Library Specialist - Adult Focus

Stark County District Library•Canton, OH

6d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

Stark Library is seeking an enthusiastic and community-minded Part-Time Adult Library Specialist (28 hours/week) at our Madge Youtz branch to continue the strong momentum of our adult services. This role will steward our thriving art studio programming and book clubs while expanding engagement with older adults and our local Spanish-speaking community. In addition to leading and developing adult programming, the Adult Library Specialist will work regularly at the circulation and business desks, providing a welcoming service to all patrons. This staff member also plays an important role in Business Services, Tech Help and 1:1 job help. The ideal candidate must be able to provide on-on-one assistance with technology, digital literacy and job-seeking skills and will be expected to attend regular programming meetings. The ideal candidate will carry forward our established programming schedule—maintaining the quality and consistency our patrons value—while developing fresh, responsive programs that reflect the needs and interests of the surrounding neighborhood. We are looking for someone who is excited to welcome more adult patrons into the library through creative outreach, inclusive program design, and a genuine passion for community connection. 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

Ability to plan, develop, implement and promote library-related programs.
Ability to create Educator Units.
Advanced familiarity with library services and operations.
Ability to perform intermediate to advanced functions using the library circulation system, service platforms, and following current procedures.
Advanced knowledge of collection platforms.
Ability to learn and obtain certification in passport processing.
Demonstrates intermediate to advanced level literacy with respect to standard computer and office software.
Ability to sort and file alphabetically and numerically.
Ability to make simple arithmetic calculations with speed and accuracy.
Ability to assist with the training of other staff.
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

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.