Librarian - Sundays

Bernards Township Library; Bernards Township (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Bernards Township Library is seeking a part-time Reference Librarian to staff the Sunday reference desk from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. You will provide reference services, readers’ advisory, and technology assistance to the public.

Under direction of the Supervising Reference Librarian, you will use library catalogs, JerseyCat, and digital resources to help patrons, troubleshoot devices, and promote library programs and services. Knowledge of librarianship theory and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of librarianship theories, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of local reference resources and offsite resources.
• Ability to assess patrons' needs through effective interviewing.
• Ability to work independently with good judgment when staff are not on site.
• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Staff the adult reference desk on Sundays, providing reference and tech help.
• Assist patrons with researching questions and locating authoritative resources.
• Guide users in library electronic resources, apps and downloadable platforms.
• Troubleshoot library and patron devices, including Wi‑Fi and printing.
• Operate computers, software, scanners, projectors and other equipment.
• Search catalogs and JerseyCat to locate materials.
• Provide information on library activities, facilities and services.
• Coordinate with circulation staff and handle safety/patron behavior issues.
• Record reference statistics and report incidents to staff.
• Stay informed about library programs, policies and local news.

Skills

Librarianship theories

Reference services

Technology assistance

Communication skills

Education

New Jersey Professional Librarian Certificate

Tools

JerseyCat

Job description

Summary:

Under direction of the Supervising Reference Librarian, provide reference and other library services for the public on Sundays (1:00 - 4:00pm), serving as the professional librarian on duty at the Reference desk. Requires professional knowledge of and experience with librarianship theories, principles, and practices, including patron and library technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Staff the adult reference desk on assigned Sundays, providing reference, readers’ advisory, and technology assistance independently.
• Assist patrons with researching reference questions and identifying authoritative resources.
• Use and provide instruction on Library electronic resources, downloadable platforms, and apps.
• Assist patrons with technology troubleshooting on Library and patron devices, including Wi‑Fi connectivity, updates, downloading apps, and printing.
• Use and provide instruction on use of computers, popular software & apps, scanner, copier, projector, and other electronic equipment.
• Search library catalogs and locate materials effectively.
• Use JerseyCat to identify, submit and track material requests.
• Furnish information on Library activities, facilities, and services.
• Coordinate with circulation staff on duty and respond to building, safety and patron behavior issues according to library policies.
• Record reference statistics and report incidents and patron requests to Reference staff.
• Stay knowledgeable about Library programs and policies, current events, and community news.
• Perform related tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work at least two Sundays per month, September through June.
• Knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles and techniques of librarianship.
• Knowledge of appropriate reference resources, both local and available offsite.
• Knowledge of effective interviewing skills to best determine the patron’s actual needs.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment when other professional staff are not on site.
• Ability to work harmoniously with patrons and coworkers.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to stand, walk, talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, kneel and/or crouch, move and carry up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

New Jersey Professional Librarian Certificate required.