Library Specialist - PT

Provides customer-focused library services, including reference assistance, readers' advisory, circulation, and technology support to patrons in person, by phone, and online. Assists patrons using Local History and Genealogy resources and responds to basic research inquiries. Supports library programming and daily operations.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides reference and information services, assisting patrons with research, locating materials, and accessing library resources.
• Delivers readers’ advisory services for patrons of all ages.
• Responds to in-person, telephone, and electronic inquiries; refers complex issues as appropriate.
• Assists patrons with computers, digital resources, and related technology.
• Monitors public computer use in accordance with library policies.

• Assists patrons with the use of Local History and Genealogy resources and collections.
• Responds to routine local history and genealogy inquiries and refers advanced research requests to the Local Historian & Genealogist as appropriate.
• Maintains basic organization and accessibility of Local History Room materials.
• Assists with processing genealogy and local history research requests as needed.

• Provides circulation services, including checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, and assisting patrons with account inquiries.
• Processes holds and interlibrary loan requests, including tracking and patron notification.

• Plans, promotes, and delivers programs aligned with community needs and library goals.
• Coordinates logistics, including scheduling, materials, and participant support.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements based on attendance, feedback, and community needs.
• Conducts outreach to promote services and resources.

• Addresses routine patron concerns and refers complex issues to supervisory staff.
• Provides support to coworkers and volunteers as needed.
• Assists with collection maintenance and material selection in coordination with collection development staff.

Non-Essential Job Functions

• Shelves and organizes materials to maintain collection order.
• Performs routine clerical and administrative tasks.
• Assists with special projects, library events, and outreach activities as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• One (1) year of library, customer service, or related experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Coursework, training, or experience conducting and providing reference services in archives, public history, genealogy, or library science preferred.
• Experience using computers, digital resources, and common office software required.
• Experience with library-related technologies, resources, and systems preferred.

Special Requirements

• Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
• Bilingual proficiency is preferred, but not required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Public library principles (ALA Code of Ethics), practices, services, and resources.
• Reference and readers’ advisory techniques.
• Familiarity with local history and genealogy resources and the ability to assist patrons in their use.
• Library technologies, including integrated library systems, online catalogs, databases, digital collections, and common office software.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Delivering effective customer service to diverse populations.
• Conducting reference interviews, assisting patrons with research requests, and providing readers' advisory services.
• Using library technologies, digital resources, and office equipment.
• Organizing, maintaining, and retrieving information from print and digital collections.
• Prioritizing multiple tasks and responding effectively in a fast-paced public service environment.
• Communicating clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.

• Assist diverse patrons with varying needs and skill levels.
• Analyze, identify, and apply appropriate resources to patron needs.
• Learn and apply library policies, procedures, and technologies.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion to address patron issues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, volunteers, coworkers, and community partners.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Train and provide guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare basic reports and statistical information.

Physical Demands
This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as moderate. Tasks typically involve some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing step stools, and crawling. May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (20 - 30 pounds). Requires prolonged standing, frequent handling of library materials, and the ability to push and pull fully loaded book carts weighing up to 300 pounds. Assignments may require a rotating schedule which may include working evenings and weekends.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a public library environment and occasionally at off-site community locations. Duties may involve travel to outreach events, community programs, meetings, and partner organizations. Position may require transporting program materials and setting up equipment at off-site locations. 

Disclaimer
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all County policies and to act as a role model in adhering to those policies.