Public Services Librarian

DEFINITION: Oversee all aspects of public services. Provide support to library patrons.ESSENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTION STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Oversee all aspects of public services.  Provide reference and readers’ advisory services.  Provide assistance to patrons accessing online and print resources as well as the internet individually and/or in a group setting.  Respond to patron inquiries and interpret policies to resolve problems.  Interact with library patrons to assist them in selecting materials and meeting their educational, informational, and recreational needs. Provide guidance and support to staff in the use of print and online library resources.  Oversee proctor test program.
2. Develop, promote, and conduct children, teen, and adult programming and outreach in coordination with youth services staff.  Initiate cooperative outreach programs and maintain communication between the library, school districts, colleges, and community agencies. Pursue public relations with community organizations and schools to extend and increase awareness of the library’s programs, resources, and services.
3. Assist with annual inventory of library materials in collaboration with library staff.
4. Participate in the collection evaluation and development program.  Assess existing library collection and make decisions on materials that need to be added, replaced, repaired, or withdrawn and assist other staff with this program.  Manage the selection of books and other library materials in coordination with other library staff.  Review patrons requests and selection aids to identify materials that need to be added to the collection.  Contact publishers, dealers, and library software vendors as needed.  Select materials for memorial program as necessary.
5. Shelve and shelf read in assigned section daily, applying collection development /maintenance standards. Provide appropriate library services over the telephone.   Process applications for library cards, create patron records, and maintain accuracy and confidentiality of patron records in automation system. Work scheduled hours at the circulation desk as needed.  Perform any necessary daily function when primary person is absent.  Perform additional duties as apparent and/or as assigned.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Masters degree in Library Science (MLS) from an ALA accredited library school.  Bilingual preferred.
• Public service attitude with effective interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (oral and written) with both staff and patrons.  Knowledge of basic library operations, current practices and trends, and library resources.  Excellent public relations skills.  Ability to work closely with others in a team environment.  
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications and general office equipment.  Must be able to rapidly learn and perform tasks, manage multiple ongoing tasks, and effectively use complicated library software.  Minimum typing speed of 35 WPM.
• Must pass a medical examination and drug screening as authorized by law and have a valid Texas Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Tasks are performed in a sedentary position at workstation with occasional walking required.
• Requires extensive use of computer, printer and other office and telecommunications equipment.
• The employee must exert light physical effort, occasionally involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects and materials (mostly file boxes) of up to thirty-five pounds.
• Requires visual perception and ability to communicate orally.
• Job must be performed with or without accommodations.