Floater Librarian Part-Time

Town of West Springfield•Ma 01089, MA

About The Position

The permanent, part-time Floater Librarian works 18 hours per week under the general direction of the Assistant Director, with input from the Adult and Youth Supervisors. The librarian provides services to adults, young adults, children, and families, including public desk service, reference assistance, computer instruction and support, readers’ advisory, programming, community activities, and collection development. The role also promotes the library’s services and collections to the community. Work involves professional library functions requiring independent judgment and initiative, performed in accordance with established procedures, departmental policies, and standards. The librarian delivers information and referrals through in-person, phone, email, instant messaging, and other technologies; supports public access to computers, printing, Wi-Fi, databases, and library equipment; helps patrons find and use materials and electronic resources; and may contribute to collection maintenance, programs, online content, and public relations. The position may also involve statistics and record keeping, maintaining order in service areas, and—in the absence of designated leaders—supervising library operations and building security. The librarian establishes a consistent 18-hour daily or weekly schedule with the Assistant Director and Administrative Assistant.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
One year of related professional library experience.
Experience using computers and creating documents in Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with library software systems, especially Evergreen, databases, and Internet access.
Proficiency with automated library systems and electronic library information resources, including database searching, e-resources, and the Internet.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of social media platforms.
Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to people of all ages.
Considerable knowledge of current and classic library materials.
Ability to write reports and correspondence, communicate fluently, and speak before groups.
Ability to compute statistics and interpret graphs, troubleshoot technology, set priorities, work with frequent interruptions, and train staff and the public.
Ability to lift 20–30 pounds regularly; occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch; often push or pull book trucks weighing up to 150 pounds; and stand for long periods when required.
Ability to operate and view a computer for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Prior demonstrated knowledge of public library operations.

Responsibilities

Provide reference and resource information to patrons in person and through phone, email, instant messaging, or other technologies.
Maintain a welcoming environment at service desks and model good customer service.
Refer patrons to other libraries, sources, and agencies when appropriate.
Develop and conduct public training on computers, the Internet, electronic databases, and personal devices when requested.
Provide computer, printing, and Wi-Fi assistance, including basic equipment maintenance and instruction on copiers and computers.
Troubleshoot public computers, electronic equipment, software, and connectivity to maintain satisfactory public access.
Investigate and report on new technologies and software for patrons and staff when requested.
Update online tools that support information, reference, and recreational reading services.
Help patrons select library materials, including electronic resources, and instruct them in their use.
Participate in collection development and recommend materials using reviews, patron requests, and popular trends.
Maintain collections through inventory, shelf reading, and weeding when assigned.
Work with vendors and contractors to maintain web-based content and database access when directed.
Perform interlibrary loan services, including local/network, mediated, and document delivery services.
Attend assigned professional conferences, seminars, network committees, and staff meetings.
Contribute to short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and procedures when requested.
Help plan and present public programs and contribute to public relations materials, including press releases, flyers, social media, blogs, and website content.
Create and maintain collection displays when directed.
Identify, collect, and interpret statistics and perform clerical and record-keeping duties as needed.
Maintain order in service areas in the absence of full-time staff.
May supervise operations and security of the entire library building in the absence of the Director, Assistant Director, and relevant service supervisors.
Assist with seeking grants and funds to expand library services when requested.
Establish a consistent 18-hour schedule with the Assistant Director and Administrative Assistant.