Johnson County Library is a 14 branch suburban library system with a long history in our community. A suburb of the Kansas City metro area, our county is growing and diversifying. We serve neighborhoods ranging from urban to suburban to on-the-edge-of rural. We prize innovation and commitment to learning. We’re a fun, forward-thinking organization with a mission to enrich people’s lives.

Johnson County Library seeks a Youth Services Information Specialist to provide quality customer service to patrons through reader’s advisory, reference sources, technology assistance, age specific programming and potential outreach. Youth Specialists promote literacy for all children birth to 18, strive to build an extensive knowledge of youth literature, and plan and implement programs that promote Early Literacy 6 by 6 skills for ages birth to six and 21st Century Skills for ages 6 to 18. Youth Specialists provide back-up assistance to all library departments and will manage the building in the absence of a manager.

This posting will be open through 5:00 p.m. CST on December 6, 2022. Qualified applicants will remain as an active candidate for a period of up to 90 days.

Job duties include the following:

• Provides informational service to patrons, both in person and remotely; develops and maintains product knowledge regarding resources for specific age readers in order to promote literacy and meet the information needs of patrons; instructs and assists with library resources, digital literacy and information requests; utilizes Guidelines for Enforcing Patron Code of Behavior to maintain a safe and comfortable environment; upholds intellectual freedom.

• Provides, promotes, evaluates and supports age-appropriate programs for patrons that fulfill the strategic plan; develops and maintains relationships with community organizations and institutions; promotes systemwide programs, outreach and initiatives.

• Creates and maintains spaces for patrons of all ages that promote creativity, critical thinking and literacy; evaluates the collection to ensure it meets the needs of the community by collaborating with the Collections Department; merchandises the collection and ensures it is accessible, attractive and balanced; completes site checklist for opening and closing; stocks library service points with necessary resources, keeping the work area neat and organized.

• Works with supervisor, subject matter experts and Learning & Development to identify training, development and growth opportunities and requirements; engages and looks for value in all coaching and learning opportunities; acquires and applies knowledge and skills gained.

• Attends systemwide and staff meetings or obtains information if unable to attend; provides support and coverage for coworkers and participates in committees and tracks statistics; understands and supports systemwide strategic objectives.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Associate’s degree in any field of study; two (2) years of experience providing customer service in a library, educational or public service environment; and three (3) years of experience using popular software programs with ability to learn new technology are required.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field of study; one (1) year of experience creating and presenting age appropriate programs or workshops is preferred.

Experience may be substituted for education. Education may be substituted for experience.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
Lifting weight: up to 40 lbs.
Excessive standing and/or walking 25% of the time.
Shift Work: mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends.
All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.