Materials can include footage and photos from events, examples of signage, Step Up to the Plate public service announcements (PSAs), clips from local media, or scans of publicity materials. 

Season five of Step Up to the Plate @ your library teams up two American classics—baseball and libraries—to promote the importance of information literacy skills and increase awareness of the library as an essential information resource.

If you haven’t stepped up to the plate yet, there is still time to get involved. Just visit the Step Up to the Plate website for free tools to help promote the program locally. Plus, librarians who bring in the most entries can win incentives for participation. The library that brings in the most entries will get a $100 bookstore gift certificate. The next three libraries will receive each a $50 ALA Graphics gift certificate.

Step Up to the Plate centers on a baseball trivia contest. People of all ages are encouraged to visit their library and answer a series of trivia questions inspired by the history and diversity of our national pastime. The questions, developed by the library staff at the Hall of Fame, are based on exhibits at the museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. Trivia questions and tools to help librarians promote the program locally are available on the program’s website. 

One grand-prize winner will receive a trip to the Hall of Fame in October 2010.

Deadline: August 25, 2010

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of the Saskatchewan public library system strategic plan. You will provide recommendations to the Ministry of Education regarding public library policy and library program development in the context of government, Ministry and stakeholder priorities. Your experience with strategic planning, consultation processes and your excellent communications skills will position you well to implement the Saskatchewan strategy and action plan. Working with Ministry and public library staff you will oversee the development of policy directions for existing and emerging province wide services and programs. You will have the ability to lead a team of employees to successfully implement library policy and programs.

Typically, a Master’s Degree in library science and knowledge of public library issues and strategies would be required for this position. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

To apply, visit www.careers.gov.sk.ca.

Deadline: August 11, 2010

The Board of Directors of the Juniata County Library, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania is seeking a Library Director who is dynamic, eager to meet exciting new challenges, and has a vision for leading the Juniata County Library into the future.

Serving a rural population of over 22,800 area residents, the library has a budget of approximately $230,000 and has a staff of 10 part-time employees. The library annually circulates over 120,000 items. Funding is provided by Juniata County and local municipalities. Additional support comes from the state as well as from grants, individual donations from patrons, memorial gifts and fund-raising events.

Responsibilities:

• Administer the Library and operations.
• Implement policy established by the seven-member Library Board of Trustees.
• Supervise 10 part-time personnel and 6 volunteers.
• Provide collection development, reference, reader’s advisory, library development, and programming planning.
• Develop and oversee library budget. Administer gifts and memorials.
• Provide circulation desk coverage when necessary.
• Assure proper maintenance of Library facilities and grounds.
• Attend Library Board and Friend meetings. Attend Central PA District meetings.
• Represent the Library to private and professional groups.
• Attend workshops and conferences. Seek out continuing education opportunities.

Our ideal candidate will have an ALA accredited MLS degree, preferably with 3+ years of library experience with increasing management responsibilities. Other desired qualifications:

• The ability to work in a collaborative, service oriented, and rapidly changing environment to accomplish goals.
• Proven supervisory skills.
• An awareness of the latest trends and innovations as they pertain to the library.
• Budget and financial experience.
• Reference experience.
• A commitment to professional development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• The ability to speak Spanish is preferred.

Salary & Benefits: $30,000–$35,000 based on experience, 35 hours per week, generous vacation days, health insurance, and retirement plan.

If you feel you have the experience, qualifications and motivation to fulfill this challenging role, you are invited to apply for this opportunity. For full consideration, please send a resume covering relevant experience and education, a meaningful cover letter detailing your interest and how you qualify for the position and four professional references to:

Juniata County Library
Attn: Director Search Committee
498 Jefferson Street
Mifflintown, PA 17059

Questions can be emailed to: Jean Aurand at jaurand@juniatalibrary.org. Please visit us at www.juniatalibrary.org.

Deadline: August 3, 2010

The director, employed by the City of Buhl, under broad policy guidance and direction from the library board, carries out professional, managerial, and administrative duties in directing and coordinating the activities and facilities of the library program. With considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative, the director develops library collections, plans and implements services and activities to meet present and future community needs. Located in town of less than 1,000.

Library experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Position is 20–30 hours per week. Salary is dependent upon qualifications.

Send signed applications with resume to:

Buhl Library Board
c/o Buhl Public Library
P.O. Box 664
Buhl, MN 55713

Deadline: open

Fucntions: Under the general supervision of a Supervisory Librarian, the incumbent provides reference and advisory services to customers in the area of children’s literature; provides assistance in study-oriented activities and in developing children’s reading interest; arranges children’s programs and schedules and conducts class visits; develops and maintains the branch collection of children’s literature to meet the needs of the community; compiles reading lists on subjects assigned; prepares displays of books etc. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: CS-9: A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school is required. Knowledge of children’s literature and programming preferred. CS-11: A minimum of one year’s experience as a professional librarian. All applicants must present a combination of experience, education, skill, professional-development, and expertise that demonstrates the capacity to perform the duties of the position.

Ranking Factors: The following ranking factors will be used in the evaluation process. All applicants MUST respond to the ranking factors ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER. PLEASE SEND AS AN ATTACHMENT TO YOUR APPLICATION. Please describe specific incidents of sustained achievements from your experience that show evidence of the level at which you meet the ranking factors that have been determined to be of importance for the position for which you are applying. You may refer to any experience, education, training, awards, outside activities, etc., that include the degree to which you possess the job related knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the ranking factors. The information given in response to the ranking factors should be complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO ALL RANKING FACTORS MAY ELIMINATE YOU FROM CONSIDERATION.

1. Knowledge of Children’s Literature
2. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of children’s programming
3. Skill and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet Searching.
4. Ability to effectively serve diverse customers, including parents, educators and community officials, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels orally and in writing.
5. Knowledge of child development, including the application of appropriate developmental activities

Conditions of Employment: Pursuant to the Child and Youth, Safety and Health Omnibus Congressional Review Amendment Act of 2004 and Mayor’s Order 90-27 Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to complete a Drug and Alcohol Test and Criminal Background Check. Employment with the Dc Public Library is subject to satisfactory findings.

To Apply: Download D.C. Government Employment Application Form 2000 from dclibrary.org. Email application, Ranking Factors and resume to hr.dcpl@dc.gov.orsubmit completed package to the Human Resources Department, Room 453, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Staff members submit PL-424 Form.

Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government’s retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon reemployment.

Notice of Non-discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code section 2-1401.01 et seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, gender information or disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

The article described a recent event with pianist Andrew Armstrong that went beyond standing-room only. The library dealt with it as best as they could—setting up a monitor in another room so that people could watch—but there was no good solution to the problem. As New Cannan resident and library trustee Elizabeth Ellsworth said, “My kids and I just went home really disappointed. That’s the kind of thing where there’s no point to watch it in front of a television set.” Library director Alice Knapp noted, “What’s happening now is not happening just once a year. It’s happening five, six or seven times a year.” That’s a lot of disappointed patrons.

So what can you do? The obvious—build an addition or a larger library—isn’t going to be an option is most cases. And it doesn’t always work: “Whenever we make space available it becomes filled,” Ellsworth noted. You can require registration, but that will still mean leaving out people who would like to attend. Partnering with another organization in your community that has more space available may be a good option. How do you deal with overcrowding?

Although I’m sure most of you, recognizing this, have been planning ahead for this major event all year, some of you may just be getting started. Here are a few pirate-related programs for inspiration:

• As part of Napa City-County Library’s summer reading program, “Make a Splash—Read,” children’s librarian Ann Davis (also known as Captain Lucky Librarian) encouraged a crowd of about 30 children to talk like pirates. Three audience members also participated in a pirate-related skit, followed by craft time with kid-created pirate hats and eye patches. (Check out a video from the event.)
• The Bateman Library offered extensive information on its pirate summer reading program, including details on planning, reading incentives, and cooperative programs. The final event was an outdoor pirate cove that included a (temporary) tattoo parlor, a pirate chest full of plunder (i.e., books and stickers), pin the patch on the pirate, a pegleg race, and a battle with water balloon cannonballs and water pistols as well as food and treats.
• Jackson District Library’s Carnegie branch held their own pirate event, with pirate books and movies, a scavenger hunt, crafts, a costume contest, and food as well as a pirate show with Pirate Sam Durocher.
• Willow Glen Library hosted a pirate treasure hunt! Children made their own pirate decoder rings and hunted for the treasure in the library by following clues.
• Sunset Library got deadly serious about pirates with “Murder Among the Mateys,” a murder mystery for teens (costumes encouraged).
• Pennsauken Free Public Library offered Picarillo Scientelling’s “Pirates: Curse of the Mutating Hand,” complete with spectacular special effects using science. “It’s the story of Hendricks the Hand, the most-feared pirate who was cursed with a mutating hand, which also gave him power. On his search to become more powerful and unstoppable, he must return to The Black Cave, where he was cursed. Famous pirate James Dauer, the hero who sets out to stop Hendricks, uses some science tricks to stop him.”

There are also a number of pirate resources online to help you out; I suggest starting at the International Talk Like a Pirate Day’s website. There you will find out now only how to talk like a pirate, but discover pirate fun and games, pirate performers, how to knit like a pirate, and a host of other links and ideas.

*With the probably unnecessary disclaimer, of course, that I’m referring to the caricature of a pirate, and not an actual pirate. Real pirates are not at all funny, and would probably not make good library guests.

Applicants are asked to provide planning and budget outlines for their projects, and agree to record the event, if selected, and provide a written narrative afterward, for use by the Freedom to Read Foundation and American Library Association. Preference will be given to Read-Outs, but other events will be considered as well. If your event is NOT a Read-Out, please explain its value and why you have selected it instead of a Read-Out.

Deadline: open

The Cecil County Public Library seeks a highly motivated college graduate interested in a career opportunity serving the public and making a difference in people’s lives. CCPL is currently hiring a part-time (25 hrs/wk) Library Associate with a focus on Adult Services at the Cecilton Branch Library.

Under the direct supervision of the Branch Manager, the Library Associate will provide information services and readers advisory to patrons of all ages and develop and conduct library related programs for adults. May handle day-to-day operations in a library branch. Requires BA/BS, excellent customer service, communication and computer skills. Regular schedule includes day, evening and weekend hours. Starting salary is $15.49 per hour. EOE. Position open until filled.

In order for your application to be complete you must submit a cover letter, resume and three business references.

Review the complete job description and apply online. Or, submit your application to careers@ccplnet.org.

Deadline: August 16, 2010

Minimum Requirements
ALA-accredited master’s degree. Three years professional library experience in children’s services. Prior successful supervisory experience. Public library experience preferred.

General Responsibilities
Direction and management of Children’s Services; supervision of staff; participation in departmental reference, readers’ advisory, programming, collection management, and community outreach; and participation in library administrative team.

Salary Range
$50,948–66,230. Salary dependent on experience.

Benefits
Paid health coverage. Excellent retirement package. Annual paid leave of 20 days vacation, 12 days sick leave, 3 days personal leave, 9-1/2 holidays.

Evaluation of Applicants
Applicant must submit ALL of the following to be considered:

1. Cover letter.
2. The Urbana Free Library application form.
3. Official library school transcript.
4. Résumé
5. Responses to supplementary experience questionnaire.
6. Philosophy of public service and management, one-page limit.
7. Letters from three professional references.

Initial screening is based on examination of submitted materials. Continuing applicants will be interviewed by phone. Finalists will proceed to interviews/meetings with staff at the library.

Information Packet
http://urbanafreelibrary.org/employment/currentvacancies.php

Questions
Debra Lissak, Executive Director, 217-367-4058.

Applications
The Urbana Free Library
Administrative Office
210 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801 EOE

The Urbana Free Library
Founded in 1874, The Urbana Free Library is one of the oldest public libraries in the state and is the public library of the City of Urbana, Illinois. In 2005, the library completed a major expansion and remodeling project. Located in the heart of historic downtown Urbana, the library is known for the diversity and depth of its collection and for its strong commitment to unusually friendly public service. With a mission that is user-focused, The Urbana Free Library receives a high level of community and economic support for its services and programs. Urbana is a micro-urban community of 40,550 that enjoys the beauty of four seasons, a Big Ten University, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Noted as a Tree City USA and Bicycle Friendly Community, the City has an established initiative toward the sustainable management of natural resources. The City of Urbana and neighboring Champaign form an urbanized area of nearly 120,000 people.

Children’s Services
Children’s Services is located in a bright and spacious wing of the library’s new addition. Adorned by colorful murals and signed giclée prints by well-known children’s book illustrators, the space is cheerful, welcoming, and family-friendly. The noted children’s collection of books, audio, and video also includes unique materials and services such as teacher holds, a teacher collection, parenting books, exploration kits, and a celebrated collection of international folk and fairy tales. Children’s Services also offers public computers for children and their parents. The staff of Children’s Services offer reference and readers’ advisory for children from birth through grade five, parents, teachers, and students from the University of Illinois and Parkland College. Regular program offerings include story times for babies, toddlers, and preschool children; bilingual story times; and an energetic summer reading program. Since 2008, the library has hosted annually a renowned Fairy Tale Ball that draws over 1,000 people—primarily costume-clad children and their families. Children’s Services enjoys collaborative connections with many community partners, including the Urbana School District, day care centers, the University of Illinois, and multi-agency children’s initiatives. Millikin University offers an option of children’s literature courses taught at The Urbana Free Library, giving their students the benefit of a strong public library collection and the expertise of children’s librarians for instruction.

Deadline: open

Opportunity is Knocking! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to work for Colorado’s Library of the Year! Join Pueblo City County Library District’s team of professionals as the Supervising Librarian for the Reference and Readers’ Advisory Department. This position develops, coordinates and delivers library services, programs and resources designed to interest adults. The position is responsible for oversight of adult services, the adult public access computers, the Hispanic Resource Center, electronic and digital resources, and inter-library loan services including the supervision of 18 staff members at the Rawlings Library. The Supervising Librarian also works closely with Technical Services and the Collection Development department to develop and maintain a vital and fresh collection of Rawlings Library adult materials including books, videos, audios, online services and periodicals. This is a position that works closely with the community in providing government documents and services, adult learning opportunities and who will work closely with the District’s Grant Writer to secure funding for programs and resources that benefit PCCLD.

Is this the opportunity for you? The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional librarian with a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. This person will have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible library experience and will also have a minimum of one year supervisory experience including staff selection, development, scheduling, appraisals and employee relations. Our choice candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, finely-tuned active listening skills and problem solving skills. The desire to seek, serve and make connections with all library staff, community members, and customers is essential. Leadership capabilities including budget development, analysis and statistical reporting are key skills that will make the person in this position successful.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity and PCCLD by visiting www.pueblolibrary.org. Salary range is $47–$63K, DOE and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision, life AD&D insurance, FSA 125 Plan, 401(k) and PERA retirement.

To Apply: Submit a completed PCCLD Employment Application, letter of interest and resume. Position will be open until filled.

Email: sara.rose@pueblolibrary.org
Mail: PCCLD, HR, 100 E. Abriendo Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004
Fax: 719-562-5609
Web: www.pueblolibrary.org ]]> Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:34:51 -0500 http://programminglibrarian.org/programming-jobs/randra-supervising-librarian.html http://programminglibrarian.org/programming-jobs/senior-librarianchildrens-services.html Escondido Public Library
Escondido, CA

Deadline: August 2, 2010

Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, programs, procedures and work standards for children’s services throughout the Escondido Library system. Plan, organize, direct and review the work of staff assigned to the Children’s Library. Select materials and resources; coordinate and provide reference services to children, parents & teachers, including online reference and other specialized programs and services. Develop and coordinate outreach and promotional efforts.

Ideal candidate qualities:
Hard working, self-motivated, customer service oriented. Extensive knowledge of children’s literature, resources, programs, services, and current technology. Initiate projects and follow through. Effectively manage professional and paraprofessional staff. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and a diverse public.

Minimum requirements:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA acredited college/university. Three years progressively responsible experience as a professional librarian in a public library. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. Apply for this job.