Librarian - Higher Ed. jobs in Elkhart, IN

Description

A Librarian in the Reference department of the Elkhart Public Library (EPL) provides exceptional customer service to patrons of all ages by working daily desk hours and responding to email inquiries.  Additional duties include nonfiction collection development with minimal oversight, working one-on-one with patrons to develop their technology skills, onsite and offsite programming, promoting current and future programs and databases, and serves as Professional in Charge (PIC) on a rotating basis. 

Each Reference Librarian has an additional specialized area of oversight. For this position, the Librarian will be responsible for managing the magazine collections using the Polaris ILS, communicating with magazine vendors and coordinating several Reference Clerks with regard to their duties working with magazines. Experience with adult programming is a plus.

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

Qualifications

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
• Professional experience with K-12 schools 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
• Previous experience with a variety of databases and online resources, familiarity with Overdrive, Hoopla, and RBDigital on various personal devices a plus
• 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

• Ability to speak, hear and see
• Ability to sit or stand for an extended length of time
• Ability to occasionally reach with hands and arms
• Ability to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crawl
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds

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