Public Services Librarian

Performs a variety of routine and complex clerical, technical and administrative work in the operation of the library. Hiring range for this position is $91,395.20 to $110,052.80.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 
Administers assigned area of library operations to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; attends, participates in and leads staff meetings; provides direct and indirect customer service; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
 
Provides professional advice on library issues and makes presentations.
 
Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to staff and the general public.
 
Assures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities; assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.
 
Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for accuracy, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
 
Maintains harmony among workers and resolves grievances; performs or assists subordinates in performing duties; adjusts errors and complaints.
Provides professional reference and research services.  Uses library catalog, databases, online resources and other resource materials to locate materials and obtain information to fill reference requests. Provides professional readers' advisory especially in areas of expertise. Creates and maintains bibliographies and other resource guides.
 
 
Assists in the selection and ordering of the general collection of books, periodicals, audio visual material, electronic resources and other items contained in the library's collection; reviews and keeps abreast of major selection tools; reviews books, periodicals, and collections which are outdated or not used, and recommends removal and disposition.
 
Instructs patrons and staff in the use of the library catalog and other resources, technology use and in the location and use of physical and digital materials in the library's collection.
 
Assists with library technology troubleshooting and support.
Organizes and conducts special programs for patrons; cooperates with related departments and agencies (e.g., Community Services, schools, Senior Center, etc.) to develop and support coordinated programs and services. Handles booking and contracts for hiring performers and purchases supplies for programming.
 
Prepares a variety of reports and maintains necessary operating records and statistics.
 
Administers various special library activities throughout the year, such as tours, book discussion groups, reading programs, etc.
 
Promotes interest in library programs and services through publicity, program brochures, displays, bibliographies, cooperation with various community groups, and public contacts, speaks before citizen groups, students, and other business and civic organizations.
 
 
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
 
Performs a variety of miscellaneous duties such as answering phone, running errands, picking up supplies needed for activities, making arrangements for use of library facilities, setting up tables and chairs for classes, etc.
 
Answers letters of inquiry and talks with patrons; addresses public and civic organizations which will inform the public of library policies, procedures and the availability of facilities for public use.
 
Serves as a member of various city employee committees, as assigned.
 
Assists staff in the performance of their duties as required.
 
 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 
Education and Experience:

•  Graduation from a college or university with an accredited master's degree in library science.
• One year experience in library operations.

 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library systems and programs; thorough knowledge of library collection classification and selection tools and techniques; working knowledge of equipment, technology and facilities required in a comprehensive library; working knowledge of the principles and practices of office management, work organization and supervision.
• Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to accurately classify library materials; ability to analyze and utilize a variety of reports and records; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, employees, supervisors, other agencies, and the general public.

Specific qualifications depending on area of responsibility:

• For Children's Librarian:  Considerable knowledge of children's books and materials; considerable knowledge of early literacy best practices, child development and age-appropriate programming activities.
• For Public Services Librarian:  Considerable knowledge of standard reference resources and materials, including database searching; working knowledge of public library systems, especially as they relate to circulation of library materials.

 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education or training in management and supervision of staff.
• Experience working in a public library.
• Experience in planning and presenting library programs.
• Experience in classifying and cataloging library materials.

 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid state driver's license or ability to obtain one.
 SUPERVISION RECEIVED 
Works under the broad policy guidance and direction of the Library Director.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises supervision over library assistants, aides, pages, and other support staff, part-time, contracted, temporary personnel, interns and volunteers, as assigned.
 
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Library computer system; personal computer, including word processing and data base management software; calculator; copy machine; phone; microfilm reader/printer; mobile devices; emerging technology; 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 position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to move throughout the library, sit, talk, and understand verbal communications.  The employee is required to handle or operate tools or controls, and to retrieve library materials from shelves and cases.
 
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment may include exposure to dust and, occasionally, to mold or mildew.
 
SELECTION GUIDELINES 
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, story time presentation and reference check may be required.
 
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may 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 employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.