Librarian II- Public Relations

Work Environment

• Performs work under typical library conditions
• Library hours require evening and weekend work
• Makes frequent contacts with local media
• Operates computers and other standard office equipment. Routinely exposed to computer screens
• Regularly interacts with other personnel and the public

Position Overview

Plans and directs continuous development and execution of the District publicity, public relations, media contacts and graphics program. Manages the library’s web site.

Qualifications, Education, Experience, and Skills

Required:

• Completion of a Master of Library and Information Science Degree from an American Library Association accredited institution
• One year of related experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training
• Excellent writing ability

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations or related field
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, publicity and marketing library services and programs
• Thorough knowledge of graphics
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others
• Ability to speak effectively in public
• Ability to use office and communications software applications
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Sound judgment
• Ability to apply professional library principles, methods, and administrative practices to planning, coordination, and budget management
• Ability to establish priorities, develop long-range plans, implement new programs, and solve problems
• Artistic skills
• Ability to serve as a liaison to community media agencies
• Ability to communicate and to prepare and deliver brief, concise and attractive reports of library services and facilities both verbally and in writing
• A working knowledge of computer applications for library services
• Web site administration skills
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, officials of other agencies and the general public

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and performs responsible advisory work in connection with the public relations program for the District, including extensive contact with private and public agencies in the community, and librarians within the District
• Must be an effective communicator and a capable representative for the District in public relations
• Manages the operation of public relations office, maintenance of database, written reports, ordering supplies, and assisting in budget preparation
• Develops on-going relationships with local media to ensure fair library coverage as a means of informing public
• Oversees design and printing of newsletter, fliers, brochures, annual report and other publication of promotional materials
• Serves as library liaison and in an advisory role for the Friends of the Eagle Valley Library District group, for District campaign efforts, and other efforts affiliated with the District
• Plans and oversees special library events District-wide
• Maintains personal contact with government officials, community leaders and community organizations
• Designs and implement surveys and focus groups, patron suggestion boxes, etc, to monitor community interests, opinions and needs
• Maintains the library’s web site.
• Plans and implements publicity and promotions for library programs and services
• Advises departments of library services on public relations and marketing activities
• Advises Trustees, Administration, Friends and library committees on public relations and communications matters
• Participates in planning and implementing District-wide cooperative public relations activities
• Prepares direct responses to requests by telephone, mail and other media for general information about the library
• Prepares, edits, and places news releases and other written publicity for newspapers, radio and television; originates production of library sponsored radio and television programs; direct mailings of library promotions
• Confers with staff and miscellaneous group regarding public relations and represents the District to outside organizations and firms in conducting public relations
• Serves as a member of planning committees
• Attends meetings and continuing education programs to keep informed and current about trends, issues, and methods of implementing public relations for the District
• Participates in staff meetings and training sessions
• Maintains a portfolio of District public relations products and press clippings

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general library work as needed, participating in serving on Reference and Circulation desk rotations, assisting patrons, shelving, maintaining computers, and answering phone calls
• Participates in staff meetings and training sessions
• Supervises volunteers Physical Requirements
• Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching and climbing.
• Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed
• Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move materials weighing up to 40 pounds
• Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges

Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Note: The description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.