Reference Services Librarian, Memorial Hall Library, Andover, MA
Posted July 18, 2016
Under direction of a Library Department Coordinator, provide professional librarian services in various departments, including Reference, Teen Room, Technical Services or other assigned area. Provide patron assistance, collection development input, cataloging, program implementation, network sharing and community outreach.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Provide standard reference and assistance services to library patrons. Interview patrons to determine their specific needs and identify information sources to meet those needs. Instruct patrons in how to use information sources. Assist in the selection of reading or other materials. Instruct patrons in the use of library technology and equipment. Develop reading lists and other bibliographic materials. Process interlibrary loan requests and make referrals to community agencies.
- Keep informed of changes in information technology and use on-line databases to answer information questions.
- Use good customer service skills as described in the Library’s Customer Service Policy, and all available technology and printed resources to answer requests for information accurately and promptly.
- Participate in library collection development. Examine book reviews and other relevant materials and recommend selection of materials (books, periodicals, tapes, CDS, etc…) Assist in collection weeding. Initiate book and other materials purchases.
- Manage the Library collection in area of responsibility.
- Within area of assignment, responsible for the following: cataloging and classification; management of audiovisual and photocopying services; the periodical collection; the music library; government documents; the audio book collection; the language audio collection; college and educational materials; reference computers; the Andover Room; the Young Adult collection, Young Adult outreach, Children’s Reference services; foreign language collections; and ESL collections.
- Collaborate with other library staff to plan and implement Library services which meet the needs of the community. Set up and implement lectures, readings, story hours, exhibits, tours, training classes and such. Participate in selection of topic/event, development of publicity, promotion, and event supervision.
- Cooperate with other libraries in MVLC to facilitate resource sharing.
- Assist in book, magazine, video, audio visual and other special collections development and maintenance.
OTHER DUTIES
- Assist, direct, check, train and guide library assistants, aides, pages and volunteers in the performance of their duties.
- Attend and participate in department and library staff meetings and workshops.
- Maintain required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest.
- Continue education by attending professional conferences, reading professional literature, taking courses in library and library related subjects, and/or participating in Continuous Quality Improvement projects.
- Serve as duty officer on evenings and weekends.
- Perform related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Professional knowledge of library operations, policies and procedures.
- Extensive knowledge of library technology products, including, but not limited to, the Internet, online databases, and the Evergreen system.
- Working knowledge of PC hardware, word processing software, and spreadsheets.
- On-line cataloging skills.
- Familiarity with OCLC search methods; purchasing, editing and creating MARC records.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to establish positive public relations for the Town, department and/or division and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to conduct research and analyses related to professional librarian responsibilities.
- Skill in adapting to new technologies and methodologies.
- Commitment to excellence in customer service.
- Ability to fairly and tactfully explain library policies to patrons and satisfactorily resolve any problems resulting from those policies.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability to continually balance the competing needs of large numbers of on-line, telephone and in-person library users.
Education and Experience
- Duties require a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited ALA program; two or more years of library operational experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Provide guidance to paraprofessional staff, library assistants, aides, pages and volunteers.