Employment Opportunity: Senior Library Specialist Los Alamos County Library System

JOB TITLE: Senior Library Specialist (Acquisition/Database Maintenance)

JOB TYPE: Regular

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Community Services-Library

SALARY: Salary range is $18.70/hr. to $27.56/hr.

OPENING DATE: January 17, 2019

CLOSING DATE: February 12, 2019

ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 19096

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science, Library and Information Science, Humanities or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Two years of library-related experience.
• Must successfully complete pre-employment physical exam prior to commencing work.
• If primary task includes Youth Services, must successfully complete a thorough background investigation.

Additional Qualifications for Senior Library Specialist:

• Additional two years of library-related experience.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science, Library and Information Science, or related field.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license.

 Position Summary:

Under general supervision of the Senior Librarian, Librarian or designee, performs acquisitions, cataloging, bibliographic maintenance, sorting and delivering of materials, data entry and public service required to provide the public with orderly and helpful access to library materials.  Provides classification/copy and original cataloguing of a variety of library materials.   Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

The general level and nature of this position are described in the headings below.  This is not an all- inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of library cataloging rules and procedures and library check-in and check-out procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory agencies, codes and standards.
• Knowledge of library principles, practices, and terminology.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
• Skill in the use of automated library databases and systems.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in the use of library resources.
• Skill in research.
• Skill in records maintenance.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to provide training to employees and volunteers.
• Ability to create and manage documents.
• Ability to conduct detailed internet searches.
• Ability to plan and execute programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to greet the public in a courteous manner and to obtain and provide appropriate information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability in managing and disciplining children/teens as appropriate during library programs and events.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Senior Library Specialist:

• Skill in operating computerized purchase order and accounting systems.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to perform a variety of specialized library tasks.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Guides patrons in finding and using library resources, including reference materials, audiovisual equipment, computers, and electronic resources.
• Receives, organizes and maintains library materials.
• Compiles and maintains records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
• Assists patrons with access to internet services.
• Troubleshoots public access computers and other public-use equipment.
• Reviews subject matter of materials to be classified and selects classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
• Develops and conducts children’s programs and other specialized programs.
• Compiles bibliographies and prepares abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
• Assists with the opening/closing of facility; may be in charge of building on weekends and/or evenings.
• Works one-on-one with library patrons and recommends library materials.
• Takes actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
• Provides back-up support for supervisor/Librarian.
• Composes explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
• Continues to learn and develop skills for using existing and emerging library technologies and instructing patrons on their usage.
• Assists patrons with their access to a variety of downloadable materials including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, etc.
• Designs posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries.
• Develops projects for volunteers. Leads, trains, and provides guidance to volunteers and students.
• Reviews payroll related documentation for the assigned group.
• Coordinates schedule changes, timekeeping, and computer support to other staff.
• Serves as team leader for collection development team.
• Reviews and monitors subscription and licensing terms for databases and periodicals.
• Reads book reviews of materials for assigned areas of the collection; recommends the addition of materials that will enhance the collection; participates in weeding the collection based on frequency of use and condition. Supervises the day-to-day operations of the service desk or program in the absence of program head, provides work direction to staff, and trains staff.
• Attends required training to maintain and enhance skills.
• Implements and communicates policies pertaining to services, operations, and activities; resolves complex departmental problems, and develops and implements operational procedures.
• Develops promotional materials, visits community groups and organizations, and speaks with library patrons to promotes library collection, services, and programs.
• Contributes to the content of the library website and maintains local area networks.
• Follows-up with vendors to expedite delivery and resolve discrepancies.
• Initiates and assists with collection maintenance activities and projects including electronic collections.
• Maintains confidentiality of all records.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as required.

Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Senior Library Specialist:

• Oversees more complex and/or technical specialty operational area.
• Coordinates library acquisitions, works with the selection teams to identify materials to be ordered, and prepares orders choosing the supplier based on cost and discount available.
• Resolves complex problems working with vendors, publishers, and various levels of County staff.
• Sets up vendor accounts, prepares monthly budget reports.
• Downloads orders into the library systems and oversee the receipt of materials, process invoices for payment.
• Works with vendors and publishers to coordinate standing orders.
• Oversees the Interlibrary Loan program, including interfacing with other libraries, training and supervising the work of back up and support staff.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit and stand; have manual and finger dexterity; stoop, and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk, reach above shoulder level and crouch.  The employee is occasionally required to crawl, climb heights, kneel, balance, push/pull, and carry.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee must regularly move up to 50 pounds with the assistance of equipment or another person.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a library setting with a moderate noise level.  Evening, holiday and weekend work may be required. Travel may be required.

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance.  Employees are required to:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the county’s commitment to customer service excellence.

How to Apply:

Apply online at www.losalamosnm.us or give us a call at 505-662-8040 for questions.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of an auxiliary aid or service to participate in the examination process, notify the Human Resources Division at (505)662-8040 at the time of application.  Some documents can be provided in accessible formats.  Contact Human Resources at the above number if an accessible format is needed.

Applications become a public record upon receipt and may be made available for public inspection.

Selection Procedure:

The Incorporated County of Los Alamos does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in employment or the provisions of service.

LOS ALAMOS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER