Librarian II: Bookmobile & Outreach Librarian

Racine; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Racine Public Library seeks a reliable, motivated individual to drive the Bookmobile, oversee daily services and programs, and maintain the collection. The role requires evenings and weekends, full-time hours, and supervision by the Head of Community Engagement.

Essential duties include operating the Bookmobile, reporting statistics, promoting stops and events, reader’s advisory, and maintaining shelves and materials for community needs. Training and safety are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
• Ability to drive a bus or bookmobile with good judgment and safe driving.
• Ability to cooperate with other library departments and community partners.
• Ability to use personal judgment to effectively problem-solve.
• Ability to engage a diverse public politely and with respect.
• Spanish language skills in writing and speech are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Bookmobile to and from stops and service locations.
• Maintain knowledge of outreach methods and current library service techniques.
• Report Bookmobile usage statistics and program metrics.
• Research, propose, implement, and promote Bookmobile stops and events.
• Perform regular collection maintenance and shelving tasks.
• Attend trainings and participate in organizational culture transformation efforts.

Skills

Public engagement

Interpersonal skills

Safe driving

Problem solving

Diversity awareness

Spanish language (desirable)

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of public library or customer service experience

Job description

We're committed to building a workforce that reflects and understands the community we serve. City residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range.

The Racine Public Library has been the community’s educational and informational institution since 1897. All employees are expected and encouraged to create a positive and friendly environment for library users, the community, and co-workers. It is expected that all employees be flexible, responsive to change, and take a leadership role when necessary. Essential duties may change in response to evolving community needs.

The Racine Public Library seeks a reliable, motivated individual who is passionate about bringing the library to the community and adept at community engagement, program development, and guiding dynamic outreach initiatives.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The individual in this position, under the general supervision of the Head of Community Engagement, drives the Racine Public Library’s Bookmobile, oversees daily bookmobile services and programs, and maintains the bookmobile’s collection. Using professional knowledge and skills, they provide a safe and welcoming environment, diverse collections, quality programming, and excellent library service. This position is full-time, with the specific work schedule to be mutually agreed upon with the employee and supervisor; evenings and weekends are required.

• Maintain knowledge of current techniques, trends and methods used in providing public library services via Bookmobile and other outreach methods
• Report use statistics and all statistics related to Bookmobile
• Research, propose, implement, and promote approved Bookmobile stops including special events
• Drive the Bookmobile to and from stops in various locations
• Drive to service locations when necessary
• Fuel as needed
• Provide reader’s advisory services and read book reviews and other materials related to providing this service
• Perform regular collection maintenance, including regular weeding, ordering, evaluating, and rotating materials to meet a variety of community needs
• Shelve materials and maintain order of shelves
• Search for requested materials
• Handle routine housekeeping and maintenance duties needed to keep the Bookmobile clean and welcoming
• Handle patron problems to an appropriate resolution
• Offer assistance to patrons
• Enforce library behavior guidelines and policies
• Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record
• Performs other duties and work on special projects as assigned
• Attend Library trainings and continuing education opportunities to maintain knowledge base
• Assist in leading efforts from Library Administration towards various cultural transformation goals
• Ability to communicate effectively in a pleasant and professional manner
• Attend staff meetings and meetings of community organizations, as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
• Ability to drive a bus or bookmobile using good judgment and safe driving skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with other library departments and community partners
• Ability to use personal judgment to effectively problem-solve.
• Ability to work with a diverse public politely and with respect.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, both orally and in writing, desirable.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree with 2 or more years of public library or customer service experience
• Must be willing to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with air brake certification within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License with a good driving record for the last year

Preferred but not required:

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usually works inside the Bookmobile, but outdoor work (such as shoveling snow) in inclement weather may be required.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Motor vehicle (Bookmobile)

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.