Library Specialist/Librarian I Adult Services

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions.  For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy. 

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE: Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• Participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System 
  • Vesting after 10 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming soon-early 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care

 For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• Assist customers of all ages in using computerized and print information sources for  general reference, information and readers' advisory requests and/or direct them to other appropriate sources
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the collection, current literature, and content delivery formats
• Develop, implement and evaluate innovative age appropriate programs and outreach for adults and teens
• Participate in and support planning and implementation of system-wide programs, events and outreach
• Manage branch or system-level services/ programs and/or lead projects and teams, as assigned
• Manage collections for effective access and usefulness, as assigned
• Perform bibliographic searches related to interlibrary loan requests and reserves
• Work with the Branch Administrator to identify, plan, implement and evaluate promotion, marketing and outreach activities for alignment and effectiveness in communicating the mission and goals of the library, and the value of library products and services to the public, organizations, businesses, and other community entities.
• Establish and maintain working relationships and partnerships with community organizations, groups and individuals, including outreach and programming
• Oversee maintenance of appropriate collection, working under the direction of the supervisor
• Provide content/information for publication on the FCPL Website
• Assist in developing and presenting training to FCPL staff and general public on library/information resources, services, policies, programming, and procedures
• Assume duties and responsibilities of "librarian-in charge" as assigned and make decisions in accordance with regulations and established policies
• Supervise, train and evaluate Shelvers, substitutes, on-call employees, and/or volunteers as assigned
• Participate in department, branch and system-wide  work teams and committees
• Prepare displays and programs to promote reading and library services
• Explain FCPL policy and procedures to the public and monitor proper library behavior and safety.
• Recommend materials for acquisition or withdrawal from circulation
• Attend related workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

• Master of Library Science degree (ALA accredited program); may consider candidates who will obtain the MLS within 6 months of hire
• Minimum 1 year of customer service work experience in retail, education, community or public relations, or any high traffic customer service setting
• Professional Public Librarian certification from the Maryland State Department of Education or ability to obtain this certification within 6 months after hire with MLS – current certification must then be maintained

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university
• Minimum 6 months recent (within last 5 years) library work experience
• Minimum 2 years of customer service work experience in retail, education, community or public relations, or any high traffic customer service setting
• Library Associate certification from the Maryland State Department of Education or ability to obtain this certification within 2 years after hire, plus willingness and ability to attend training sessions as applicable

• Working knowledge of literature, development and interests
• Working knowledge of research techniques and available research materials, as well as general readers' interest, authors, books and other formats of library materials
• Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, with the ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media
• Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials
• Knowledge of public library practices and procedures
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including public speaking skills
• Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and the Internet, and ability to effectively provide related instruction for all customers and staff in a friendly and respectful manner
• Ability to effectively organize work, problem-solve, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task and effectively manage time in a busy environment.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude, good judgment, and leadership
• Ability to effectively supervise, direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, community organizations and the general public
• Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to effectively build relationships and partnerships with community organizations, businesses, schools and similar entities
• Ability to manage projects including event planning, community relationships, creating and managing a project timeline, and evaluating outcomes
• Ability to learn and integrate emerging technologies  and  STEM-related educational tools into programming
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment

• 1 year work experience directly supervising the work of others
• 1 year work experience developing and presenting programs to the public
• Additional years of customer service work experience

• While working in this position, the employee is frequently sitting, walking and lifting up to 20 pounds, lifting between 20-50 pounds; occasionally stooping, kneeling and crouching
• While working in this position, the employee is frequently indoors
• During outreach programs and events the employee is occasionally working outdoors ; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground

• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, workshops and FCPL branches as needed
• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule
• If the candidate hired into this position has not yet obtained their MLS degree, they will be hired into a Library Specialist position (salary $49,977-79,963/per year) and will be upgraded to the Librarian I position upon successful completion of the MLS degree within 6 months of hire

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews