Benicia Public Library, Benicia, California: Head of Youth Services / Children's Librarian

City of Benicia, CA seeks Head of Youth Services / Children's Librarian

FINAL FILING DEADLINE

Monday, August 1, 2005

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Benicia Public Library seeks a customer service-oriented librarian with a collaborative management style to lead the Youth Services team as well as serve as a children's librarian. As Head of Youth Services, this position is part of the Library's administrative team, and supervises a full-time Children's Librarian, a full-time Teen Services Librarian, and a half-time Department Aide. Managerial responsibilities include overseeing youth collections, programs, and physical spaces. Children's librarian duties include selecting children's materials, conducting programming for children, and providing reference service to patrons of all ages (approximately 25% of this position's time is spent at the public service desk).

Young Benicians and their families are enthusiastic library users, which makes this position especially rewarding as well as challenging. Library services to young people strike a stimulating balance between the traditional and the innovative, so there is plenty of room for creativity. The children's collection is popular (comprising about 40% of the library's total circulation); children's programming is well-loved (last year, over 200 programs attracted over 6,000 people); and services for teens are in demand as well. The overall atmosphere is supportive: the materials budget is generous; the Friends of the Library provide substantial funding for programs; and other library staff, the administration, and the City recognize the importance of services for young people.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY

The Benicia Public Library is a progressive single-outlet library serving the City of Benicia, CA, population 27,200. The library is open seven days a week with a staff of 22 FTE, supplemented by an active body of teen and adult volunteers. Circulation has grown consistently since the new building opened in 1993 and is currently at more than 300,000 volumes annually. The library is strongly supported by the community, and the staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. The library has an innovative program that includes activities for all ages, an adult literacy program, and an automated system that is connected to the Solano and Napa County Libraries (SNAP) consortium and the North Bay Cooperative Library System.

To find out more, visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us/library.html

ABOUT THE CITY

Benicia, a city of 27,200 residents, lies nestled on the shore of the north San Francisco Bay, just 35 miles from San Francisco and 23 miles from the Napa Valley. Founded in 1847, Benicia today maintains its historic character while embracing the best of modern life. The town is home to a vibrant community of artists, the schools are excellent, and the newly renovated waterfront is the centerpiece of the charming downtown. Benicia was named one of the top ten most playful cities in the U.S. by "Nick Jr." magazine in 2003, in part because of the excellence of the library.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from an ALA-accredited school with an MLS degree is required. At least two years of public library experience is required, including experience with materials selection, reference desk work, and some managerial/supervisory experience. Experience with public library service to children and teens is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION

Salary range is currently $4,357 to $5,296 per month. Salary is currently under review and a cost of living increase is anticipated within the next month.

BENEFITS

The City offers excellent benefits, which include:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans; premiums for HMO option fully paid by City
• Fifteen days paid vacation per year (increases after the first six years of service)
• Nine days paid administrative leave and two paid personal leave days per year
• Twelve paid holidays per year
• Twelve days paid sick leave per year
• City contributes 4% to a deferred compensation plan if employee contributes 1%
• City employees participate in PERS; for more information, contact the Human Resources Department

SELECTION PROCESS

Final filing deadline is Monday, August 1, 2005. Those candidates meeting the requirements and appearing the most qualified will be invited for an interview tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, 2005. The position will be available starting Thursday, September 1, 2005.

Note that this position is officially known to the City as a Public Services Librarian II. To apply for this career opportunity, please submit completed City application form to: The City of Benicia, Personnel Department, 250 East L St., Benicia, CA 94510

For an official job description or an application: call the City of Benicia Personnel Department at 707-746-4305; email jobs@ci.benicia.ca.us; or visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us. For more information, call Library Director Diane Smikahl at 707-746-4343.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

As part of your application, please answer these following questions. Please limit your response to a maximum of one page per question.

1) Describe a major project for which you had responsibility. Discuss your goals for the project, as well as your process of planning and implementing it, and finally the project's outcome and your evaluation of it.

2) For the project in #1, specifically address project and personnel management, describing the procedures and strategies you used to keep track of its overall progress, including how you kept track of the progress being made by those you supervised.

3) Describe your philosophy of library service to young people, addressing public service, collection development, and programming. Has your philosophy changed in the past, and if so, for what reasons?