Library - Part-Time 20-Hour Reference Librarian (Northside Library)

The preferred starting salary is 21.03 an hour. This is a part-time 20 hour per week, non-exempt, position and is eligible for prorated benefits. The position provides excellent benefits including paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visithttps://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. If questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description.  The JMRL retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Duties may vary based on assigned branch and needs:

• Provides direct customer service to public by staffing reference desk, conducting reference interviews and internet searches, and locating items in various formats.
• Assists patrons with photocopying, printing, scanning and faxing materials.  
• Provides personal device and public computer assistance and training through scheduled individual tutoring sessions and providing limited point-of-need service to help patrons apply for employment and social services, fill out paperwork, print documents, participate in email and social media, gain confidence with Microsoft Office products, and access and use library electronic resources.
• Responds to phone calls, emails, texts, and chats to provide equitable access to information.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory for patrons of all ages online and in person.
• Performs some general department and/or branch duties.
• May prepare teacher loans and patron subject requests as assigned.
• Assists in collection management and maintenance by noticing gaps and outdated or irrelevant materials; participates in weeding and planning for space needs and collection arrangement.
• May script, record and edit content for system-wide podcasts; may conduct interviews, write book talks, research community issues and brainstorm listener engagement.
• May write and edit blog posts; attend book club meetings, transcribe discussions, and research other relevant articles, books, and media to present within blog.
• Plans, promotes, and conducts high quality library programing.
• Designs flyers and promotional materials for library events, as well as resources for programming, using graphic design tools.
• May be asked to perform Interlibrary Loan (ILL) functions including verifying, processing requests, organizing, and maintaining ILL records, gathering statistics, and contacting patrons.
• Assists in selecting materials for the collection.
• Sets up, troubleshoots, and performs routine maintenance of reference computers including software and printers.
• Plans and coordinates electronic resources and assists in promoting and providing digital services. 
• Responds to JMRL web email.
• Oversees use of OCLC.
• Trains staff and public in using electronic resources including conducting workshops, preparing handouts, brochures, and other instructional materials.
• Occasionally fills in when the manager is absent.
• Works a flexible schedule that includes days, evenings, and weekends.

• Specialized assigned duties may include volunteer coordination, periodicals management, and ILL service.
• May serve at multiple public service desks as assigned.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of JMRL equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Eligibility for professional certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia within the first 2 years of employment;  AND previous library experience and knowledge of general reference sources; a willingness to read both juvenile and young adult literature; and experience with MS Office Suite and online reference resources;

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

• 3 years of previous library work experience

• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.

• General knowledge of library practices.
• Knowledge of reference materials including electronic information resources, online databases, and familiarity with Windows.
• Knowledge of routine computer maintenance.
• Knowledge of and ability to use library's print, electronic resources, and other library equipment. 
• Knowledge of and ability to follow library policies and procedures associated with public services such as the Internet, meeting rooms, displays, food and cell phone use, etc.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to use and oversee use of OCLC. 

• Intermediate: Ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.

• Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare materials such as business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

• Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement.

• Intermediate: Ability to work effectively with others.  Ability to gather information and assist patrons in choosing sources of information.  Contact with the public may involve interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to interpersonal interactions with conflict resolution skills. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, leaders, and the public.  

• Requires Limited Direction: Normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Able to work independently. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviews only required periodically.

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities.

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others. May occasionally direct volunteers.

• Strong public services orientation.
• Frequent change of tasks.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Takes responsibility for finding answers to questions and responding appropriately.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Performs tedious or exacting work.
• Excellent organizational, time management and customer service skills.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
• Requires a non-traditional work schedule such as days, evenings, and weekends.

Physical Demands:

• Medium Work:  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Work requires pushing/pulling, standing for extended periods, stooping, bending, and carrying. 
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; uses book trucks, carts and bins, and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.  

• Work is performed in office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.   
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City’s policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City’s policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.