Application Deadline: Starting Salary: August 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM $39.21/hr
Job Purpose:
The West Hartford Public Library, located in a vibrant and engaged community that celebrates diversity and maintains a welcoming atmosphere to all visitors, seeks an outgoing and enthusiastic library professional with excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for providing youth services to patrons aged 13-18. The preferred candidate will have experience with collection development for teens, school and community outreach, and fresh and inventive programming. The West Hartford Public Library offers an award-winning teen department that interfaces with schools, community organizations, and Town government. The candidate will collaborate with our intellectually curious, creative and social-minded patrons and volunteers who enjoy gaming, community service projects, and working together to create welcoming and engaging programs. This is a part-time position with a regular schedule of 14-18 hours per week including daytime, weekend and evening hours.
Essential Job Functions:
Provides reference services for library users; assists patrons in selection of materials.
Plans and facilitates programming for teens.
May participate in the selection of books and other materials for the library collection.
May plan and set up exhibits selecting books and other materials for special collections and displays.
May assist in writing publicity releases, in research, report writing, and other forms of communication.
Instructs in the selection and use of appropriate tools and techniques for finding information, conducts searches for materials.
Assists patrons with topical research utilizing the tools available (including online catalog, databases, reference materials).
Attends professional meetings.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of professional principles, methods, materials, and practices.
Knowledge of reader-interest levels and books, authors and related materials.
Knowledge of the library materials and tools available for specialized library work to which assigned.
Experience with information technology including personal computers, the Internet, social media, and ebooks.
Ability to establish and maintain favorable public relations and effective working relationships with other employees.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in a public service setting subject to interruptions and background noise. Work is performed with independence and initiative under the supervision of a division head or designee. Performs varied and responsible functions requiring judgment to ensure compliance with applicable departmental and town policies, procedures and methods. Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established time frames. Must be able to push/pull light objects, occasionally lift objects up to 30 pounds. Must be able to perform such tasks as writing, filing, typing, using a calculator, and using a computer. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Has frequent contact with employees, other Town departments, vendors, community representatives, and the general public. Must be able to concentrate on fine details with occasional interruption, attend to tasks/functions for more than forty-five to sixty (45-60) minutes at a time, remember multiple assignments given over long periods of time, and understand the theories behind several related concepts. Must be able to communicate and be understood clearly, including the ability to effectively interact with customers in person or by telephone. Work may occasionally be required beyond normal working hours.
Minimum Qualifications:
Possession of an ALA accredited master’s degree in Library Science.
Preferred Qualifications:
Library experience
Fluency in a language other than English spoken in the community.
Familiarity with relevant print and online resources relating to teen librarianship and collection development
Knowledge of Sierra ILS
Excellent customer service skills
Experience working with teens in a library or other professional setting
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F
The above description is intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and must not be taken as a complete itemization of all facets of any job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The Town of West Hartford provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation on the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 860-561-7488 or email Jeton Musliu.
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing an online application may visit the Noah Webster Library or its branches for access and assistance.