Library Associate

Frederick County Government•Frederick County Public Libraries - Frederick, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This job announcement is being used to create a pool of qualified candidates for future vacancies. Hiring for these positions will occur as openings become available and is dependent upon continued funding. Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL)! We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team. Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth. This para-professional position provides comprehensive library services and programs for all patrons at the library and also is involved in a wide range of library activities and operations. Specialty areas include Adults, Teens, and Children Services as well as Generalist. Direction may be given to staff as assigned. Supervision is received from the Department Head, Assistant Branch Manager, or Branch Manager. In a branch setting, this person may serve as the “Person-in-Charge". Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university
1 year customer service work experience working directly with the public
Ability to obtain and maintain Library Associate certification from the Maryland State Library Agency plus willingness and ability to attend training sessions as applicable
Working knowledge of public library practices and procedures
Knowledge of research techniques and available research materials, as well as general readers' interest, authors, books and other formats of library materials
Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials
Knowledge of age appropriate literature, development stages, and interests
Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, and ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media
Ability to develop and conduct age appropriate programs, events and activities and perform effectively in front of patrons of all ages
Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and the Internet, and to effectively provide related instruction for patrons
Ability to learn and integrate emerging technologies and STEM-related educational tools in programming
Ability to create and market high-quality programming in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
Ability to effectively organize work, problem solve, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritize, multi-task and effectively manage time in a busy environment
Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude and good judgment
Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, co-workers and the general public
Ability to effectively build relationships and partnerships with community organizations, businesses, schools and similar entities
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain and maintain certification as a Passport Acceptance Agent from the U.S. Department of State within 180 days of hire and maintain certification
May require the ability to become a certified Notary for the State of Maryland within 90 days of hire.
6 or more months of recent (within the last 5 years) experience working in a library (not volunteer experience)
Completion of coursework towards a Master of Library Science degree or an earned degree
1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to the public
Additional work experience working directly with the public
Current Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) Employee
6 months of work experience working with children aged birth to 5th grade (for Children Services positions)
1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to children birth to 5th grade (for Children Services positions)
6 months of work experience working with teens grades 5th-12th (for Teen Services positions)
1 or more years of work experience developing and presenting programs to teens grades 5th-12th (for Teen Services positions)

Responsibilities

Develop and present innovative age-appropriate programs and outreach activities as assigned
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the library collection and current literature
Participate in implementation of system-wide programs, events and outreach
Assist patrons of all ages with reference questions or readers' advisory requests
Assist patrons in using computerized and manual information sources and/or direct patrons to other appropriate sources
Perform basic bibliographic searches related to inter-library loan requests and reserves
Explain FCPL policies and procedures to patrons and train patrons on the use of library resources
Assist with the maintenance of the branch collection in an assigned area
Assist in planning and implementing marketing activities and outreach activities that communicate the mission and goals of the library and the value of library products and services to the public, organizations, businesses and other community entities
Actively seek out and engage in opportunities to promote the library in the community
Establish and maintain working relationships and partnerships with community businesses, organizations, groups and schools, including outreach and programming
Prepare displays and develop programs to promote reading and other library services
Recommend materials for acquisition and/or withdrawal
Provide customer service at front desk, including check-in and check-out of materials
Participate in department, branch and system-wide work teams
Attend workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
May perform duties as a Passport Acceptance Agent, to include executing passport applications
May perform duties as a Notary Public, to include witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity.
Perform other related duties as required

Benefits

11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan).
Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
Participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System
Vesting after 10 years of service
Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program
Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
Deferred Compensation Plan
Legal Resources
Supplemental Life Insurance
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan