Our Core Values
We LOVE DeSoto
•L- We lift up our community
•O- We take ownership of our collective performance
•V- We value and respect all employees
•E- We empower employees to grow
The Librarian performs a variety of professional library work such as circulation, reference, cataloging, outreach, programming, and youth services. Assists with the daily operations by providing assistance to staff and the public in maximizing the use of the library, its programs, and resources. Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing services and programs within the library and out in the community. Provides assistance to patrons in areas of library materials, equipment, and services. Embraces change and is willing to explore new ideas and creative approaches to engaging our community.
- Plans, schedules, leads, develops, and participates in the operations and programs for the library and City of DeSoto; handles frontline operations, program management, and daily upkeep of the library.
- Supports patrons using various systems and software ensuring a positive user experience; identifies and addresses frontline operational concerns and implements resolutions.
- Assists in processing interlibrary loans; reviews book requests to determine alternative sources and receives and processes hold requests.
- Sets up and monitors displays for areas within the library; curates and develops content and exhibits for children’s, teens, and adult programming.
- Selects, reviews, rotates, and checks in library materials; assists in arrangement of collection and makes decisions on the disposition of outdated materials within assigned subject area; performs other inventory maintenance tasks as needed.
- Develops partnerships and outreach opportunities with external organizations and other City of DeSoto Departments in order to maximize the use of library resources and services.
- Stays current on professional and technological developments through participation in professional organizations, workshops, continuing education courses and the reading of professional materials.
- Anticipates trends that will impact libraries, literacy, and publishing; embraces innovation and experimentation; makes recommendations to help the library stay relevant and vital to the community.
- Assists in communication of eye-catching educational displays, flyers, and postings to communicate programs and services to the community.
- Develops, implements, and conducts a variety of library related educational programs and activities, including story hour, library tours, and instructional classes in library use as assigned; develops programs for adults, teens, and children.
- Confers with teachers, parents/guardians, and community groups to assist in developing programs to encourage and improve children’s and young adult’s reading and communication skills.
- Participates in the preparation and presentation of workshops and training for staff development.
- Responsible for statistical reporting as it pertains to library usage.
- Works collaboratively with library team to develop plans and initiatives that support the library’s mission and goals; assists with library and City-wide programs, activities, and initiatives, as needed.
- Fulfills duties at all library department services desks as scheduled and/or needed.
- Manages departmental inventory supplies and participates in collection development for assigned collections.
- Performs other duties as assigned. This job description is not exhaustive and duties may change at any time with or without notice.
- Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited university;
- Two (2) years of experience working in a library with program management, patron service, and/or collection development;
- A heart for people, public service and information sharing;
- Valid Driver’s License
- Knowledge of City policies and procedures;
- Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for working with the public;
- Thorough knowledge of current and emerging professional library principles, public reference service expertise, and public library operations;
- Knowledge of cataloging standards in an automated library system;
- Knowledge of reference techniques and sources;
- Knowledge of collection development techniques and print and electronic resources;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
- Skill in effective communication both orally and in writing;
- Ability to provide guidance and customer assistance via all communication forms;
- Exercise ethical decision-making, good judgment, and discretion in applying library and City rules, policies, and procedures;
- Provide positive customer service;
- Assist patrons and address concerns professionally;
- Work collaboratively with the team, support coworkers, contribute ideas, and maintain flexibility;
- Use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes;
- Author reports, correspondence, and manuals;
- Present programs and materials effectively to the public;
- Communicate effectively with co-workers, the public, and officials.
- Establish and maintain relationships with City administration, employees, and the public;
- Willingness to adapt to changing needs, conditions, and responsibilities, including trying new ideas and methods.