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Talking Books Services Librarian, Worcester Public Library, Worcester, MA

Posted October 14, 2016

The Worcester Public Library is seeking candidates for the position of Talking Books Services Librarian! This is a beginning professional position under the general direction of the Head of the Worcester Talking Book Library. This position is responsible for outreach, cataloging, and readers’ advisory services for individuals with a visual, physical or reading disability and involves collaborating with those organizations that serve them. This position also includes supervisory responsibility as assigned.

SALARY: $44,852.70 – 65,264.96 annually; $21.49 – $31.27 hourly

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Plans, implements and coordinates outreach services to people with a visual, physical or reading disability in the Central Massachusetts area
  • Develops and implements publicity campaigns to promote the Massachusetts Talking Book program for multi-type libraries, institutions and agencies that serve this population
  • Responsible for collection development, including acquisition of materials not provided through the Library of Congress National Library Service (NLS) program
  • Provides excellent Reference and Readers’ Advisor service by phone, in person and online for adults, young adults and children with a visual, physical or reading disability, as well as caregivers and agency personnel who work with and advocate for these people
  • Represents the Worcester Talking Book Library to the community at-large and at regional, state and national library conferences
  • Conducts bibliographic searches using print sources, public access catalog and current technologies
  • Develops, maintains, and promotes the Worcester Talking Book Library’s collection in various formats, including digital audio, large print, print braille and other appropriate formats
  • Instructs in the basic use of specialized computer software applications, adaptive electronic equipment and adapted computers
  • Provides service with a team of professional and paraprofessional staff including staff of the Perkins Braille and Talking Book Library in Watertown, MA
  • Assists with the preparation of quarterly newsletters and bibliographies in specialized formats
  • Assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual statistical reports for municipal, state and federal agencies
  • Interprets library services and policies to customers in a clear and courteous manner
  • Keeps informed of professional and community developments affecting the library and librarianship
  • Contributes to creating an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and a cohesive team
  • Performs original (including complex) and copy cataloging of all formats of library materials and adapts online records according to guidelines in all subject areas and languages to facilitate their identification, access, retrieval and use
  • May schedule, supervise and evaluate pages, interns and volunteers
  • Supervises all staff in the absence of the Head of the Worcester Talking Book Library
  • Performs other tasks, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibility

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR PERFORMING ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Commitment to excellent customer service to a diverse community
  • Demonstrated knowledge of search skills using paper and electronic resources
  • Demonstrated skills in planning, organizing and implementing programs and presentations
  • Embrace opportunities to learn in a changing environment
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills and the ability to communicate with professional and paraprofessional staff about concepts, ideas, and requirements
  • Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • Demonstrated proficiency in current and emerging technologies and their applications
  • High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of patron information
  • Ability to use PC-based library and adaptive technologies
  • Ability to create positive working relationships in a team environment
  • Ability to initiate, organize, and self-direct work responsibility under moderate supervision
  • Ability to collaborate and create positive working relationships with all staff
  • Ability to push book carts and bins loaded with library materials
  • Ability to stand and or sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to perform bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, and twisting
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm motions for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to reach and retrieve library materials at high and low shelf heights
  • Ability to move or lift 50 lbs. or less

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s in Library Science Degree from a library school accredited by the American Library Association or approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

Experience: Relevant experience will be considered. Experience working with individuals who have a visual, physical or reading disability, preferred.

Preferred: 1-2 years cataloging experience with a solid knowledge of ALA’s Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2) and familiarity with doing original cataloging of library materials, preferred. Proficiency in descriptive cataloging, subject cataloging, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), as well as MARC21 standards and at least one classification scheme such as LCC or DDC, preferred

Schedule: Includes evening and weekend assignments and working at other locations

Travel: Ability to travel to required locations in a timely manner. A valid driver’s license is required CORI/SORI: Must pass Criminal/ Sex Offender Background Check

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before Friday, October 28, 2016, to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608.

EOE/AA employer. Preference is given to Worcester Residents.

The information in this summary indicates the general nature and level of work performed within this role.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

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