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Library Technician II, Cary Memorial Library, Lexington, MA

Posted February 11, 2020

General Purpose

Performs a variety of paraprofessional tasks involved in providing library services to the public. Library Technicians staff our busy public service desks, assist with processing of new materials, and assist with library initiatives, programming, and events. Library Technicians have frequent contact with members of the public, library employees, other town departments/boards, and community organizations, which require tact, negotiating skills, independent judgment, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor.

 

Supervision Received

Works under the direct supervision of a designated Department Head, Manager, or Coordinator.

Supervision Exercised

May exercise limited supervision over student/adult pages, and volunteers working in the library.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Public Service:

  • Provides outstanding customer service to patrons at the library’s busy public service desks. Interprets library policies and procedures for the public and staff. Handles complaints and suggestions in a professional manner and refers them to the appropriate staff member.

  • Provides Readers’ Advisory and Reference services to young people, parents, care-givers, and teachers.

  • Uses the library computer system to perform a variety of job-related tasks including check in/out, creation and editing of patron records, managing patron reserves, and locating items within the building.

  • Collects fines and fees using established practices.

  • Uses, and assists patrons and staff in use of an ever-changing variety of library equipment including telephones, computers and tablets, audiovisual equipment, assistive technology, self-checkout units, and others.

  • Shelves materials in accordance with the library’s organization scheme and maintains order on the shelves.

  • Directs or escorts library users to other departments as necessary.

  • Has access to confidential information and performs duties that require constant attention to detail and accuracy.

General Activities:

  • Participates in a broad range of library programs and events.

  • Utilizes social media to grow awareness of library services, events, and policies.

  • Performs routine clerical duties and equipment maintenance as directed.

Specialized Responsibilities (Bibliographic Services)

  • Prepares materials to circulate by assigning call numbers using established practices, creating item records, labeling, and other physical processing including selecting packaging.

  • Assists with physical maintenance of collections including book and disc repair.

  • Assists Bibliographic Services Manager in maintaining the accuracy of the library catalog and improving discoverability. Corrects or reports catalog errors to the Minuteman Library Network as appropriate.

  • Helps library staff members access and interpret data from the library catalog and automated systems.

  • May perform copy-cataloging under the direction of Bibliographic Services Manager.

  • May assist with ordering and receiving library materials or supplies.

  • Works with Bibliographic Services Manager to plan and implement new collections and procedures, and lead the cataloging and packaging of non-traditional materials for the Library of Things collection.

 

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Knowledge of spoken and written English, spelling and math.

  • Graduation from a college or university with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or any equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.

  • Experience working with children and teens is highly desirable.

  • Second language skills a plus.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of literature for children and teens.

  • Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with a diverse public; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and administrators.

  • Ability to touch-type. Competency with a PC and a variety of basic functions, business and library products and applications including, but not limited to: file and network utilities, printing, word processing, database use, spreadsheets, electronic communications, Internet.

 

Tools and Equipment Used

Job-related tools and equipment include, but are not limited to:

  • Library computer system/network (Sierra)

  • Personal computer (PC/Mac) and peripherals including monitor, keyboard, mouse, scanner, and printers

  • Personal technology including smartphones and tablets

  • Assistive technology equipment

  • Audiovisual equipment including, but not limited to, television, CD/DVD player, camera, scanner, overhead projector, LCD, tablets, eReaders, streaming media content players, digital conversion tools, and laminating machine

  • Robotics, crafting, and maker technologies including, but not limited to, LEGO WeDo and Mindstorms, Dot and Dash, LittleBits, Makey Makey, Scratch, stop motion cameras and video editing software

  • Other technologies as needs arise

 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear. The employee may be required to stand for up to four (4) consecutive hours. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands. The employee is required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds, lift and/or move delivery book bins, book trucks, and book boxes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus using print materials as with PC monitors and other library equipment.

 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderately noisy.

 

Selection Guidelines

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that will be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

 

Schedule

This is a full-time position with a 37 hours/week schedule including one evening/week and one or two Saturdays/month. Additional nights and weekends as needed for programs and events. 

 

Salary

Hiring range is $19.18 – $27.16 hourly, commensurate with experience, plus an excellent benefits package. This is a union position.

 

To Apply

Open until filled, priority given to applications received by 2/21/2020. To apply, please send a resume, letter of application, and names of three references to: Lauren Furtado, Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA  02420 or [email protected]  EO/AAE.

 

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