Librarian 1 - State Library

State of Connecticut • Middletown, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut State Library (CSL) is seeking applications for a Librarian 1 - State Library position within the Division of Library Development in Middletown, CT. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, first shift (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) hybrid role. The position is part of the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books (CT LAB), a network library of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). CT LAB provides books and magazines in audio and braille formats, free of charge, to Connecticut residents with visual, reading, or physical disabilities that prevent them from reading standard print materials. The Librarian 1 will be responsible for providing Reader’s Advisory services to CT LAB patrons across Connecticut, primarily through telephone and email support, as well as in-person customer service. Duties include assisting patrons with book selection and requests, fulfilling patron requests, providing technical support for Digital Talking Book Machines and the BARD download service, answering reference questions, processing new patron applications and accounts, orienting new patrons to CT LAB and NLS services, maintaining patron and bibliographic records in the Integrated Library System (WebReads), contributing content to the patron newsletter, representing CT LAB at outreach events, and processing patron transfers with other NLS Network libraries. The role also involves collaboration with the Division of Library Development staff on programming, services, outreach, and special projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in reference and reader's advisory services, customer service, technical support for library resources, using integrated circulation systems, cataloging, library catalog maintenance, gathering library statistics, and possess strong oral and written communication skills.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in library science or information science from a library school accredited by the American Library Association.
• Experience delivering a broad range of Reference and Reader’s Advisory services to library patrons.
• Experience providing customer service to library patrons.
• Experience answering library patrons’ technical support questions related to library resources.
• Experience using an integrated circulation system.
• Experience cataloging materials.
• Experience performing library catalog maintenance.
• Experience gathering library statistics.
• Experience working collaboratively with others.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems relating to library methods and procedures.
• Ability to utilize computer software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing remote customer service to library patrons via telephone and email.
• Experience creating accessible hard copy and digital documents in different formats, including large print, braille, and audio.
• Experience contributing to library newsletters or publications.
• Experience conducting community outreach.
• Experience using Assistive Technology.
• Experience in a disability-related field, especially related to vision and print disabilities.
• Experience with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) resources.

Responsibilities

• Providing Reader’s Advisory services to CT LAB patrons throughout Connecticut.
• Supporting patrons via telephone and email, and providing in-person customer service.
• Assisting patrons with book selection and requests.
• Submitting patron book requests for fulfillment.
• Providing basic technical support for patrons who use Digital Talking Book Machines and the BARD download service.
• Researching and answering reference questions.
• Processing applications and setting up library accounts for new patrons.
• Orienting new patrons to CT LAB and NLS services and resources.
• Performing regular maintenance of patron records and bibliographic records within CT LAB’s Integrated Library System, WebReads.
• Contributing content to CT LAB’s bi-monthly patron newsletter.
• Representing CT LAB at outreach events across CT.
• Processing incoming and outgoing patron transfers to and from NLS Network libraries across the United States.
• Working with the entire Division of Library Development staff for programming, Division services, outreach, and special projects.
• Performing professional library duties in areas such as cataloging, interlibrary loan, reference, bibliographic services, and collection management.
• Assisting patrons in locating and obtaining materials.
• Furnishing information on library activities, facilities, rules, and services.
• Explaining and assisting in the use of reference sources, catalogs, indexes, and automated data bases.
• Describing or demonstrating procedures for searching catalog files.
• Searching catalog files and shelves to locate information.
• Assembling and arranging displays of books and other library materials.
• Maintaining reference and circulation materials.
• Answering correspondence on special reference subjects.
• Compiling subject bibliographies.
• Selecting, ordering, cataloging, and classifying materials.
• Reviewing and updating records retention and disposition schedules for state agencies.
• Planning and directing or carrying out special projects.
• Training assigned staff.
• Conducting workshops.
• Serving as liaison to library groups and organizations.
• Compiling reports and statistics.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance to all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level