Teen Librarian - Children's Services

Champaign Public Library
Champaign Public Library

Champaign, IL, USA

Posted on Jul 21, 2026

Description

Under the supervision of the Children’s Service Manager, develops programs and services for teens and preteens, ages 11-18. The Teen Librarian creates an environment that attracts and invites teens and children to use the library. Cultivates relationships with middle and high school teachers and librarians; presents programs of interest to teens; assists customers of all ages at public service desks with information and reference questions; assists and instructs customers with their use of library computers, personal electronic devices, and other technologies; and performs collection management duties focused on materials of interest to teens.


Schedule includes a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

Open until filled, with first review of applicants on August 10, 2026.

Examples of Duties

  • Designs, implements, and evaluates public programming and community engagement activities for teens and those that work with teens
  • Leads the daily Teen Lounge creative efforts, preparation, and provision of teen appropriate enrichment activities
  • Assists with training of volunteers and staff
  • Develops and maintains effective relationships with schools, community groups, agencies and non-profits that target teens in order to plan and deliver programs and services that meet local teen needs and interests
  • Provides collection development for all formats of teen material collections
  • Assists and advises customers with their use of library resources in all formats
  • Assists with questions on software, makerspace tools, and other technology related needs to customers of all ages
  • Maintains current awareness of developments in technology as they relate to libraries and library users, including knowledge of mobile and handheld devices
  • Answers informational and reference questions for customers of all ages
  • Merchandises books and other library materials to enhance their appeal and promote their use
  • Contributes to the library’s webpage, newsletter, and social media
  • Participates in departmental and library committees
  • Attends and participates in professional activities, conferences, and committees, including on-site and virtual professional development opportunities and training
  • Assists with monitoring and correcting customer behavior to ensure a safe and welcoming environment
  • Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
  • Provides excellent internal and external customer service
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Exceptional customer service skills and enthusiasm for working with teens
  • Ability to identify and translate teen needs and interests into effective library services and programs
  • Knowledge of current reading, viewing and listening interests of teens
  • Effective interpersonal relationships with teens and the adults who work with teens
  • Ability to work with library customers and staff in a consistently friendly, respectful, and efficient manner
  • Excellent computer and technology skills, including use of the Internet, computers, mobile devices, and social media
  • Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
  • Ability to locate information and answer customer questions using bibliographic searching tools, print, and electronic reference materials
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team within the department and the library as a whole, including leading and coordinating the work of others
  • Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent judgment in a variety of situations
  • Knowledge of professional-level library practices, and an interest in keeping up with developments within the field
  • Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedules
  • Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations
  • Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers
  • Manual dexterity to operate computer, phone, and maker space equipment
  • Physical ability to lift library materials weighing up to 40 pounds, setup for events, and to push fully loaded carts of library materials
  • Valid driver's license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation
  • Satisfactory pre-employment background check

Acceptable Experience and Training

  • Master of Library Science degree (MLS) from ALA-accredited institution required
  • Customer service experience in a public library experience preferred
  • Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities