Librarian, Reference

The Lee County Library System, a dynamic and forward-thinking organization, is looking for enthusiastic and community-minded candidates to join our team at two of our premier locations: the Cape Coral – Lee County Library and the East County Regional Library. As a Reference Librarian, you will primarily serve adults but will also interact daily with children and teens, providing a wide range of library services. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is passionate about public library service, demonstrates excellent judgment, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

Located in the heart of Southwest Florida, Lee County is a vibrant and growing region, offering an exceptional quality of life. Situated just two hours from Tampa and Miami along Interstate 75, Lee County spans over 811 square miles and is home to more than 800,000 residents. With its sparkling white beaches, lush golf courses, and abundant recreational opportunities, Lee County is a fantastic place to live, work, and raise a family. The area is also known for its excellent public schools, low crime rates, and family-friendly atmosphere. To learn more, visit Visit Fort Myers.

• Cape Coral – Lee County Library: Serving the southwest portion of Cape Coral, this 40,000-square-foot library offers a variety of services to meet the needs of the community. The library features a butterfly garden, meeting rooms, and ample computers for patron use, catering to the 200,000 residents of Cape Coral.

• East County Regional Library: Situated in Lehigh Acres, this 31,000-square-foot facility is located between Lehigh Senior High School and Varsity Lakes Middle School. Opened in 2001, it serves a diverse range of patrons, with many students visiting after school. It is part of the fast-growing Lehigh Acres community.

• Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Assist patrons of all ages with library resources, including electronic resources, computers, reference services, and readers’ advisory.

• Collection Management: Regularly assess, weed, and promote the adult book collection through strategic displays and thoughtful selection.

• Readers' Advisory: Use your expertise to provide tailored reading recommendations to adult patrons.

• Collaborate on Library Projects: Contribute to branch-specific and system-wide committees, supporting library initiatives.

• Provide Technology Training: Help staff and patrons navigate new technologies and enhance their digital literacy.

• Leadership: On designated days or shifts, you may assume responsibility for managing the library and overseeing daily operations.

• Library Policies and Procedures: Educate and enforce library policies, ensuring a positive and informative experience for all users.

• Ongoing Professional Development: Continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge of emerging trends in library services and technology.

• Teamwork and Communication: Foster a collaborative work environment, sharing information and supporting colleagues in their roles.

• A Master's Degree in Library or Information Science (or related field) from an accredited graduate library school program, OR
• A Bachelor’s Degree with current enrollment in an accredited graduate library program and expected graduation within 6 months of hire OR
• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Library or Information Science, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: One year of library or closely related experience.
• Preferred: Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to learn and adapt to new and emerging technologies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including correct spelling and grammar.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
• Ability to relate positively to a diverse range of patrons, including children, teens, and non-English speakers.
• Experience with e-readers, tablets, and digital resources is preferred.
• Patience, resilience, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills for phone, chat, text, and email interactions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate a variety of equipment, including computers, photocopiers, self-check machines, and assistive devices.

Additional Information:

• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• The position requires 80 hours bi-weekly, with varied hours including evenings, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays.
• You may be required to transfer temporarily or permanently to another library location depending on business needs.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.