptional, friendly, welcoming, and professional interactions with all library users, • Anticipates and proactively addresses user needs and questions before they are asked, • Provides consistently equitable service to all patrons regardless of background or circumstance, • Goes above and beyond to ensure patron satisfaction and positive library experiences, • Expertly handles challenging patron interactions with patience, empathy, and professionalism, • Uses active listening and validation techniques to defuse tense situations, • Remains calm and solution-focused when addressing patron concerns or complaints, • Applies conflict resolution skills to find mutually acceptable outcomes, • Demonstrates deep respect for diversity in all forms, including cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, and ability differences, • Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse patrons and communities, • Shows awareness of and sensitivity to cultural norms, values, and communication preferences, • Actively works to eliminate bias and create an inclusive environment for all patrons, • Builds genuine, trust-based relationships with patrons, families, and community members, • Demonstrates knowledge of the local community, its needs, and its resources, • Actively engages with community partners and organizations to extend library impact, • Creates welcoming connections that encourage repeated library use and engagement, • Serves as a community connector, linking patrons to library services and external resources Additional Required Competencies Technology • Proficient with Integrated Library Systems (ILS) for circulation, cataloging, and patron account management, • Comfortable navigating and teaching patrons to use digital resources, databases, and online catalogs, • Demonstrates general computer skills including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and internet browsers, • Stays current with emerging web technologies and digital tools relevant to library services, • Guides patrons in finding relevant information across multiple formats and sources, • Teaches critical evaluation skills to help patrons assess credibility and reliability of information, • Provides instruction on effective research strategies and search techniques, • Demonstrates knowledge of children's literature across multiple genres, reading levels, and formats, • Understands collection development principles including selection, weeding, and gap analysis, • Provides readers' advisory services by recommending books and materials based on patron interests, • Articulates ideas clearly and effectively in both written and verbal communication, • Collaborates productively with colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders, • Demonstrates project management skills including planning, organizing, and executing initiatives, • Effectively resolves conflicts and manages difficult situations with diplomacy, • Leads change initiatives and helps others adapt to new processes and technologies, • Upholds ethical standards and maintains patron confidentiality in all interactions, • Demonstrates accountability by taking ownership of responsibilities and following through on commitments, • Shows adaptability and flexibility when facing changing priorities or unexpected challenges, • Applies critical thinking skills to analyze situations and make informed decisions, • Demonstrates effective problem-solving by identifying issues and developing practical solutions, • Maintains organizational awareness and understanding of how individual work contributes to library goals Additional Requirements • Ability to work days, nights or weekends as scheduled, • If travel is required for library purposes must have transportation. If using personal vehicle must maintain state required insurance Preferred Qualifications • Experience working with children ages 0-12, family programming and library materials, • General knowledge or experience with collection maintenance, • Spanish language and/or other non-English language skills Working Environment Work is performed in an urban library environment. • Subject to repetitive movement; standing, walking, bending, reaching and lifting of objects. May be subject to standing or sitting for extended periods of time, • Must be able to lift/carry library materials, up to 50 lbs, and push/pull library carts, • Must have good hand mobility and coordination, • Subject to intermittent periods of inclement weather when retrieving library materials or participating in library outreach programs Schedule Full-time, 40 hours per week. Evenings and weekends will be required. Other Information • Completion of criminal background check will be required if the candidate is over eighteen (18) years of age, • The City Library participates in the federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). Employment is contingent upon confirmation of your employment eligibility through the E-verify system, • The City Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce Compensation Starting Range Grade 14; Minimum $20.22/hour. Compensation is commensurate with experience. This is a full time position and includes excellent benefits such as paid vacation, health and life insurance, and Utah Retirement Systems benefits.