Librarian

State Education Resource Center•Waterbury, CT

About The Position

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) seeks a full-time Librarian to lead and manage its specialized educational library and resource services, which support Connecticut’s educational community statewide. The SERC Library maintains research, reference, and instructional materials related to education and social services, including resources on general and special education, educational equity, and racial and social justice. The Librarian ensures that the Library and its services align with SERC’s mission and are integrated into the agency’s programs and initiatives. The Librarian provides research and resource assistance to educators, school and district personnel, college and university students, families, students, community members, and agency colleagues. The role involves developing, organizing, and maintaining physical and online collections; providing responsive customer service; promoting Library materials and services; and collaborating with SERC staff and community partners. The position reports directly to the Director of Program Budgets and Services Administration and has no supervisory responsibilities. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with hours varying by day, totaling 37.5 hours per week. Regular hours are Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; evening and weekend hours may be required as needed. The position is based in a small library setting and may also involve virtual work and occasional off-site representation at schools, workshops, conferences, training sessions, and community events. A bachelor’s degree in Library Science or a related field, an MLIS, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Candidates nearing completion of an MLIS may also be considered, and previous library or related professional experience is required. The salary range is $56,610 to $88,603, with all new hires starting at the minimum; the salary is non-negotiable.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Library Science or a related field, a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or an equivalent combination of education and experience; candidates nearing completion of an MLIS may also be considered.
Previous library experience or related professional experience.
Ability to provide high-quality customer service to Library patrons.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, workplace technology, and library technology, including creating, editing, and maintaining MARC bibliographic records.
Information literacy and technology literacy skills.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective communication in person, virtually, and by telephone.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and the ability to follow through on multi-step procedures and tasks.
Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to apply and advance the agency’s mission, beliefs, and values in daily work.
Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse and inclusive settings.
Ability to collaborate in a team-oriented environment while also taking initiative, working independently, managing multiple priorities, and requiring minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively, remain mobile, operate equipment, handle materials, and reach with hands and arms; the role may require extended standing and occasional lifting or carrying.
Reliable transportation or the ability to travel to off-site work locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with emerging technologies and social media.

Responsibilities

Perform circulation desk procedures using an integrated library operating system, including checking materials in and out, registering patrons, and supporting other circulation functions.
Process circulation transactions, membership applications, and renewals; orient new patrons and explain available resources and services.
Select, catalog, classify, and maintain relevant resources and bibliographic records, including MARC records and subject analysis.
Prepare, repair, shelve, or withdraw library materials as needed.
Perform Library opening and closing procedures and maintain circulation desk and copier supplies.
Assist SERC Consultants in aligning resources with high-quality professional development.
Research, create, and update topic-specific research guides and Library resource pages.
Orient patrons to the Library and help them locate and use resources, access information, and navigate library technology.
Provide bibliographic instruction, information literacy education, and library tours supporting SERC programs and initiatives.
Provide reference and research assistance to patrons and agency colleagues, including help with computer applications, library resources, and information needs.
Promote Library programs, services, and resources, and assist with Library programs and displays.
Coordinate Library services with existing SERC programs and initiate new community-based programs.
Develop relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders to inform and shape Library outreach services.
Assess service needs among Connecticut educators and families from diverse racial, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds and individuals with disabilities; evaluate the Library’s ability to meet those needs and develop an action plan.
Promote general reference services and coordinate and support reference desk hours, including evenings and Saturdays as needed.
Support the development of SERC’s Virtual Library, web pages, and online resources.
Identify and apply relevant technological advances to improve Library processes and services.