Chester C. Corbin Public Library
Webster, Massachusetts

 

Position Title: Adult Services Librarian

Statement of Duties:
Provides professional librarian services to the general public on a day-to-day basis; Responsible for public services for adults; Coordinates adult collection development with Library Director; Reference service; Local history and genealogy.  Supervises the operation of the library in the absence of the Library Director.
 

Supervision:
Performs work responsibilities under the general direction of the Library Director, who provides general work goals and objectives and policy direction. Incumbent performs day to day tasks with a high degree of independence, and brings unusual situations and policy questions to the Director for resolution; Supervises the activities of assigned staff and volunteers in the adult services department.
 

Job Environment:

• Work at this level involves a variety of highly specialized work tasks with many details to monitor and manage. While guidelines are available, incumbent must rely on advanced education and training, experience, good judgment, and specialized research skills to maintain a high quality level of service.
• The incumbent has constant contacts with the public in person, by email, and by telephone. Other contacts are with library staff, other town employees, state and regional library systems and networks, historical societies, teachers, and students.
• Work is performed in a public service area that is busy, sometimes noisy, and with frequent interruptions. Incumbent is expected to provide assistance to patrons using library resources, interpreting policy, supervising public areas, guiding patrons in locating and using materials, and representing the library to the community.

 

Essential Functions:

• Manages adult library services, providing reference services to the public; Answers reference and reader's advisory questions and researches or guides patron research of difficult and complex questions.

• Responsible for coordinating collection development for adult materials and working with other assigned staff for young adult materials.
• Assists in the management of library's public access computers and recommends website updates to appropriate staff.
• Assists library users in obtaining information and in locating library materials; Provides instructions on the effective use of library technology, reference materials and equipment; Handles special requests from library users; maintains quality public relations, advising patrons of library programs, procedures, and policies.
• Participates in the formulation of general library policy and planning.
• Plans and implements special projects of community interest such as public programs and book discussion groups.
• Participates in creating library displays, exhibits, and bulletin boards.
• Attends professional workshops, continuing education courses, and regional and network seminars and meetings.
• Represents the library to community groups as assigned.
• Maintains order and discipline in the library in consultation with other library staff.
• Evaluates and prioritizes the needs of the library’s adult services on a regular basis and reports to Library Director. Recommends new procedures and technologies to improve the administration of library services generally.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by the Library Director.

 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:  
A Master's Degree in Library Science is preferred, Bachelor’s degree required; Three years of progressively responsible experience in a public library with some reference experience.
 

Knowledge:  
Working knowledge of modern library policies and procedures, methods, practices and materials; Knowledge of basic reference sources and research techniques; Knowledge of database and online reference sources; Internet; computer applications and library system software; Experience with website development and maintenance desirable.
 

Skills:
Excellent oral and written communication skills essential. Advanced computer skills and ability to troubleshoot public computer problems necessary. Ability to set priorities and complete projects independently and as a member of a team.
 

Physical and Mental Requirements: 
Work is performed in a busy library setting, subject to moderate noise. Must be able to walk, sit, stoop, reach, stand, talk, listen, and use equipment such as a computer, telephone, digital equipment and scanner, microfilm reader/printer, fax machine, and photocopiers. Must be able to retrieve library materials from stacks for patrons quickly and easily. Normal vision requirements.