Library Program Development Assistant

The Role

Prepares and delivers library programming (in person, virtual/online) to connect people of all ages to the world of ideas, lifelong learning, and experiences, and support community needs and interests. 
 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with other members of the library programming team to create design, plan, and deliver programs and outreach for all ages. Researches and applies best practices to identify and develop programming and resources. Adapts existing content according to community needs/interests and medium, and coordinates with third parties to deliver programs, as needed. 
• Creates content, registration, and promotional materials. Communicates occasionally with departmental communications staff as needed.
• Interacts regularly with people of all ages attending programs, including children, parents, caregivers, teens, adults, and seniors. Provides guidance and information to promote library programs to local communities. Contacts educators and related organizations, and area municipal library staff for information and collaboration.  
• Assists management to review and assess current library programs to determine effectiveness and popularity. Surveys staff and the public to gauge interest in programs (e.g., after-school programs, baby programs, evening story times).
• Monitors the content and condition of resources used by staff and the public. 
• Compiles monthly program and outreach statistics, including feedback from program participants. 
• Consults regularly with other staff regarding program and outreach plans, registration, resources, and promotions.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion and the library's collection, services, and membership. 
• Collaborates/coordinates with other staff and organizations regarding programs and outreach (e.g., visits to schools, childcare centres, seniors centres, service clubs). 
• Supervises/leads groups as part of library programs, including joint programs with community groups. Assists to train, assign, and check the work of volunteers. Acts as a resource and provides guidance to students. Provides training and coaching to enable staff to deliver creative, engaging, and age-appropriate programs. 
  Provides input to management on purchasing resources and program materials. Has a purchasing card ($500/month) for program supplies, with management approval.
• Provides regular desk and counter customer service (e.g., assists customers find information/items, circulates and reserves materials, registers/updates memberships, processes charges/fines, notifies customers of overdue/reserved materials, addresses minor complaints, provides basic technological assistance). Participates in collection maintenance per guidelines, as required. Checks condition of materials and recommends replacement as needed. Implements library policies and procedures. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public library services, literacy, and program development acquired through a 3-year degree or diploma in a related field plus 1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience such as a 2-year diploma in a related field (e.g., Early Childhood Education, or Recreation and Leisure), plus 2 years of related experience planning and delivering library programs. 
• Knowledge of the local community served by the Region of Waterloo Library and broader community services.  
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies and procedures. 
• Ability to plan, develop, research, and deliver programs and best practices to support community needs and interests, and motivate residents of all ages to access services, programs, and resources. 
• Human relations and communication skills to interact with and assist all age groups using patience and understanding; add input to collection development and fundraising opportunities; conduct group presentations and programs; communicate and collaborate with other library staff for daily operations, resources, and troubleshooting; and participate as an effective team member.
• Computer skills with ability to use programs such as Microsoft Office, library automation software (e.g., Sirsi Dynix Workflows), the internet, social media, mobile devices, digital resources, and video editing/recording software. 
• Ability to troubleshoot technology hardware and software problems, and provide basic technological assistance to the public. Ability to update skills continually as it relates to current technology, library systems software, electronic research, and library resources.
• Ability to read books, articles, and other material to stay current with trends and developments in library and information services, and programming practices and programs. Ability to write brief articles for the local media, and create bulletin boards and book displays.
• Ability to work and make minor decisions independently, referring to management for direction regarding difficult information inquiries, duties, and situations outside procedures. 
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region to other branch libraries, library headquarters, and administration headquarters.
• Ability to work shifts that can include evening and weekend hours as part of a regular schedule.
• Must provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.