Reference Librarian

POSITION SUMMARY

This position performs a variety of professional librarian duties including, but not limited to, reference, readers' advisory and collection development as well as providing direction to staff at a combined Reference / Circulation Service Desk, on a rotational basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and guide the operation of assigned focus areas.
• Conduct reference interviews in person and by telephone.
• Instruct and assist patrons in using the online card catalog, databases and in making effective use of the Library's collections.
• Directs patrons to sources of information
• Provides readers' advisory services
• Researches, evaluates and selects materials for the Library's collection.
• Participates in information literacy and library instruction programs.
• Develops and maintains the reference collection for assigned classification areas.
• System-wide programming oversight duties: Senior, Adult, Teen, Book Clubs, etc.
• Responsible for reviewing and updating portions of the Library Website.
• Assists patrons at public service desks.
• Assist patrons with e-readers and eBook downloading.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Apprise Public Service Coordinator of performance or operational issues within department.
• Work at public service stations as needed.
• Participate in team meetings, training and other professional development opportunities.
• Participates in continuing education, conferences, workshops, seminars or other activities that enhance professional knowledge.
• Other duties as assigned.

Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) assignment responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• A liaison with the State Library's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and prepares department's state grant.
• Informs staff system-wide on LBPH services and trains staff on appropriate software and equipment.
• Coordinates the purchasing of library materials for the LBPH library.
• Promotes increased usage of LBPH within service area.

Special Collections assignment responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Oversee expenditure of designated special collections library materials and programming budget for Main Library.
• Weed library special collections; help develop guidelines for weeding areas of library special collections.
• Assists patrons in identifying and locating materials from the Michigan Room, law library, business collection and government documents.
• Provides advanced programming for patrons to develop business skills, knowledge of family history and legal resources through assistance with utilization of library materials and databases.
• Train staff system-wide on genealogy, law and business library services including advice on programming choices and material purchases Work with authority files for general collection and maintains authority files for Michigan Room.
• Perform descriptive, serial and extensive subject cataloging for the Michigan Room.
• See to the preservation needs of the material in the Michigan Room.
• Maintain files of all materials for the Michigan Room.
• Produce indexes and finding aids for the Michigan Room.
• May coordinate community services and special projects or programming for special collections.
• Coordinate and arrange assigned main floor entrance library display to market and increase awareness of special collections and services.
• Perform reference research for individuals, groups, or agencies within the limits set by the library.
• Maintain archives of library records.

Government Documents assignment responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Demonstrate awareness of current developments and trends in Government Documents services, material, systems and equipment.
• Complete the required Federal self-study (audit).
• Contribute to the development of the Government Documents collection and works on collection management projects as necessary.
• Coordinate and arrange assigned main floor entrance library display with special collections and government documents librarians to market and increase awareness of special collections, the government document collection, reference collections and databases and each of their services.
• Evaluate Government Documents collection expansion and shelving requirements as needed.
• Observe the state and federal regulations for obtaining and disposing of collection materials.

Outreach assignment responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Identify and coordinate opportunities to provide marketing of library services and databases with community relations department.
• Educate staff system-wide regarding reference print materials, digital information resources or databases including advice on programming choices and material purchases.
• Coordinate and arrange assigned main floor entrance library display with special collections and government documents librarians to market and increase awareness of special collections, the government document collection, reference collections and databases and each of their services.
• Perform reference research for individuals, groups, or agencies within the limits set by the library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Services Coordinator, Director or other designated person.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
May coordinate daily activities of Main Library pages as assigned. Provides assignments and monitors daily work duties of LBA and pages assigned to area.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Master's degree in information or library science from an American Library Association accredited school.
• High level of commitment to public service.
• Knowledgeable of the principles and practices of professional librarianship.
• A familiarity with the Horizon or similar public access systems.
• Knowledge of standard library reference tools and sources of information.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.
• Must possess a valid State of Michigan operator license and maintain this license throughout employment in this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions.
• The position requires working with the public.
• Position requires working a rotation that may include nights, evenings and weekends.

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.