Librarian I (Business Research Services)

City of High Point; High Point (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of High Point is seeking a Librarian for its Public Library to provide specialized reference support to entrepreneurs and job seekers. This role emphasizes community engagement and collaboration, requiring a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science. Ideal candidates will possess strong research and communication skills and enjoy working in a dynamic public-facing environment.

Benefits

Guaranteed monthly pension

Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans

401K and 457B Retirement Plans

Paid Time Off earned within the first year

12 Paid Holidays per year

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited program required.
• Experience in business or nonprofit reference assistance preferred.
• Ability to use databases and library technology essential.

Responsibilities

• Provides reference services in person and by telephone.
• Assists with collection development for business resources.
• Conducts community outreach and public programs.

Skills

Research

Communication

Customer Service

Technology Proficiency

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Eligibility for North Carolina Public Librarian certificate

Job description

WHO WE AREAt the City of High Point, we celebrate the creator in everyone. Building on our rich cultural history steeped in industrialism and innovation, our employees seek not only to transform themselves, but the world around us. We are collaborators, we are makers, we are visionaries.

We invite you to explore the many opportunities to serve our community, by sharing your talents, skills, and expertise. You’ll be joining adynamic team of over 1,300 individuals dedicated not just to making a career, but a difference; because what we create in High Point, changes the world!

OUR CORE VALUES

• Integrity:Saying what we mean and consistently doing what we say with no desire other than the good of the citizens we serve. It means standing up for beliefs.
• Responsibility:A continual process that emphasizes a high level of personal accountability by each member of the organization.
• Partnership:Adding competitive value and quality to the services provided to our residents, businesses, and visitors through responsible fiscal stewardship, increased innovation, greater use of technology, and expanded civic, neighborhood and regional partnerships.

WHAT WE OFFER

The City of High Point offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

• A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one
• 401K and 457B Retirement Plans
• PTO earned within first year
• 12 Paid Holidays per year
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan

YOUR PURPOSE

Are you passionate about connecting people with information and resources that empower them? The City of High Point Public Library is seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Librarian to join our Business Research Services Unit. In this role, you’ll provide specialized reference support to entrepreneurs, job seekers, and nonprofit professionals, assist with collection development, conduct community outreach, and help deliver engaging programs and training. If you thrive on research, technology, and community engagement, and enjoy working in a collaborative, public-facing environment, we’d love to hear from you!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Provides reference service to the public in person and by telephone, locating information in library resources such as books, periodicals, and computerized sources related to business and nonprofit subject areas.
• Participates in collection development by selecting books and materials for the Business collection and other subject areas, including reading reviews and advertisements, evaluating collection needs, and completing order forms.
• Assists the public with mobile devices, computerized periodical indexes, library catalogs, and photocopiers.
• Conducts community outreach as assigned.
• Assists the unit supervisor in planning and delivering public programs as requested.
• Builds partnerships by networking within the Greater High Point community.
• Supports training for staff and the public in business-related software applications and emerging technology equipment, including the creation of written materials and delivery of oral presentations.
• Oversees daily operations of the unit in consultation with the division head during the supervisor’s absence.
• Monitors the function of computerized equipment and photocopiers as needed.
• Assists job seekers with employment searches and job application processes.
• Compiles and publishes guides and bibliographies; may author articles on business-related topics to inform patrons of available resources.
• Ensures all work complies with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Experience providing reference and research assistance, particularly in business, nonprofit, or job search topics.
• Familiarity with collection development, including evaluating materials and making acquisition recommendations.
• Proficiency with library technology, including databases, online catalogs, mobile devices, and emerging digital tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create instructional materials and deliver presentations.
• Ability to assist users with job applications, résumé building, and employment resources.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a public service environment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail.
• Commitment to providing equitable, inclusive, and customer-centered library services.
• Willingness to engage in outreach and community partnership initiatives.
• Knowledge of OSHA and City safety policies and the ability to follow them in daily operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One to two years of work experience at a public library
• Eligibility for North Carolina Public Librarian certificate
• Database navigation skills using business resources.

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking:
Ability to express and receive information through spoken word is essential to communicate effectively with co-workers, citizens, applicants, and other internal and external customers.

Visual Abilities:
Vision is critical for performing essential job functions. The following components are required:

• Acuity – Far: Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Corrected vision should be 20/22 both eyes, 20/25 right eye, 20/25 left eye. Necessary for tasks such as observing tests, operating a motor vehicle, and addressing groups.
• Acuity – Near: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to read documents and see close-up materials; corrected vision should be 20/25 both eyes.
• Depth Perception: Ability to see objects in three dimensions and judge distances accurately (Depth Perception Rating: 4).
• Field of Vision: Capacity to see a broad area while focusing on one point, both vertically and horizontally.
• Accommodation: Ability to adjust focus quickly for work at varying distances—important for tasks such as reading, typing, or using digital equipment.
• Color Vision: Ability to distinguish and identify various colors.
  All five visual aspects listed above are considered essential to performing the duties of this position.

Physical Strength:
This role involves Light Work, which includes:

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting a negligible amount of force constantly to move or handle items

Types of Physical Demands:

• Reaching: Extending arms or hands in any direction
• Handling: Seizing, holding, or grasping objects with hands
• Fingering: Precise use of fingers for picking, pinching, or operating small objects
  Examples: Answering phones, working at a computer, and handling books, pens, and various documents require coordinated use of hands and fingers

Talking and Hearing:

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas through spoken word
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds through the ear to interpret speech and other audible cues

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning:
Ability to apply logical thinking, understand public personnel practices and employment laws, and make sound decisions in a variety of situations. Requires timely comprehension and good judgment.

Mathematics Ability:
Must be capable of using arithmetic and/or statistics in preparing tests and reports, and overseeing numerical analysis related to the role.

Language Ability:
Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is required.

• Reading: Ability to interpret manuals, directions, reports, calendars, forms, correspondence, and other job-related materials
• Writing: Ability to write memos, record figures, take messages, and prepare reports
• Speaking: Must be articulate in discussions with supervisors, staff, and the public both in person and over the phone

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings:
Work is performed indoors, with protection from weather but not necessarily from changes in temperature.

Hazards:
No specific environmental hazards are associated with this position.

Equipment & Tools Used

Representative tools and equipment may include (but are not limited to):
Network computers, laser printer, FAX machine, copier, calculator or adding machine
Office supplies such as scissors, pens, pencils, paper clips
Documents such as ordinances, personnel resolutions, time sheets, and personnel records
Communication tools including telephones and directories

OUR COMMITMENTS

The City of High Point is dedicated to fostering a work environment that values individuals from all backgrounds and seeks to attract and retain the most qualified partners in service to the citizens of High Point. As an at-will employer, the City allows employees to terminate their employment, or be terminated at any time, with or without cause, as long as it is not prohibited by law.

The City of High Point is committed to classifying and compensating its employees fairly for the work they do, weighing both the internal capabilities and the external market. While the job description is not intended to and does not create a contract of employment, we are excited to use this “living document” as a guide for managing performance and positions to ensure job descriptions are reflective of the current work required by the incumbent or expected by any candidate to whom an offer of employment is extended.

The City of High Point is committed to providing a safe, comfortable working environment for all employees. To that end, we are proud to comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, as well as make reasonable accommodations to candidates and employees as we are able in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates selected for employment must undergo (a.) a drug screening, in accordance with the City’s drug and alcohol policy and (b.) a background screening to determine whether there is any current, pending, or previous charge, conviction or other infraction deemed incompatible with service in the capacity for which the candidate is being hired. Certain positions are considered so critical to the health and safety of others that a candidate cannot be placed in any of those positions without passing a pre-placement physical exam. Successful results from these conditions will result in an offer of employment.

Application Deadline: If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. This position may close earlier than the stated deadline due to high applicant volume.