Digital Media Librarian, Bangor Public Library, Bangor, ME

Posted January 25, 2021

Description:

The Bangor Public Library is one of the largest public libraries in the state, serving as an Area Reference and Resource Center for northern and eastern Maine. The Library is also notable for its Local History department, and for its historic and varied art collections.

As the third largest city in Maine, the City of Bangor is a service center for people living in more rural communities in northern and eastern Maine, and the Library serves people with diverse experiences and needs. The Bangor Public Library contributes to the prosperity and growth of the city by fostering the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, the pursuit of knowledge, and the preservation of its community’s history.

The library is a member of URSUS, a resource-sharing and joint catalog network including the Maine State Library, Maine Law & Legislative Research Library, and the libraries of the University of Maine System.

Statement of the Position:

The Bangor Public Library seeks an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented person for the position of Digital Media Librarian to help continue the library’s history of outstanding reference service while exploring and implementing new approaches to reference service and collection development.

This position will be primarily responsible for providing services to our adult patrons, including reference, reader’s advisory, programming, and technology instruction as well as generating content for our digital platforms. We’re looking for an energetic, passionate, and engaging librarian who enjoys the challenge of teaching a technology class one day and revising a web page the next!

This position has no supervisory duties, but may engage in project work which involves leading or guiding the work of others. This position reports to the Head of the Reference Department.

This is a 37.5-hour-per-week salaried position that participates in the evening and weekend rotations of the Reference Department.

Essential Functions:

Provides customer service assistance to library patrons by responding to patron inquiries, providing reference and instruction, and interpreting Library rules, policies and procedures to the public. Interacts with patrons in person, by telephone and electronically. Assists patrons with the use of computers and technology. Excels in serving a diverse population.
Plans and implements high quality library programs to community members, with a focus on the use of technology. Provides digital literacy classes and tutoring to the public.
Provides in-depth reference, readers’ advisory, and instruction to patrons. Maintains advanced knowledge of library resources and trends to provide suggestions that match patron interest.
Provides interlibrary loan services not filled in-house for Bangor Public Library patrons and for libraries supported through our Area Reference and Resource Center role.
Provides leadership and expertise in the identification, assessment, and implementation of emerging technologies that further the Library’s mission.
Oversees the health of assigned collection. Makes suggestions for additional materials for the collection. Determines items for removal and replacement. Works with other Libraries in the state to preserve and create a shared print collection for both journals and monographs.
Plan and manage social media events and projects to promote and inform the public about events, resources, and other efforts.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:

Graduate degree in library/information studies from ALA-accredited institution and previous public library experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Enthusiasm to work with the public and a solid foundation in good customer service skills.
Ability to deal effectively and harmoniously with the public and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Working knowledge of current public library policies, procedures, methods, practices, and materials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, ability to work with teams, and the ability to motivate and negotiate with diverse individuals and groups.
Demonstrated ability to teach technology skills to staff and the public.
Fluency with personal computers and software, mobile devices, databases, online references sources, social media and integrated library systems (ILS).
Must be flexible, able to handle multiple competing priorities and tasks, adaptable to change.
Strong organizational skills, including detail orientation.
Fosters good working relationships with diverse people including staff, patrons, volunteers, vendors and community partners. Accepts and completes assignments from supervisor, Library Director, or other Library staff in a professional and timely manner.
Able to stand, sit, bend, walk, squat or kneel, and lift and carry up to 10 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

Three years of recent experience as a professional librarian.
Demonstrated knowledge of social media trends and social analytics tools.
Demonstrated ability to effectively develop, implement, and evaluate social media strategies.

How to Apply:

Please review the job description before applying. Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Tina Hustus ([email protected]) in a PDF or RTF format, with “Digital Media Librarian” in the subject line. Application reviews will start February 8, 2021.