Librarian II, (B253530-3), 208, Northwest Library Branch

Coordinates a specialized collection or subject matter and serves as a general reference librarian. Recommends, interprets, and/or uses information resources to help patrons with specific information needs.  Designs and implements educational programs for children, youth, and adults to meet the needs and interests of the community. Participates in outreach programs. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff. Supervisory functions include: makes hiring and termination; prioritizes assignments and directs work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
• Develops and delivers educational and engaging programs, activities, and resources within the library and in the community.  Provides reader services, research and answers reference questions, and recommends materials.
• Performs administration and management responsibilities for assigned collection(s). Develops collection, monitors condition of items, and reviews and replaces items to offer a wide variety of pertinent and high-interest information for all ages in varying formats.    
• Oversees daily functions of library and staff.  Maintains organization of the library’s items and areas, including inventory of all items needed for programming and daily duties; develops new or revised procedures, systems, and workflow.
• Oversees funds used to purchase necessary items for library programs and activities. Creates purchase requests and participates in financial planning. 
• Collaborates with organizations to inform patrons of available services, resources, and programming.  
• Participates in continuing education and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge of resources that may benefit the community.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of print and electronic resources.
• Knowledge of basic research and reference service skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with general procedures, types of resources, and patrons’ needs within special collections.
• Knowledge of local regional history.
• Knowledge of budget management.
• Knowledge of information literacy development.
• Knowledge of cataloging and digitization.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled in planning and organization.
• Skilled in project management. 
• Skilled in public speaking.
• Skilled in analyzing and curating information.
• Skilled in data collection, management, and analysis.
• Ability to supervise and manage others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and written, in English and Spanish.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Specific Assignments

information and Adult Services:

• Conducts computer, software, and online database classes for library patrons and staff.
• Maintains the leased materials collection; selects, orders and returns materials; decides which materials are needed to meet popular demand.
• May maintains audio book, large print, e-book, and/or periodical collections.
• Plans, conducts, and monitors adult programming.
• Provides reader's service to adults; selects and displays new or interesting books for adults; advises adults of appropriate and/or interesting books.
• Develops and directs training programs for library personnel engaged in adult's activities, including temporary and volunteer staff.
• Maintains and reports adult programming statistics.

Branch Manager: 

• Oversees the daily activities and functions of a smaller branch library; ensures the smooth day-to-day operations and ensures that all operations and services are conducted in compliance with City of Laredo/Laredo Public Libraries accepted policies, practices, and procedures.
• Manages branch library budget; oversees funds used to purchase necessary items for library programs, activities, office supplies, and building maintenance. Monitors and balances funding, creates purchase requests, and participates in financial planning.
• Plans, develops, conducts, and monitors children, young adult and adult programming and services; researches other successful programs through reading professional literature and attending workshops
• Responsible for providing reference, collection development, programming, outreach, and reader's advisory service to the community with special focus on children and young adults
• Develops a highly visible public relations program with a special focus on children and young adult services in the community, including partnerships with schools and other organizations.
• Develops and directs training programs for all library personnel engaged in children's and young adult activities, including temporary and volunteer staff; organizes and coordinates summer youth volunteers to help in the library.
• Coordinates the Teen Advisory Board for the Branch Library (schedules meetings, etc.)

• Plans, conducts, and monitors preteen and teen programming and services.
• Research other successful programs through reading professional literature and attending workshops.
• Develops and directs training programs for library personnel engaged in preteen and teen activities, including temporary and volunteer staff.
• Responsible for providing reference, readers services, collection development, programming, outreach, and reader's service to the community with special focus on preteens and teens (ages 12 to 18).
• Develops a highly-visible public relations program for preteen and young adult services in the community, including partnerships with schools and other organizations.
• Organizes and coordinates summer youth volunteers to help in the library 
• Coordinates tours and group training for school and other group classes 
• Maintains and reports youth services programming statistics 
• Coordinates the Teen Advisory Board (schedule meetings, etc.)

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles

• Office or similar indoor environment

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

• International travel

• Regional travel
• National travel

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience 

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an accredited* American Library Association program

• At least one (1) year of experience working in a public library.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License.  If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable..