Library Specialist - Talking Book & Braille Service - Outreach

Illinois Secretary of State•Springfield, IL

About The Position

Performs routine to complex professional library work specializing in Readers Advisory, outreach, and customer service to assist patrons of the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS).

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to a master's degree in library science, preferably from an institution accredited by the American Library Association and one year of professional library experience involving the application of library science techniques or completion of approved training such as could be gained as a Library Intern.
Requires extensive knowledge of professional library science techniques, systems and procedures.
Requires extensive knowledge of research and reference techniques.
Requires extensive knowledge of acquisition, classification, cataloguing and indexing principles, methods and techniques.
Requires ability to adapt library science theory to a variety of subjects.
Requires ability to determine and satisfy the requirements of scholars, government representatives, professional staff, historians, authors and other library patrons.
Requires ability to instruct new or inexperienced employees in methods, techniques and procedures utilized.
Requires ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Requires ability to effectively use library tools.
Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license as required by individual positions within the class.
Travel may be required, including some nights and weekends.
Requires the ability to lift, carry, push/pull up to 0-25 lbs.

Responsibilities

Represent the TBBS department at in-person and virtual at public events, conferences, and outreach opportunities to increase awareness, recruit new patrons and institutions, foster partnerships, and market and promote TBBS resources and services.
Assist with TBBS mailings, emails, calls, and outreach efforts to individual patrons and institutions.
Represent TBBS in ISL outreach meetings and plans and organizes TBBS outreach efforts.
Work independently and in collaboration with Reader Advisors and TBBS staff to provide customer service for TBBS.
Conduct patron interviews to assess reading and information needs; add patrons to customer database; conduct searches for materials in library catalog, databases, and online; customize mail-order service for individual and institutional patrons.
Answer questions by phone, email, mail, and in-person.
Check library catalog records and patron records for accuracy, correct or enhance records as needed.
Refer patrons to other agencies and assistive technology resources and services upon request.
Maintain and enhance catalog records and subject codes for NLS and locally produced TBBS materials.
Code patron records to customize personal preferences.
Assist with filing and organizing TBBS physical and digital files.
Develop communication materials in support of the TBBS services including articles, newsletters, handouts, flyers, and subject-specific bibliographies.
Draft publicity information and assist in developing user guides and support materials.
Track and orders outreach materials from NLS.
Collaborate and participate in State Library outreach projects, programs, and activities.
Assist patrons and staff with the use of TBBS, NLS, and KLAS resources and services.
Attend meetings, webinars, and conferences to enhance Reader Advisory and library professional skills and stay current on the latest technology updates with NLS, KLAS, and the equipment sent to patrons in TBBS.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.