Adult Services Librarian - Part-Time

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District

Elmwood Park (IL)

On-site

USD 28,413 - 40,467

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Elmwood Park Public Library is seeking a Librarian II to deliver high-quality customer service, readers' advisory, and technology assistance at the Adult Service Desk.

The role requires MLS/MLIS, independent professional judgment, collection development, budgeting, vendor relations, and potential Librarian-in-Charge duties during shifts.

The library values community engagement, program design, and collaboration, with evening/weekend hours.

Qualifications

MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution is required.
Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise professional judgment is expected.
Bilingual ability (Spanish, Polish, or Ukrainian) is welcome to serve our diverse community.
Experience designing programs, managing a collection budget, or mentoring staff is preferred.

Responsibilities

Staff Adult Service Desk; provide reference and readers' advisory services.
Instruct patrons in library technology and digital resources.
Manage collection budgets and vendor relationships; track usage and spending.
Design and curate displays and bulletin boards; maintain library environments.
Operate ILS (SirsiDynix WorkFlows) and other library systems as assigned.
May serve as Librarian-in-Charge during shifts and participate in professional committees.

Skills

Customer service

Readers’ advisory

Technology assistance

Public desk operations

Collection development

Vendor relationships

Community engagement

Education

MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

SirsiDynix WorkFlows

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Librarian II is a professional, credentialed position reflecting demonstrated independent professional competence, responsible for delivering high-quality customer service, readers' advisory, and technology assistance to patrons of all ages while staffing the Adult Service Desk across the Elmwood Park Public Library (EPPL). This position works independently with minimal day-to-day oversight, exercising professional judgment in collection development, designing, and engaging with the community.

This position carries professional responsibility for judgment, accountability, and decision-making authority over collection budgets, vendor relationships, program design, and service as Librarian-in-Charge during assigned shifts.

Librarian II may be assigned specialized or lead responsibilities, such as management of a subject-area collection, design and delivery of complex or service as a liaison for a specialized service area (for example, digital services or grant-funded initiatives), and may informally guide or train Paraprofessional staff and Librarian I in the performance of their duties. This responsibility does not include supervisory authority over scheduling, discipline, or performance evaluation, which remain with the Department Head or Head Librarian. It requires an MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution.
$25 Hourly Rate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Patron Services & Public Desk Operations

Staff Service Desks across departments, providing high-quality customer service, reference, and readers' advisory support.
Provide advanced reference, research consultation, and reader's advisory services to patrons of all ages, applying professional judgment to complex or specialized requests.
Instruct patrons in the use of library technology, databases, and digital resources.
Resolve escalated patron concerns and complex account or service issues.
Maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all library users.

2. Collection Development & Management

Select, develop, and weed assigned collection areas, applying professional judgment, ALA collection development standards, and an understanding of community needs.
Manage assigned collection budget(s), tracking expenditures and ensuring alignment with library funding priorities.
Establish and maintain vendor relationships; evaluate vendor offerings and negotiate terms as appropriate.
Track, analyze, and report collection usage statistics to inform purchasing and weeding decisions.
Evaluate collection gaps and emerging trends; recommend new formats, genres, or service areas.
Apply EPPL's Board-approved selection criteria when developing assigned collection areas, including community relevance, currency, accuracy, format, and circulation trends.
Participate in the formal reconsideration process for challenged materials in accordance with the Collection Development Policy.
Evaluate gifts and donations for inclusion per the Collection Development Policy and selection criteria.
Provide professional guidance to Paraprofessional staff and Librarian I on collection maintenance procedures and standards.

3. Book Displays, Bulletin Boards & Library Environment

Curate and maintain themed book displays throughout the library, selecting titles that reflect current holidays, seasons, community interests, and library programming initiatives.
Rotate and refresh book displays on a regular schedule to keep the collection visible, current, and patron-engaging; ensure display areas are fully stocked, neatly organized, and visually appealing at all times.
Review and update display selections to align with collection development standards, patron usage data, and new acquisitions.
Design and maintain bulletin boards in assigned library areas; develop content that reflects library programs, community resources, and seasonal or thematic themes.
Coordinate holiday and seasonal decorating throughout the library in accordance with EPPL's standards and available resources.
Organize and maintain the visual order of assigned library areas, including signage, displays, reading spaces, and patron-facing materials.
Collaborate with department staff to ensure a cohesive, welcoming, and well-maintained library environment throughout all public spaces.
Operate the integrated library system (ILS), including SirsiDynix WorkFlows, and other library systems relevant to assigned service areas.
Plan, coordinate, and teach computer literacy and technology classes for patrons.
Maintain working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and library-related technologies; adopt new tools as introduced.
Troubleshoot technology issues and elevate unresolved matters to the IT Manager.

6. Professional Responsibilities & Library-in-Charge Duties

May serve as Librarian-in-Charge during assigned shifts, exercising operational decision-making authority in the absence of department leadership.
Maintain professional standing through continuing education and engagement with ALA/ILA resources as required for license maintenance.
Participate in professional committees, working groups, or task forces as assigned and may lead such groups.
Provide informal guidance and mentorship to Paraprofessional staff and Librarian I.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Advanced knowledge of professional library principles, collection development standards, and trends in public library services.
Strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and library-related technologies; ability to learn new tools as needed.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal oversight, exercise professional judgment, organize priorities, and meet deadlines.
Experience designing programs, managing a collection budget, or mentoring other staff is preferred.
Bilingual ability, especially in Spanish, Polish, or Ukrainian, is welcome to serve our diverse community better.
Familiarity with SirsiDynix WorkFlows is a plus.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements