Librarian I
The Librarian I is a non-exempt position which reports to the Department Manager and involves extensive contact with the public. The Librarian I analyzes the public’s library needs, selects library material for the collection and provides high-quality library and information services. These services include programs, professional reference assistance and readers’ advisory services to library users.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Displaying exemplary customer service skills while providing information desk services including but not limited to answering general and complex patron questions, referring patrons to other community resources as needed, readers’ advisory, assisting patrons with library resources (including electronic), assisting patrons with the public computers and their own electronic devices, assisting patrons with the library catalog, and explaining library services to patrons;
- Understanding the role of community engagement in identifying community needs and goals;
- Developing, presenting, and evaluating relevant and responsive programs, services, and content using innovative resources and delivery methods;
- Engaging with community members and organizations to develop and maintain both formal and informal relationships to realize outcomes that further community and Library goals;
- Understanding the importance of bringing library resources to where people are, both inside the library and through spaces in the community;
- Assisting teachers, parents, school groups and other community groups with special library presentations, youth council meetings, library tours or programs, etc.;
- Coordinating volunteer help to assist with special programs or projects.
- Assisting in collection development including but not limited to budgeting, selecting, purchasing, evaluating, weeding and promoting;
- Assisting patrons with placing holds, including interlibrary loans (ILLs);
- Maintaining and updating print and digital information files including bulletin boards and book lists;
- Directing and participating in the compiling of library activity reports and statistics;
- Attending seminars, conferences, workshops, classes and/or lectures to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments in library services;
- Assisting with community events;
- Demonstrating continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times and streamline work processes;
- Working cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service;
- Assisting staff with enforcing library policies for patron behavior, participating in disaster and emergency procedures, completing Incident Reports and calling police or other official assistance, when necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Exceptional verbal, written, problem-solving and interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain positive relations with patrons, department team members, other staff, Library management and Board members;
- Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service while enforcing the Library’s Rules of Conduct, working in public areas, and when confronted by aggressive or challenging patrons;
- Thorough understanding and commitment to the principles of intellectual freedom as they apply to public library services and collections;
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity;
- Knowledgeable in the effective use of Library facilities, equipment, services, and programming;
- Ability to prioritize multiple activities and/or interruptions and to work positively and effectively within a team model;
- Ability to develop and maintain positive relations with a diverse community including department team members, other staff, Library management, board members and patrons;
- Working knowledge of PCs in a Windows environment and library applications, and ability to use online Internet searching methods, advanced database and catalog searches, and information resources.
Education and Experience
- MLS or MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited library school required;
- Minimum of one year work experience providing customer service in person, via online chat, or over the phone; and/or instructional or outreach services to the public preferred;
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning to better serve our patrons and address the emerging needs of our communities.
