Childrens Department Manager -Full-Time

VACANCY POSTING
& JOB DESCRIPTION

Children’s Department
Manager

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
Complete an online application on our website: www.mrcpl.org/about/employment
Application forms are also available and accepted at all MRCPL locations.
Please submit letter of interest and current resume with application.

This is a 40 hour per week position scheduled day, evening and weekend hours.

Reports to: Youth Services FLSA Status: Exempt
Coordinator

Pay Grade: 28; $56,804.80/year Location: Main Library

Positions Supervised: Children’s Librarians, Children’s Librarians-in-Training, Children’s
Associates, Volunteers

POSITION SUMMARY: Under direct supervision of the Youth Services Coordinator, the Children’s
Department Manager is responsible for all operations within the Children’s Department and
represents the library in community activities and events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. MLS or MLIS from ALA-accredited university is required.
2. Two to three years’ experience working in a public library setting is preferred.
3. Experience training and supervising others, including work delegation, scheduling, and

evaluating performance preferred.
4. Experience working with children is preferred.
5. Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office, GSuite, internet and email
6. Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
7. Reliability and above average work attendance with ability to work flexible schedule

including day, evening and weekend hours
8. Physical requirements: Engage in extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending,

stooping, kneeling, twisting/turning and stretching to shelve materials throughout the library
on shelves of varying heights from above shoulders to below knees. Engage in intermittent
periods of climbing stairs, typing and viewing computer monitors, lifting and carrying
equipment and materials occasionally weighing 40 – 60 pounds and pushing loaded book
trucks weighing 75 - 100 pounds or more on tile or carpet. Must be able to use hands and
fingers to grasp, handle and manipulate materials and operate tools and controls, including
computers, phones and office equipment. Occasionally required to get on hands and knees
to look for materials that have fallen under the shelves or stand on stool 14 ½ inches above

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ground to reach upper shelves. May be required to climb a step ladder occasionally and run
vacuum as needed.

9. Favorable results of pre-employment background check.
10. Reliable transportation in order to meet work requirements.
11. Valid vehicle operator’s license with acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance.

Travel within Richland County is required.
12. Required at time of hire: proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of Library policies, procedures and operations, including emergency response
(acquired after hire)

2. Knowledge of safe work practices and safe lifting techniques (acquired after hire)
3. Knowledge of Dewey Decimal System and alphabetization principles
4. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, functions and services of a public library

and or library administration (acquired after hire)
5. Ability to analyze reference questions, assisting or referring customers appropriately
6. Knowledge of literature, programs, and trends in library services for children
7. Knowledge of and ability to use the Library’s circulation software (acquired after hire)
8. Knowledge of literacy and early literacy theories and techniques
9. Current knowledge of the unique makeup, opportunities and challenges of the community

which the Main Library serves (acquired after hire)
10. Ability to simultaneously manage duties and complete work with multiple interruptions and

distractions.
11. Ability to speak publicly to audiences of varying size and demographics.
12. Ability to understand and follow specific instructions.
13. Ability to work independently in the absence of close supervision.
14. Ability to prioritize work and efficiently carry out assigned tasks and projects.
15. Ability to perform tasks in areas where seating is not provided, unless reasonable

accommodation is requested.
16. Skill in exhibiting an attitude of professionalism, including tact, good judgment, dependability

and courtesy
17. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy
18. Experience leading and mentoring staff to adapt to change and to grow in the profession.
19. Ability to provide oral and written instructions to staff clearly and concisely.
20. Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions simultaneously
21. Ability to assume responsibility and demand accountability, when necessary
22. Ability to plan, schedule and supervise staff and their assignments fairly and consistently

ESSENTIAL CORE COMPETENCIES
All MRCPL employees are expected to continuously demonstrate the following:

1. Basic computer skills with demonstrable ability to use applications in Windows
environment including Microsoft Office products, internet use and email

2. Ability to efficiently, effectively and positively meet the library needs of internal and
external customers

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3. Ability to use good judgment and common sense when making decisions, based on
Library policies and procedures, to the best interest of the Library, staff and public

4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
5. Ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations
6. Ability to troubleshoot and correct basic technology problems
7. Awareness of community events, resources, attractions and demographics
8. Understanding of applicable local, state and federal laws and the ability to communicate

this information to staff and customers and ensure the Library’s compliance
9. Knowledge of and ability to use the content of the Library’s website, online catalog and

Integrated Library System
10. Awareness of the attributes and library needs of particular customer groups and the

ability to apply that knowledge through materials, services and programming
11. Understanding and support the Library’s role in providing free and equal access to ideas,

information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every
individual (Intellectual Freedom)

12. Ability to identify and prioritize work needs
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and other

staff members and work collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals and
objectives

14. Knowledge of and compliance with the Ohio Ethics Law and the Code of Ethics and
values of the Library

15. Ability to promote and support the fundamental purpose of the public library, its mission,
vision, culture and structure

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: The duties listed below illustrate but do not limit the tasks performed by persons in
this classification.

1. Consistently provide superior customer service.
2. Model behaviors that exemplify superior customer service.
3. Exhibit professional, courteous and approachable demeanor at all times.
4. Handle multiple interruptions at once, sustaining productivity and accuracy.
5. As the leader of the department, consistently foster a culture of teamwork, inclusivity,

creative problem solving, and openness to new ideas and change.
6. Regularly work at the public service desk, and professionally and non-judgmentally provide

quick and accurate answers using appropriate reference techniques.
7. Regularly perform all aspects of the Children’s Department operations.
8. Regularly participate in both Children's programming and outreach.
9. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Library policy and Ohio law.
10. Using good judgment and common sense, deal tactfully and professionally with customers

to resolve issues, based on Library policies and procedures, to the best interest of the
Library, staff and public

11. Maintain current knowledge of all library programs.
12. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of services, bringing

recommendations to the Youth Services Coordinator as appropriate.
13. Interpret Library policy and procedure to staff and public as appropriate.

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14. Relay changed and new policies, procedures, services, resources, projects, etc to staff.
15. Represent the Library publicly at community meetings and other activities, as directed.
16. Act as point person in organizing outreach to local schools, scheduling Children’s

Department staff to visit schools and daycares as necessary.
17. Maintain relationships with schools served by the Main Library.
18. Determine, assess and address community needs and regularly evaluate services regarding

meeting those needs, recommending change as necessary.
19. Meet and communicate frequently with the Youth Services Coordinator on all issues and

together set goals and develop objectives for the department.
20. Keep current on trends in Children’s services, programs and literature.
21. Lead and participate in departmental designing and presenting programming for children.
22. Collaborate with Youth Services staff from other departments and locations to offer

programming and services for children.
23. Prepare and submit requested publicity requests in a timely manner.
24. Under the guidance of the Youth Services Coordinator and Collection Resources

Coordinator, lead and participate in the development and maintenance of the children’s
collection at Main Library, including online resources.

25. Supervise staff and volunteers, planning, organizing and directing work activities,
participating in hiring, conducting orientation and training, preparing performance
evaluations and recommending disciplinary action if needed.

26. Regularly evaluate and identify training needs within the department, allowing sufficient time
for staff to participate in appropriate training.

27. Assume the lead role in providing reference and readers’ advisory services to customers.
28. Assist in purchasing supplies as directed/requested by the Youth Services Coordinator.
29. Maintain and schedule the traveling interactive children’s exhibit kits for all locations.
30. Consistently seek out opportunities to embed the library in the community.
31. Work with the Youth Services Coordinator, Outreach Services Coordinator, Community

Engagement Coordinator, and Branch Managers to provide a library presence throughout
the community.

32. Find coverage for staff absences, or fill in when subs are unavailable.
33. Clean up bodily fluids as necessary following library procedures.
34. Hold regular staff meetings and act on issues raised in such meetings in a timely manner.
35. Provide timely feedback to employees.
36. Document and handle conflict situations, including disciplinary procedures, appropriately

and consistently, working in cooperation with the HR Coordinator to address and resolve
such situations in a timely manner.

37. Deal quickly and appropriately with emergency situations in accordance with library policies
and procedures.

38. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
39. With reasonable accommodation, meet the physical requirements and perform essential

tasks and responsibilities reliably within 6 months of on-the-job experience and training.

ADDITIONAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: The duties listed below illustrate but do not limit the tasks performed by persons in
this classification.

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1. Adhere to, support and effectively implement Administration and Board policy, procedures
and core values.

2. Attend and actively participate in Leadership Team meetings.
3. Actively participate in the planning and implementation of special events.
4. Collaborate with the Youth Services Coordinator and the Community Engagement

Coordinator to monitor and evaluate Children’s Department related web pages for accuracy
and appropriate and current content.

5. Engage actively in professional development and monitor changes in the profession through
meetings, professional association membership and activities and professional reading.

6. Provide statistics, reports and project results, as requested.
7. Monitor the department for maintenance issues and conditions, communicating any needs

or problems to the appropriate person(s).
8. Act as Person in Charge (PIC) and work the Sunday rotation when scheduled.
9. Attend meetings as scheduled by the Youth Services Coordinator.
10. Attend Staff Development Day, and additional workshops and seminars as assigned.
11. Perform additional tasks as required by the upward chain of command, which moves from

the Children’s Department Manager to the Youth Services Coordinator to the Deputy
Director to the Director.

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