Librarian - Reference

Classification:                 Reference Librarian

Location:                         Downtown Library; Reference

Job Grade:                      14 ($49,100 - $68,700)

Job Category:                  A – Full-time

FLSA Status:                   Exempt

Reports To:                     Department Head – Reference

Reference Librarian

A Reference Librarian regularly provides exceptional customer service by selecting, locating and using library materials, including electronic resources.

Position Description:

The Elkhart Public Library is looking to hire a full-time Reference Librarian at the Downtown library.  In addition to the essential librarian duties, this position, within the reference team, has a specialized area of oversight focused on adult programming.  This includes coordinating, planning, delivering and evaluating programs, as well as collaborating with local community groups. Previous public library experience in programming is a plus.

Interested applicants must submit a resume with cover letter to be considered for the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

ORGANIZATION-WIDE EXPECTATIONS

1. Follows established Library and personnel policy, procedures and work standards
2. Attends work regularly, on time, and as scheduled
3. Exhibits welcoming, helpful, positive and friendly behavior to all patrons, staff and guests at all times in all communications formats (verbal and non-verbal)
4. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information
5. Regularly monitors Library communication venues including but not limited to employee email, staff bulletin boards and the intranet
6. Participates in meetings, conferences, continuing education, community engagement, and special projects as required by the Elkhart Public Library or as dictated by professional commitment
7. Addresses, or assists in addressing, issues and concerns related to the safety of Library staff and users as well as the security and maintenance of Library buildings and equipment

JOB-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

1. Assists and instructs patrons in the use of Library tools, technologies and resources
2. Regularly responds to questions and offers readers advisory services in all formats
3. Selects, orders and maintains materials and collections associated with his or her area of expertise or as assigned
4. Networks with civic organizations and provides promotional tours and presentations regarding Library services
5. Performs designated clerical, administrative, and specialty focus area duties per specified Reference Librarian Work Instructions

WORK CONDITIONS

• Full-time (including evenings and weekends)
• Frequent local travel, occasional long distance travel

Requirements

• Masters degree from an ALA-accredited school required, as well as the appropriate Indiana certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
• Public library experience preferred
• Desire to work daily with patrons with varying degrees of technological-savviness
• Microsoft suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) knowledge
• General knowledge of tablets and smart phones
• Conversational Spanish highly desirable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Ability to learn and adapt
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously in person and on the telephone with people of all ages in a business and public service context, and with professional colleagues
• A thorough knowledge of modern library systems, materials, services, programs and equipment, along with selection, acquisition and classifications of collections and the ability to apply that knowledge
• Broad knowledge in general subject areas as well as knowledge of authors, books, reader interests, reading levels and other media
• Ability to conduct an effective reference interview, provide expert reference assistance and readers advisory services in all formats and utilize reference materials to assist patrons
• Above-average computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software in a Windows environment, along with basic Internet research capabilities
• Basic mathematical skills
• Ability to recognize and define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Above-average written and oral language and communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and business correspondence, along with general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and/or governmental regulations
• Ability to effectively write reports, business correspondence and procedural or technical manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from Library personnel and the general public in one-to-one and group situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey information verbally or through other means
• Ability to perform tasks that may require visual and auditory acuity
• Ability to remain in seated or standing position for prolonged periods
• Ability to perform tasks that may require reaching, either independently or with assistance
• Ability to occasionally perform tasks that may involve climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling
• Ability to perform job duties in a variety of environmental conditions, which may include extreme fluctuations in temperature.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move objects weighting up to 40 pounds
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the physical functions of this position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• See Elkhart Public Library Wage Schedule
• See Elkhart Public Library electronic Employee Handbook

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities that may be performed by a qualified applicant or individual with a disability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE