Branch Librarian (BL) - 24 hrs./wk.

Kent District Library•Grand Rapids, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Branch Librarian serves under the general direction of branch management and uses professional librarian skills to provide library services. Specific duties vary based on branch size and area of responsibility. The position provides reference and information services, supports patrons’ use of collections and technology, maintains library collections and circulation records, and helps plan and deliver programs and special projects that meet community needs. The role also supports library staff and volunteers, maintains community contacts, and pursues professional development.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a master's degree in Library Science or a related/relevant field; a bachelor's degree plus five years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma plus ten years of applicable experience, including at least five years of successful relevant service at Kent District Library.
Ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed.
Working knowledge and understanding of public library operations, including searching methods, materials advisory, and reference interviews.
Ability to acquire knowledge of Kent District Library policies and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of available circulating materials and basic reference sources.
Advanced knowledge of public library computer hardware and software applications and how to access and search them.
Ability to work under general supervision and exercise independent judgment and discretion within library policies, procedures, and professional practices.
Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively and courteously with library staff and patrons.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
Visual acuity and physical skills to retrieve, maintain, and handle library materials and operate equipment.
Physical ability to push or pull fully loaded book carts and lift or carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Hearing ability to answer telephone calls and patron inquiries.
Computer skills to access information effectively.
Ability to operate library equipment, including a computer, fax machine, and copy machine.
Ability to work varied hours, including evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide reference and information services, answer questions about collections, services, and policies, interpret patron needs, conduct research, and record reference statistics.
Assist patrons in locating library materials and provide materials advisory and reference interview services using the integrated library system, print sources, electronic databases, and online tools.
Participate in blogging and social media in support of library initiatives and operations.
Maintain collections by shifting, shelving, evaluating, displaying, repairing, and discarding materials; request replacements and communicate collection needs to Collection Development staff.
Facilitate and provide basic technical support, maintenance, troubleshooting, and one-on-one technology tutoring for staff, volunteers, and patrons.
Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing library programs and special projects, including those serving underserved communities.
Initiate and maintain community contacts and share professional knowledge through networking, workshops, presentations, committees, meetings, and conferences.
Perform clerical duties such as materials and supply ordering, word processing, filing, checking in periodicals, and sorting and distributing mail.
Check library materials in and out; collect payments for lost or damaged materials; issue replacement cards; register patrons; and process name and address changes.
Demonstrate and assist with access to the library’s digital collection using e-reader devices and applications.
Empty book drops; shelf-read; clean, dust, and inspect materials; and sort, pack, unpack, and route materials between libraries.
Maintain accurate circulation records and follow circulation policies and procedures, including data entry for late, lost, damaged, or claimed-returned items and patron information.
Run reports and lists for holds and interlibrary loan requests, retrieve and route requested items, and contact patrons or other libraries as needed.
Explain circulation policies and procedures to customers and refer issues to branch management when appropriate.
May count, balance, and record point-of-sale funds and forward reconciled funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
May promote and process library services and materials for the Talking Book and Braille Center.
Travel between work locations and related business locations as needed and perform other duties as assigned.