Teen Services Manager (Librarian II)

Job Ad

Are you a creative, forward-looking librarian who is passionate about working with young people? The Cary Library in Lexington, Massachusetts is looking for a Full Time Teen Services Manager (Librarian II) to join our team. Located just four blocks from Lexington High School, our library is a popular destination for students in grades 6-12. Our Teen Space has been closed for the past year due to a renovation of our adjacent Children’s Room so our new Teen Services Manager will coordinate the much-anticipated reopening of the space in the fall.

In partnership with our Head of Youth Services, the Teen Services Manager is responsible for developing compelling programs, curating relevant collections, and supervising teen staff. The Teen Services Manager is also a member of the Library’s Leadership Team and participates actively in library wide initiatives.

Lexington is an extremely diverse community and one that values equity and inclusion. The Library and the Town are committed to continuing on this path. Our Teen Services Manager helps drive this work, both in library, and through Town and community partnerships.

The Cary Library has tremendous support from library patrons, the Town, as well as support from our Foundation and Friends. We have a talented staff, an engaged teen Library Leadership Council, and a track record of dreaming big. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact here in Lexington, we’d love to hear from you.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold a Masters in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association Accredited program or have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Our ideal candidate must have experience working with teenagers (preferably in a library setting); supervisory experience; and a willingness to embrace the changing nature of library work.

Seeking someone who is a self-motivated team player who has a genuine respect for and interest in working with teenagers; must demonstrate a respect for diversity and promote inclusive services; must demonstrate attention to detail as well as the ability to multi-task and remain focused despite frequent interruptions; experience using a Library Integrated Library System; the ability to manage up and manage down. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

Language Skills: Ability to speak Chinese, Korean, or Spanish is a plus.

Salary Range: $35.30 - $42.97* hourly in seven steps, plus differential pay on weekday evenings after 6 pm and all day on Saturdays. Time and a half pay for voluntary Sundays. Includes an excellent benefits package. This is a Union eligible position. (*Salary range expected to increase to $36.01 - $43.83 on July 1, 2025.)

Schedule: 37 hours a week, including one evening per week until 9 pm and one Saturday every four weeks. On the weeks the individual works a Saturday, they will have a scheduled weekday off. Possible opportunities to work optional Sundays at an hourly rate of time and half may be available. The position may require additional nights and weekends as needed for programs.

Please email a resume, cover letter, and three references in PDF to Susan Lusk (slusk@lexingtonma.gov) EO/AAE. One PDF file preferred. Resume packets received by May 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM will be given priority. Open until filled. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

See below for full job description

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Class Title: Librarian II - Teen Services Manager

Department: LIBRARY

Division: Main Library

Union: Cary Memorial Library Staff Association, Local 4928, MLSA, MFT, AFT, AFL-CIO

Date: May, 2025

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Teen Services Manager (TSM) is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the Library’s full complement of services for teens. The TSM works extensively with Town departments and community organizations to ensure that the Library is engaged and involved in efforts supporting local youth. The TSM serves on the Library Leadership Team, working with colleagues and administrators to set the direction of the Library and ensure that it remains in step with community interests and expectations. Most importantly, the Teen Services Manager works directly with teens to explore their interests, highlight their talents, support their educational goals, and create a comfortable, welcoming environment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Head of Youth Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides direct supervision, mentoring and coaching for Library Associate assigned to Teen Services.
Oversees all library staff assigned to the teen service desk during their shifts in the Teen Room.
Serves as “in charge” supervisor of the Youth Services Department in the absence of the Department Head
Serves as “in charge” person, overseeing library staffing and functions in the absence of a library department head or administrator.
Supervises Library’s volunteer program for teens which includes Overseeing the activities of the Library Leadership Council, projects of students in the Cary Teens Lead the Way program, and identifying projects for student volunteers. Assists library colleagues, Cary Library Foundation and Friends of Cary Library when teen volunteers are requested.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Services to Teens

Works collaboratively with the Head of Youth Services to ensure services provided meet the overall mission and goals of the Youth Services Department.
Develops a robust collection of materials that is responsive to teens’ interests, supportive of their academic needs, and reflective of the diversity of the community. Collects across print and non-print formats, balancing budget and usage data to create a comprehensive collection. Solicits regular input from library users and analyzes data to ensure that the library collections meet needs of the community.
Develops, plans, deploys, and evaluates a broad range of in-person and virtual programs for teens.
Guides and supports the Library Leadership Council and Cary Teens Lead the Way applicants in planning, promoting and presenting programs and activities for patrons of all ages
Provides reader’s advisory and reference and research support to youth, parents/caregivers and teachers pursuing academic and personal interests.
Publicizes Library services and programs for teens through in-house marketing, traditional media outlets, carylibrary.org, and the Library’s social media networks. Writes monthly Teen Newsletter promoting the YA collection and teen events.
Works collaboratively with the children’s librarians to ensure a smooth transition between the Children’s Room and the Teen Room for youth and families.

Teen Space

Oversees the Library’s Teen Room, ensuring that it is a safe, welcoming, and compelling area for teens.
Advocates for and manages continuous upgrades to the space including design/layout, art installations, furnishings, and equipment.
Creates the staffing schedule in cooperation with other departments.

Partnerships and Community Outreach

Works extensively with schools and other Town departments engaged in efforts to support and nurture Lexington youth.
Creates partnerships with community organizations to bring programs and opportunities to the Library.
Secures grant funding for special projects.
Builds pathways both for teens to become involved in the community and for teens to be involved at the library.

Leadership

Works collaboratively with the Children’s Services Coordinator as second in command in the Youth Services Department, overseeing Library services to children and teens in the absence of the Head of Youth Services.
Serves as a member of the Library’s Leadership Team: developing annual and project budgets, drafting policy for consideration by the Board of Trustees, and compiling reports as directed.
Convenes staff working groups.
Acts as Library liaison to various Town and community groups.
Attends network, state, and national meetings and conferences.
Manages significant collection and programming budgets. Works with the Cary Memorial Library Foundation and Friends of Cary Library to secure support for teen projects and activities.

General

Works on the Library’s Public Service desks as needed, providing circulation, reference, and readers’ advisory services.
Participates in a broad range of library programs and events.
Surveys the library, technology, popular culture, and information landscapes with regard to how these impact library services and programs, particularly for teens.
Seeks out and participates in professional development opportunities. Attends state, local, and national conferences. Develops skill sets needed to implement new programs and ideas.
Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Has a genuine respect for and interest in working with teenagers.
Curiosity and a willingness to try new things
A strong commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones of excellent library service and a commitment to ensuring those practices
Knowledge of 21st Century Library best practices and programs as well as current trends in library and consumer technology
Comprehensive knowledge of principles of library science, particularly with regard to services for teens.
Strong knowledge of literature for teens.
Excellent oral, written, and virtual communications skills.
Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with a diverse public and staff. Ability to work successfully as the leader of or a member of a team.
Proficiency with technology including desktop applications, internet/database searching, social media, and mobile devices. Ability to operate library equipment and to instruct library users in the use of this technology.
Project planning methods and techniques
The ability to work successfully as a team leader and a team member

Experience and Qualifications

A minimum of two (2) years experience providing library programs, services, and collections to teens.
A minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience
A master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited program or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Cary Library and the Town of Lexington have a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization.

Tools and Equipment Used

Job-related tools and equipment include, but are not limited to: Library computer system and network; personal technology including smartphones and tablets; job-related software, including integrated library system (ILS) modules, information search and retrieval, office productivity software (word processing, spreadsheet, database), and electronic communications; microfilm/microfiche reader printers; assistive technology equipment; audiovisual equipment, including television, CD/DVD player, camera, document scanner, overhead projector, LCD projector, electronic readers, and laminating machine; other technologies as needs arise; automobile.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear. The employee works in a busy public room with frequent interruptions from teens and customers. The employee may be required to stand for up to four (4) consecutive hours. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands. The employee is required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds, lift and/or move delivery book bins, book trucks, and book boxes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus using print materials as with PC monitors and other library equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to noisy.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.
The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that will be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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