Library Specialist (Adult Focus)

Stark County District Library • Uniontown, OH

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Stark Library is seeking a Library Specialist with an Adult focus at its Lake Community Branch. The Lake Community Branch is a popular destination for the entire community, conveniently located in the Lake Community Center, which also houses Lake Middle/ High School, Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Health Center, and the Lake YMCA

The Library Specialist plays a key role in supporting programs and outreach initiatives that are vital to serving and enriching the community. Working closely with the Adult Librarian, this position may assist in engaging special needs populations while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patrons. The role actively promotes library services, resources, and events, helping connect individuals with valuable opportunities. Additionally, the Library Specialist will receive training to serve as a Passport Acceptance Agent and is expected to obtain Notary Public certification to further expand service offerings.

Stark Library offers a competitive compensation based on relevant experience, as well as generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, 10 paid holidays, and up to 2 floating holidays per year. In addition, the library offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life, mandatory participation in the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, and a host of additional voluntary benefits.

Position Summary 

An employee serving in this paraprofessional position advances the mission of the Library by creating and delivering internal and external programs, events and activities for a focus age group as well as helping to establish and/or maintain key external relationships (e.g., authors, publishers, organizations, etc.) on behalf of his/her location or department, all in alignment with location and system-wide goals.  This role is also responsible for providing direct public service and basic to intermediate clerical support work as needed to ensure smooth delivery of basic library operations and services.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor degree preferred.
• Years of relevant experience: 3 or more years of related experience is preferred.
• Certifications or licensure: Ohio drivers’ license and ability to maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Library’s liability insurance carrier is required.
• Experience presenting and implementing programs to groups is required.
• Experience with the principles and practices of customer service is required.
• Experience working with a focus age group is required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor degree preferred.
• 3 or more years of related experience is preferred.
• Experience developing programs for individuals and groups is preferred.
• Experience coordinating with external partners is preferred.
• Experience with library circulation systems and procedures is preferred.
• Experience in public libraries or public-sector organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists patrons with and demonstrates all library service and collection platforms, and is an advanced user of platforms.
• Proactively promotes library services and offerings to patrons.
• Provides instruction on platforms in area of specialization.
• Provides intermediate reference assistance, and helps develop access tools in area of specialization.
• Is aware of and can direct patrons to print and online reference tools, including Reader’s Advisory resources.
• Assists patrons in accessing and using document machines, library computers and library-supported software, and troubleshoots intermediate technical problems. Provides advanced assistance in area of specialization.
• Performs transactional services (e.g., notary, passport) that have defined rules, limited or specific answers, and/or detailed process guidelines.
• Facilitates special support and services that include open-ended interactions requiring analysis, additional data gathering, independent judgment/decision-making and may have multiple “right” answers or possible outcomes (e.g., Book an Expert).
• Performs all direct patron circulation functions.
• May have responsibility for regularly implementing record maintenance tasks.
• May have in-depth understanding of ILS Circulation Module, and may troubleshoot ILS issues.
• May assist in shelving as needed.
• Plans and assists with the merchandising of materials. May have responsibility over a specific display area.
• May make collection decisions over a portion of a collection area, under direction of the Manager or Librarian.
• Creates Educator Units as needed.
• Plans and presents internal and external programs in focus area.
• Leads or assists other staff with internal and external group program set up.
• Assists or acts as back-up for other Library Specialist or Librarian staff in providing internal or external events outside of focus area.
• May lead or participate in promotional activities outside the library.
• Develops content and materials for both active and passive delivery to groups. May sometimes involve other staff, as needed.
• May establish partnerships, develop content for, and/or implement joint services with outside agencies on behalf of his/her department or location in consultation with the Manager.
• Mentors and trains other staff, including Library Associates and Library Specialists in other locations.
• Contributes to, and sometimes leads, system-wide planning, development and training initiatives.
• Coordinates with Manager and Librarian(s) to guide other staff regarding services, programs, and collections within area(s) of expertise.
• Serves on library committees as needed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• Stark Library offers a competitive compensation based on relevant experience, as well as generous paid time off including vacation, sick time, 10 paid holidays, and up to 2 floating holidays per year.
• In addition, the library offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, employer-paid life, mandatory participation in the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System, and a host of additional voluntary benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED