Branch Librarian (BL) - Youth Focus, 24 hrs./wk.

Kent District Library•Sand Lake, MI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves performing professional librarian duties under the general direction of branch management, with specific duties varying based on branch size and area of responsibility. The role focuses on serving library patrons with reference and information services, assisting with collection maintenance, providing technical support, and contributing to library programs and community outreach.

Requirements

Master's degree in Library Science or related/relevant field, OR a Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years relevant experience, OR high school diploma plus 10 years applicable experience (with at least five years in 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 the principles, methods, and practices of public library operations, including searching methods, materials advisory, and reference interviews.
Knowledge of the policies and procedures of Kent District Library.
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 with latitude for independent judgment within library policies and procedures.
Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively and courteously with library staff and patrons.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
Visual acuity and physical skills to retrieve materials from shelves, maintain materials, and operate equipment.
Physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Hearing ability to answer telephone and patron inquiries.
Computer skills necessary to effectively access information on the computer.
Ability to operate a variety of library equipment including a computer, fax, and copy machine.
Requires extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity.
Requires in-person, electronic, and telephone communication skills.
Meeting attendance at various branch and service center locations is expected.
Self-identified mode of transportation is required.
Preparation, loading, and carrying or moving of materials is commonly required.
Ability to secure a quiet, private location for assessments and meet proctoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides reference and information services to library patrons, including answering questions about collections, services, and policies, and interpreting patron needs.
Conducts research to obtain information sources, secures copies of information through inter and intra-library loans, and assists patrons in using subject specialty materials.
Assists patrons in searching for library materials, providing advisory and reference interview services using various library tools.
Participates in blogging and social media to support library initiatives.
Maintains the library collection, including shifting books, discarding materials, requesting replacements, evaluating donations, and displaying new or seasonal materials.
Communicates collection needs to Collection Development staff.
Facilitates, instructs, and assists staff, volunteers, and patrons with basic technical support, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library equipment (e.g., copy machines, eReaders, computers).
Assists in planning, organizing, and implementing library programs and special projects, including those for underserved communities.
Initiates and maintains community contacts.
Pursues professional development by serving on committees, attending meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Participates in professional organizations and shares information through networking, teaching workshops, and presentations.
Performs clerical tasks such as materials order entry, supply ordering, word processing, filing, checking in periodicals, and mail distribution.
Serves the public by checking materials in and out, collecting money for lost/damaged items, issuing library cards, registering new patrons, and processing changes.
Facilitates access to the digital collection by providing demonstrations and assistance with eReader devices and applications.
Performs collection maintenance duties including sorting, shelving, emptying book drops, shelf-reading, shifting, cleaning, and repairing materials.
Ensures circulation policies and procedures are followed for accurate database management, including data entry for late, lost, damaged, and claimed returned items.
Sorts, packs, unpacks, and inspects library materials for inter-library loans.
Runs reports and lists for item holds and inter-library loan requests, and routes items appropriately.
Contacts patrons or other libraries as necessary.
Provides information to customers regarding circulation policies and procedures, referring issues to management as appropriate.
May count, balance, and record monies received, and forward funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
May promote and process services and materials for the Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC).
Performs other duties as assigned.