Branch Librarian - Youth & Teen Focus, 40hrs./wk.

Kent District LibraryKentwood, MI
Hybrid

About The Position

Performed under the general direction of branch management, exercises professional librarian skills serving as a Branch Librarian. Specific duties will vary based on branch size and area of responsibility. This role focuses on serving youth and teen patrons.

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 of the ten 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.
  • 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 in exercising independent judgment and discretion subject to Library policies, procedures, and professional practices.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with various library staff and patrons in an effective and courteous manner.
  • Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.
  • Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
  • Visual acuity and physical skills necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves and storage areas, maintain library 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.
  • Extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity.
  • 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 for all KDL positions.

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, obtains copies of information through inter and intra-library loans, and assists patrons in using subject specialty materials.
  • Assists patrons in their search for library materials, providing material advisory and reference interview services using ILS, print sources, KDL electronic databases, and Internet tools.
  • Participates in blogging and social media to support library initiatives and operations.
  • Maintains the collection, including shifting books, discarding materials, requesting replacements, evaluating donated materials, and displaying new or seasonal materials.
  • Communicates collection needs to Collection Development staff.
  • Facilitates, instructs, and assists Library staff, volunteers, and patrons in basic technical support, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library equipment such as copy machines, eReaders, computer hardware and software, and online tools.
  • Assists in planning, organizing, and implementing Library programs and special projects for KDL that meet patron needs, including underserved communities.
  • Initiates and maintains community contacts.
  • Pursues professional development by serving on KDL committees, and attending meetings, workshops, and conferences.
  • Participates in professional organizations; shares information by networking, teaching workshops, and preparing group presentations.
  • Performs other clerical tasks upon request, including materials order entry, supply ordering, word processing, filing, checking in new periodicals, and sorting/distributing mail.
  • Serves the public by checking in and out library materials, collecting money for lost/damaged materials, issuing new/replacement library cards, registering new patrons, and processing name/address changes.
  • Facilitates access to KDL's digital collection by providing demonstrations and assistance with eReader devices and applications.
  • Performs collection maintenance duties: sorts and shelves library materials; empties book-drops; shelf-reads; shifts materials; cleans, dusts, and inspects library materials for damage; discards and repairs library materials.
  • Ensures circulation policies and procedures are followed for the proper handling of customer and material records for an accurate library database.
  • Performs data entry of late, lost, damaged, and claims returned items, and patron information.
  • Sorts, packs, unpacks, and inspects library materials received from or being delivered to other libraries.
  • Runs reports and lists for item hold information and inter-library loan requests.
  • Provides lists for retrieving requested items and routes items appropriately.
  • Contacts patrons or other libraries as necessary.
  • Provides information to customers regarding the Library's circulation policies and procedures, and refers issues to branch management as appropriate.
  • May count, balance, and record monies received through the point of sale and forwards reconciled funds and paperwork to the Finance Department.
  • May promote and process services and materials from the Library for the Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
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