Public Services Librarian, Buzzards Bay, MA

Posted October 18, 2023

Description:

Provide reference, circulation, programs, readers’ advisory, and technical assistance to the public. Participates in community outreach and assistant with library collection. Promotes and provides exemplary customer service to patrons and staff in support of the Library’s goals and mission; all other duties as assigned.

Supervision
Works with a high degree of independence under the general supervision of the Library Director and Assistant Director. Performs varied and highly responsible functions requiring a thorough knowledge of library policies and practices and the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, particularly in situation not clearly defined by precedent or established routine. Independently solves problems through experience and judgment; may provide occasional functional supervision of the library staff in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director; considered shift supervisor during weekend and evening hours; cooperates as a team member with other library staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

1. Reference service to patrons of all ages. Promote use of material through Readers’ Advisory skills. Promote training for support staff to ensure excellence in information and readers’ advisory services.
2. Assist the public and staff on current technologies, equipment and software. Assist
   library patrons with technical problems at the public computers and related equipment.
3. Keeps abreast of developments in library technology and related technologies.
4. Assist with collection development projects; may be responsible for collection development in assigned areas.
5. Participates in community outreach.
6. Provides excellent reference and backup circulation duties – in person, on the telephone, and by pursuing other innovative communication methods; assists library patrons with technical problems at the public computers and related equipment.
7. Helps to create a culture which embraces and relishes change. In a proactive, creative, service-oriented manner, identifies, investigates imagines, ruminates, and reports on cutting edge future public library service and technological trends.
8. Working with library staff, actively participates in the library’s Adult programming with the Director and Assistant Director. Makes recommendations for programs and assists in the promotion of all programming through social media, press releases and cable TV.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Forward thinking, an in-depth knowledge of professional librarianship, a thorough knowledge of library techniques, services and resources.

Knowledge of contemporary technological issues and trends.

Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical staff and the public.

Ability to work independently and to solve problems, as well as adaptability and dependability to work well in a team situation and flexibility in emergency staffing situations.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships within the community.

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.

Ability to set priorities for work to be done.

Punctuality and dependability.

Must have valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

Diagnostic and problem solving skills, planning and organizational skills, computer skills, and interpersonal skills.

Physical and Mental Requirements
Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, CD/DVD players, e-books, smart phones, hotspots and tablets.

Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal,
for extended periods of time.

Ability to stand 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 up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books or other material 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, with or without
reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively.

Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation,
which permits the employee to read books and patron requests.

Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the
employee to type and record library files, open boxes and DVDs, cover books.

Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable
accommodation, which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at
public service desks.

Work Environment
Performs work in a public library environment with numerous interruptions and with the understanding that such an environment requires judgment, tack, courtesy, and patience.

Work is performed primarily in an indoor setting at the library, including public and shared office spaces.

Maintains professional growth and engages in professional activities. Attends and participates in continuing education programs designed to keep abreast of changes.

Schedule
The work week is 37.5 hours. The schedule requires a five day work week, including
evenings and Saturday hours, and is assigned in the best interest of the library.

Acceptable Experience and/or Training
A Master’s degree from an ALA accredited school of library science is required. Minimum of two years of public library experience working in an automated library; Experience with library automated systems (preferably KOHA) required. Experience in computer troubleshooting, server administration and networking.

How to Apply:

Check out the Town’s Website for more information & Job Application
https://www.townofbourne.com/town-info/pages/employment-opportunities