Reader’s Advisor, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA

Perkins School for the Blind, located near Boston, was the first school for the blind chartered in the United States in 1829. For over 180 years, Perkins School for the Blind has provided quality educational and residential services to students who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind, empowering them to reach their maximum potential. Perkins School for the Blind embraces diversity in ability, thought, culture and belief. We provide equal education and employment opportunities and value the unique talents and contributions of all of our students and staff. 

Summary
Acts as the primary point of contact for patrons of the Perkins Library. Responsible for assigning audio and braille books, described videos, large print, and other new and/or emerging accessible formats using the Library’s automated circulation system. Resolves circulation service problems and maintains accurate patron reading records. Facilitates all aspects of patron book selection and delivery processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Answers incoming telephone lines and assists patrons with information about their book selection, service status, shipments made, requests/reserves processed, and other available services; transfers calls to other staff or takes service messages for other staff as appropriate.
• Utilizes the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) to serve patrons on all aspects of their talking and braille book services. Creates book orders for patrons by searching request lists, selects books by subject interest or author preferences, customizes patrons’ service profiles and serves patrons according to their service preferences.
• Answers general informational requests from patrons; refers more in-depth questions to the Reference Librarian.
• Maintains the online patron reading database including updating patron reading interests, service frequency, and type of service data as needed. Assists patrons in resolving request, selection or service problems.
• Searches the Library of Congress/National Library Service online catalog to assist patrons in locating titles that are not available locally. Utilizes bibliographies and book lists to supplement holdings to assist patrons with comprehensive book searches.
• Processes routine interlibrary loan requests to other libraries and Library of Congress Multistate Centers through an electronic national system for interlibrary loan processing; maintains detailed notes of interlibrary loan transactions in the patron database. Prepares orders for books available from other network libraries.
• Assists patrons making book selections in person at the drop-in area. Organizes and stocks the front desk area when needed to help keep book selection current for patrons and prepares orders for pickup.
• Provides basic information on eligibility, registration, equipment; refers calls to other staff as appropriate.
• Notifies the Registration Unit of updated patron information, status changes or subscription related information such as address changes, transfers, cessation of services, and subscription problems.
• Handles day-to-day customer service issues; refers all non-routine circulation complaints or questions, recurring service problems or service improvement suggestions to a supervisor.
• Provides basic technical support with regard to the library’s downloadable book services. Refers more complex cases to the Special Services Librarian.
• Participates actively in staff meetings and works as a team member with other staff on designated projects and tasks; performs other duties or special projects as assigned by supervisory staff.
• Assists with the training and supervision of unit volunteer staff.

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program. 
• Two (2) years, public library or reference experience. 

Benefits: We provide a complete benefits package which includes tuition reimbursement, medical and dental insurance, LTD and Life insurance, retirement programs and staff development and training.

Perkins seeks to enhance its community of intellectually, culturally, and socially diverse individuals to enrich the educational experience of our students. Applicants from a multicultural background, are bilingual, and/or who have relevant life experience are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

For a more detailed description of the position and to apply, please visit our website http://www.perkins.org/get-involved/careers and submit a resume and cover letter with your application.