Library Specialist I

Midland County•Midland, TX

About The Position

This position involves providing friendly, high-quality customer service and performing paraprofessional library services to assist patrons, contributing to system-wide service. The role entails a variety of tasks related to library operations, with specific duties varying depending on the assigned unit. The position requires assisting patrons, managing library materials, calculating and collecting fees, registering patrons for programs, designing and executing programs, interpreting censorship issues, preparing reports, arranging displays, conducting library tours, responding to public inquiries, maintaining unit equipment, and continuously improving operations. The role also involves staying updated on publishing and library trends and taking advantage of continuing education opportunities.

Requirements

Completion of a high school education or equivalent certification.
Basic computer skills and competencies.
General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
More specific knowledge of policies and procedures and work methods pertaining to the assigned functional area and work unit.
Working knowledge of library terms and bibliographic formats and structures.
Ability to conduct a simple bibliographic search.
Familiarity with the library’s ethical policies and practices associated with use of and access to library resources, including networked resources.
Familiarity with established standards related to copyright and intellectual property protection.
Knowledge of basic library research methodology and the ability to use it.
Proficiency in English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of numerical and alphabetical filing systems.
Ability to use the library system(s) and subsystem(s) module(s) to perform assigned duties.
Ability to access various on-line resources and databases used within the library and to use their standard features to perform technical work and/or assist patrons.
Ability to use standard features of office support technology and standard software packages.
Ability to perform standard arithmetic operations.
Ability to work under minimal supervision to perform assigned work.
Ability to work within a diverse environment and be service-oriented in working with patrons and other library staff.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the library.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to work with the public and assist patrons with basic inquiries and direct them appropriately in locating and using library materials and inform them of applicable library policies and procedures.
Willingness to maintain and improve skills.
Must have valid Texas driver’s license.
Must provide proof of insurance.
Must have adequate transportation.
Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to any location as needed/assigned (Floaters).
Must have the ability to learn quickly, as well as demonstrate flexibility and adaptability (Floaters).
Must be able to perform all essential duties of other sections as well as specific job functions (Floaters).

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of library, clerical and/or customer service experience.
Able to speak, read, and/or write Spanish.
May oversee part-time staff, shelvers, and volunteers who are performing similar or relates work within the library unit.
May assist in various areas such as 3D printing, exhibits, programs, and others (Floaters).
May obtain Passport Acceptance Agent certification (Floaters).

Responsibilities

Perform paraprofessional library services to assist patrons.
Perform a variety of tasks related to the operation of the library.
Work at assigned service desk, greet visitors, and prepare desk for operation.
Sort, separate, arrange, shelve, and file various library materials accurately according to library classification systems.
Assist in maintaining collections by inspecting items for damage and performing minor repair.
Calculate and collect fees and charges from patrons for damaged or lost items, printing, or any other service that requires a fee.
Make change and balances cash drawer with daily receipts.
Create and maintain registration for programs, activities, or meetings.
Monitor effectiveness and attendance of programs and report to supervisor.
Design, promote, execute, and evaluate programs for target audience of assigned unit.
Research and request materials needed for programs.
Assist with special projects involving library promotion and outreach activities.
Interpret censorship and freedom of access issues as they pertain to the selection of materials for library customers.
Prepare and compile required reports and statistics.
Plan, assemble, and arrange displays of materials to support popular topics.
Conduct library tours and orientations.
Respond to inquiries from the public in person and over the phone to help them obtain the information they are seeking; conduct research to locate related information.
Assist other areas of the library as assigned/requested.
Maintain unit equipment including troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance procedures as needed.
Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
Take advantage of continuing education opportunities and reviews industry literature to improve services and workflow.
Keep abreast of publishing trends for materials and maintains an awareness of library trends.
Perform other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the library and the provision of excellent customer service.
Analyze library children’s and juvenile programs and operations, develop recommendations and solutions for future operations and recruit, train, and supervise volunteers focused on children’s and juvenile programming (Children’s and Youth Services).
Work with the children’s unit leader and supervisor to create crafts and display items (Children’s and Youth Services).
Plan and conduct weekly preschool story time; summer reading program for children preschool through teen; youth book clubs; special programs for Children and Youth for afterschool and for school holidays (Children’s and Youth Services).
Conduct book talks for students (Children’s and Youth Services).
Develop bibliographies and pathfinders from children's collection (Children’s and Youth Services).
Identify and translate children and young adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs (Children’s and Youth Services).
Demonstrate knowledge of the needs and abilities of children and the available library materials and services (Children’s and Youth Services).
Plan and attend unit clubs and Teen Library Advisory Board (Children’s and Youth Services).
Access information from library webpage and digital media offerings (Reference and Adult Services).
Troubleshoot problems with printers and computers for personal use and for the public and is familiar with the library’s print release and computer reservation system (Reference and Adult Services).
Instruct patrons in the use of the library’s electronic resources and databases (Reference and Adult Services).
Teach patrons to use the technology including smartphones, tablets, and computers as they relate to utilizing library resources (Reference and Adult Services).
Check availability of meeting and study rooms and accurately input reservations to avoid conflicts (Reference and Adult Services).
Register patrons; process library card applications (Circulation Services).
Issue new patron cards/updates cards (Circulation Services).
Enter and retrieve patron and circulation information by computer terminal in a computerized circulation system (Circulation Services).
Maintain patron and material records (Circulation Services).
Perform library materials check-in, check-out, renewal, holds, and patron registration and renewal; route material to correct locations, and notify patrons about reserved materials (Circulation Services).
Check and empty returns/drops and follow protocol for safe check-in of materials, including cleaning and disinfecting material, as needed, using the proper technique and equipment (Circulation Services).
Learn quickly, demonstrate flexibility and adaptability (Floaters).
Perform all essential duties of other sections as well as specific job functions (Floaters).
May assist in various areas such as 3D printing, exhibits, programs, and others (Floaters).
Obtain and maintain Notary Public certification (Floaters).
May obtain Passport Acceptance Agent certification (Floaters).
May oversee part-time staff, shelvers, and volunteers who are performing similar or relates work within the library unit.