Adult Services Librarian (part-time), Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA
Posted September 21, 2016
19 hours. Initial schedule is Monday 9am-5pm, Wednesday 5pm-9pm, Thursday and Friday 1pm-5pm. Every 3 rd week will work Saturday 9am-5pm instead of Monday. Hours are assigned and may be changed to meet the needs of the Department and the Library. Flexibility is expected and desired.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides outstanding information and reader’s advisory services in a busy urban public library. Works at the Q&A Desk, the Research Desk and in the Information Commons. Participates in collection development, including selection, weeding and merchandizing of materials. Provides proactive, friendly, and valuable service to the public.
- Provides professional Reference / Readers’ Advisory service to the public in person, on the telephone, and by electronic means
- Interviews patrons to determine information needs
- Analyzes needs and determines appropriate sources to fulfill those needs
- Assists patrons in the use of library resources; explains print and online sources
- Assists patrons in the use of library computers and other library resources such as e-book readers and downloadable content
- Assists patrons with placing holds and inter-library loan requests
- Actively participates in collection development, selecting, weeding and replacing lost, worn or out of date items in assigned areas of the reference and circulating collections
- Keeps current with appropriate review media, professional and on-line resources, popular materials, and bestseller lists
- Actively develops displays and merchandizes the collections, anticipates special events and anniversaries as well as responding quickly to breaking news events
- Contributes material to the library’s web page and social media
- Compiles book lists, bibliographies on subjects of current interest, and other educational and public relations materials such as e-sources as needed
- Assists with instructing patrons on current and emerging technologies
- Stays abreast of library policies and procedures
- Enforces library rules of behavior; takes appropriate action in case of misbehavior
- Any other duties required for the good of the department and the Library
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree from an ALA accredited school of library science are required. Prefer a minimum of two years of professional work with strong experience in public library adult services. Public Library experience strongly preferred. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part of the educational requirement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Outstanding customer service skills
- Working knowledge of basic public library concepts
- Strong knowledge of adult services, including information and research and reader’s advisory services
- A broad knowledge and appreciation of popular literature and genres
- A general knowledge of resources in many subject areas
- Excellent skills and comfort with computer technology; knowledge of current technological trends, including social media
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to work well and communicate constructively
- Adaptability and dependability to work well in a team situation, and flexibility in emergency staffing situations
- Genuine interest in helping people to locate information and materials
- Ability and genuine interest in working effectively with a diverse population, and an appreciation of urban library issues
- Ability and desire to serve the public with friendliness, tact and diplomacy
- Ability to work with enthusiasm and initiative, a cheerful disposition, and a willingness to work harmoniously with others
- Necessary attributes: mental curiosity, attention to detail, punctuality and dependability, good judgment, creativity, resourcefulness, patience, maturity, ability to work with frequent interruptions, commitment to outstanding customer service, commitment to delivering user-centered services and promoting access to all library resources
- Knowledge and understanding of the library’s mission, goals, and objectives
- Ability to learn and enforce the library’s policies and procedures
- Ability to contribute positively to the culture of the Cambridge Public Library
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, tablets, printers, AV equipment and e-readers. Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time. Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books or other materials or equipment. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work. Time management ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to read books and patron requests, as well as to see what patrons are doing when they are at some distance from the workstation. Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to conduct data entry, open boxes and DVDs, cover books. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions; Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes; Works in assigned areas, as needed.
RATE: $24.48 per hour to $31.50 per hour in five steps
APPLY TO:
Please send 2 copies each of cover letter & resume
City of Cambridge
Personnel Department, Room 309
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349- 4312
Deadline is 5pm on October 5, 2016