FLOATER LIBRARIAN PART-TIME

Town of West Springfield; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Town of West Springfield is seeking a permanent, part-time Floater Librarian (18 hours). Under general direction, you will deliver reference and information services, assist at service desks, provide computer instruction and support, and promote library programs and collections to the community.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree with strong public service skills, experience with Evergreen and Microsoft Office, and the ability to work independently while following procedures and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MLS strongly preferred.
• Experience with automated library systems and online resources.
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to train staff and the public.

Responsibilities

• Deliver reference and resource information to patrons via in-person, phone, email, or chat.
• Maintain welcoming service desk environments and provide referrals to other libraries or agencies.
• Develop and conduct training sessions on computer/Internet use for patrons.
• Provide computer, printing, and Wi‑Fi support; troubleshoot equipment and software.

Skills

Customer service

Reference services

Computer instruction

Public desk service

Training staff/public

Education

Bachelor's degree

MLS preferred

Tools

Evergreen library system

Microsoft Office

Job description

The position of permanent, part-time, 18 hour, Floater Librarian works under the general direction of the Assistant Director with input from Adult and Youth Supervisors. Works to provide library services to adults, young adults, children and families seeking assistance: Position involves assisting supervisor in meeting library and departmental goals by performing certain specific functions, typically public desk service, computer instruction and support, reference, readers' advisory, programming, community activities, collection development, and promotes and publicizes the library's service and collections to the community. Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature, requiring independent judgment and initiative; assignments are completed according to established procedures and departmental policies and standards.

Examples of Duties

• Delivers reference and resource information to all patrons, in direct consultation, by phone, email, instant messaging or other emerging technologies.
• Maintains a welcoming environment at each of the library?s service desks. Models good customer service practices at all times. Provides referrals to other libraries, sources, agencies, etc. when necessary.
• In consultation with the Adult and Youth Services Supervisors, may be asked to develop and conduct training sessions for the public on how to use computers, the Internet, electronic databases, and personal devices both within the library and externally.
• Provides computer, printing, and Wi‑Fi support, including but not limited to assisting patrons using library equipment, performing basic maintenance, and instruction on copiers and computers.
• Responsible for basic troubleshooting of public computers and other electronic equipment used by the public and when other staff is not available. Troubleshoots computer software (e.g. print management, reservations software) and computer connections (e.g. cable, wireless, C/W MARS) as needed to ensure satisfactory public access.
• May assist Supervisors by investigating and reporting on new technologies and software for use by patrons and staff, including potential impact on changing patron behaviors. Contributes to the updating of online tools in support of information, reference, and recreational reading aims.
• Helps patrons select library materials including various electronic resources and instructs patrons in the use thereof.
• May participate in collection development, recommending materials for various collections utilizing professional reviews, patron requests, and popular trends.
• May be asked to maintain various collections through inventory, shelf reading, and weeding of materials.
• Under the direction of AD & Supervisors, may work in conjunction with vendors and contractors as needed to maintain web based content and database access.
• Performs Inter‑Library Loan services for patron (including local/network, mediated, document delivery).
• May attend professional library conferences, seminars, and network committees related to library operations as assigned by the AD.
• Attends and participates in staff meeting discussions as directed by the AD.
• May participate in developing long‑range and short‑range goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• May work with Supervisors to plan and present programs for the public and may contribute to the creation of press releases, flyers, social networks, blogs, and other public relations efforts including content for library website.
• Under the direction of the Supervisors, may create and maintain collection displays.
• May help identify, collect and interpret statistics as needed, performing clerical and record‑keeping duties.
• Maintains order in all service areas in the absence of full time staff
• In the absence of the Director, Assistant Director, Adult, Youth and Technical/Borrower Services Supervisors, the Adult Services Librarian may supervise operations and security of the entire library building.
• May assist the AD in seeking grants and funds to expand library services.
• Establishes a long‑term, consistent, daily/weekly 18 hour schedule with the AD and the Administrative Assistant.

Qualifications

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimal education requirement is a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college. One year of related professional library experience. Requires experience in using computers, creating documents in Microsoft Office, familiarity with library software systems, especially Evergreen, databases and accessing the Internet. A Master's Degree in Library Science and prior demonstrated knowledge of public library operations is strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge, Abilities, Experience, and Skills:

Proficiency in the use of automated library systems and in the use of electronic library information resources, including database searching, e-resources and the Internet. Thorough knowledge and understanding of social media platforms. Strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of and sensitivity to all ages. Considerable knowledge of library materials, both current and classic. Superior ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate fluently and speak before groups; compute statistics and interpret graphs; troubleshoot technology; set priorities and work with frequent interruptions; train staff and public.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Regular lifting up to 20-30 pounds. Occasional need to climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. Often required to push or pull book trucks weighing up to 150 pounds. May be required to stand for long periods of time.

Motor Skills:

The manual skills required are comparable to those which might be needed in operating a personal computer, mobile device, or office equipment.

Visual Demands:

Ability to operate and view a computer for extended periods of time.

This position is not eligible for benefits.