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JOB TITLE: Library Specialist, Sr. Library Specialist
JOB CODE: 319, 317
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT/ DIVISION: Community Services/Library
SUPERVISOR: Sr. Librarian, Librarian or Designee
Position Summary:
Under general supervision of the Sr. Librarian, Librarian or designee, performs library tasks including providing customer service throughout the library at multiple service points, including 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 al/ inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this classification. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides customer service throughout the library at multiple services points. This may include working at Adult Services, Operations, Youth Service, Technical Services and/or White
- Assists with the opening/closing of facility; may be in charge of building on weekends and/ or evenings.
- Provides back-up support for supervisor/Librarian.
- Designs posters and special displays to promote use of library facilities or specific reading programs at libraries
- Develops projects for Leads, trains, and provides guidance to volunteers and students.
- 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.
- Contributes to the content of the library website and maintains local area networks.
- Initiates and assists with collection maintenance activities and projects including electronic collections.
- Provides relevant statistical data such as usage and cost analysis to support collection analysis and development decisions.
- Investigates order possibilities and license terms for online databases and services
- Maintains confidentiality of all records
- Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required
- Performs other duties as required.
Public Services (Adult Services, Operations, Youth Services and White Rock):
- Provides reference services, using proficiency in specialized indexes, reference sources, and on-line databases.
- Assists patrons in finding information effectively and efficiently using electronic resources.
- Instructs patrons on how to use readers’ advisory sources, on-line catalogs, self-check stations, and electronic databases.
- Provides assistance to educational providers by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
- Guides patrons in finding and using library resources, including reference materials, audiovisual equipment, computers, and electronic
- Assists patrons with access to internet services.
- Troubleshoots public access computers and other public-use equipment.
- Develops and conducts children’s programs and other specialized programs.
- Compiles bibliographies and prepares abstracts on subjects of interest to particular organizations or groups.
- Works one-on-one with library patrons and recommends library materials.
- Takes actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
- 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,
- Develops promotional materials, visits community groups and organizations, and speaks with library patrons to promotes library collection, services, and programs.
- Develops, organizes, promotes, markets, schedules, implements and evaluates programs and events.
Technical services duties:
- Provides classification/copy and original cataloguing of a variety of library materials by collection and by Dewey classification numbers; searches, edits, and transfers Machine Readable (MARC) records to the integrated library system. Maintains authority control.
- Receives, organizes and maintains library materials.
- Compiles and maintains records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
- Reviews subject matter of materials to be classified and selects classification numbers and headings according to classification systems.
- Composes explanatory summaries of contents of books and other reference materials.
- Oversees Periodicals budget.
- Resolves complex cataloging problems.
- Enters item information into ILS and creates labels for various materials.
- Work with collection development leaders to resolve access-related issues.
- Works with vendors to investigate and assess format options.
- Orders, pays and receipts processing and renewals for serials and claiming activities.
Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities for Sr. Library Specialist:
- Oversees the Interlibrary Loan program, including interfacing with other libraries, training and supervising the work of back up and support staff.
- Oversees more complex and/or technical specialty operational area.
Public Services (Adult Services, Operations, Youth Services and White Rock):
- Oversees the Interlibrary Loan program, including interfacing with other libraries, training and supervising the work of back up and support
- Contributes to the content of the library website
- Maintains local area networks.
- Maintains software for public use
- Keeps up to date with public use technology trends and their applicability to the current library services.
- Develops content and/ or edits the library public website
- Evaluates and implements improvements for usability of the library website
- Maintains internal library staff intranet.
Technical Services:
- 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.
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, which may include: working in a bookstore or library; with collections in a museum or educational setting; computerized research on-line or using databases; teaching or training 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 Sr. Library Specialist:
- Additional two years of library-related experience
Preferred Minimum 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
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of library cataloging rules and procedures and check-in and check-out
- Knowledge of applicable regulatory agencies, codes and 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 children/teens as appropriate during library programs and events to ensure compliance with the library code of conduct
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Sr. Library Specialist:
- Knowledge of computerized procurement and accounting systems
- Skill in using HTML, CSS, and Javascript to edit website
- Skill in troubleshooting and maintaining computers
- Ability to analyze and solve problems
- Ability to perform a variety of specialized library tasks
- Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand. The employee regularly uses manual and finger dexterity and visual acuity to complete tasks. The employee routinely uses a full range of mobility in upper and lower body; reaches overhead; works in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to lift 50 pounds with the assistance of equipment or another person.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a library environment with a moderate noise level, occasionally working under stressful conditions and for extended periods of time. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers. Evening, holiday, and weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required as well as travel and attendance at meetings.
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.