Librarian

County of Chester; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Chester County Library in Exton, PA, seeks a Part-Time Librarian in the Reference Department to assist patrons in person, by phone, and online. The role includes processing passport applications and supporting outreach events and committees.

The position requires an ALA-accredited MLS and strong communication. One year of reference experience is preferred, with daytime and evening hours and rotating weekends.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS required.
• One year of reference experience preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and work collaboratively with a public-facing library team.
• Flexibility to cover daytime and evening hours with rotating weekends.

Responsibilities

• Staff the library’s service desk and assist patrons with materials and information needs.
• Provide general reference and advisory services in-person, by phone, and online.
• Assist with collection development and maintenance.
• Plan, produce and promote library programs; coordinate with outside presenters.
• Maintain daily schedules and ensure adequate coverage; participate in the PIC team on rotation.
• Engage in community outreach and contribute to library committees.
• Complete assigned projects supporting library goals and report as needed.
• Support continuing education and professional development.

Skills

Research skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Public service

Reference interviews

Education

MLS degree (ALA-accredited)

One year reference experience

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office

Zoom/Webex/Teams

Library databases

Job description

Chester County Library has an opening for a Part Time Librarian in the Reference Department. This position is responsible for serving patrons in a high-volume, fast-paced library. The librarian assuming this position will provide direct research and reference services to adults and young adults in-person, over the phone, and online. The librarian will serve as an official passport agent to process passport applications for the public. The librarian will participate in the library’s community outreach initiative and be a contributing member of library committees, as applicable.

This position requires an ALA accredited M.L.S. with excellent oral and written communication skills. One year of reference experience, knowledge of print and electronic resources preferred. Candidates should have excellent time management, organization skills and exemplify teamwork, enthusiasm, flexibility, energy, and a genuine enjoyment of working with the public.

This position will include daytime and evening hours, and a rotating weekend schedule.

This position requires the following physical abilities: to handle, lift, move, shift library materials weighing up to 25 lbs.; to wheel book-carts weighing up to 125 lbs.; to operate a keyboard; to stand, sit, kneel, walk, stoop, reach repeatedly throughout the workday.

All library positions require the following criminal background and child abuse clearances: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI).

All employees of the Chester County Library are considered a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse under the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 63).

• Staff the library’s service desk(s)
• Provide guidance in finding library materials.
• Provide general reference and advisory services.
• Assist in collection development and maintenance.
• Plan, produce and promote library programs, presenting in-house and/or virtual programs as well as coordinating with outside organizations/presenters.
• Complete assigned projects that support the library’s annual goals and objectives.
• Participate in community outreach activities.
• Assist supervisor with daily operations and provide reports, as needed.
• Assist with creating daily schedules and ensure there is adequate coverage.
• Serve as part of the Person in Charge team on rotation.
• Participate in continuing education workshops, seminars and conferences as needed to keep current in the field.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library or Information Science or ability to attain one within 1 year.
• Working knowledge of the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to View Statement.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to use common sense understanding to carry out written or verbal instructions.
• Flexibility and ability to accept change.
• Accurate and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Work includes evening shifts and weekend shifts in rotation.
• PA Criminal background check.
• PA Child abuse clearance.
• FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal Background check

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• One year of job-related library experience.
• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited college or university in Library or Information Science.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of public library service.
• Knowledge of the use of review sources.
• Strong communication skills in person, over the phone, and by email.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge and skill with standard office equipment (e.g., fax, copier, etc.).
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
• Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.
• Proactive and flexible.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to speak in public (presentation and storytelling skills).

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Basic computer knowledge and skill to use Windows software
• Basic Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) skills
• Basic knowledge of virtual communication platforms (ex. Zoom, Webex, Teams)
• Proficient in using databases and the internet

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk and hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to stand; sit; bend at the waist; kneel, stoop, crouch or squat; lift and carry items up to 25 pounds; work with office machinery; and reach above shoulders to place books on and retrieve books from high shelves. Must be able to lift and transport books by hand and push a full cart of books for several yards. On rare occasions, the employee will need to crawl, climb on ladders, and push items weighing up to 75 pounds.

The specific vision requirements for this position are as follows:

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to read computer screen for extended time periods
• Ability to read print formats including small print

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quietbut can vary especially when public programs are taking place.
• Work will be performed in an office environment.
• This position requires sitting in front of a computer the majority of the time.

Other:

• This position may require evening and weekend shift work.
• This position requires professionalism.