Library Specialist

US Lawns; Pocatello (ID); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

PERSI Retirement

Vacation Time

Job summary

The City of Pocatello's library is seeking a Library Specialist to perform technical and public services tasks, including cataloging, processing new materials, assisting patrons, and handling fines and holds. This role works independently under the supervision of a Library Services Supervisor, with potential for part-time or full-time schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Applicants should possess strong customer service skills and a working knowledge of library fundamentals and cataloging

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• At least 1 year experience in a library is preferred.
• Strong customer service and teamwork abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Performs para-professional technical and clerical duties in technical or public services.
• Assists patrons with locating materials and using catalogs and computers.
• Maintains accurate patron records and processes fines, holds, and renewals.

Skills

Customer service

Patron assistance

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

The Library Specialist undertakes specialized technical and administrative duties in various library domains, including Technical Services and Public Services.

• Duties in Technical Services include processing new library materials and cataloging them by determining the appropriate placement and entering them into the computerized system, modifying catalog records as needed, ordering books, processing donations, repairing and mending books and other materials and working with staff on book requests.

• Duties in Public Services include assisting customers with locating library materials and checking materials in and out, updating patron records, issuing library cards, shelving books, answering patron questions, assessing and collecting fines for overdue books, collecting/emptying the book drop, handling money from fines/fees and repairing library materials as needed. Duties also include locating needed information either in the library’s collection or online, enforcing library rules and policies, assisting the public in using computers and catalogs, ordering new books and other library materials, compiling statistics and generating lists of books and processing magazines and newspapers.

The Library Specialist works independently to carry out their duties and responsibilities under the general supervision of a Library Services Supervisor. Work shifts may be part-time or full-time and may include evening and weekend work.

The job requires knowledge of a specialized library function as assigned, fundamental library objectives and practices and strong customer service skills to assist patrons with all aspects of library services. The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with library staff and supervisors, other City employees, and the general public.

The work is conducted in a general office and library environment with stable temperatures and a moderate level of noise.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs para-professional technical and clerical work in technical services, or public services as follows:

  • Technical Services – Orders and receives new books and other library materials; catalogs books, determining proper placement, identification and labeling; repairs books and other materials; reviews and verifies computerized records; prepares labels and barcodes for material identification; processes donations; works with staff on specialized book requests; order supplies and takes inventory. Maintains current knowledge of new requirements, new software and programs associated with technical service requirements.
  • Public Services – Provides front-line customer service to library patrons. Checks books and materials in and out; issues and renews library cards; assists in notifying patrons of overdue or lost items, enters and updates patron records; handles initial patron complaints and responds or refers complaints to supervisors. Sorts, organizes and shelves books; collects and sorts books from the library bookdrop; processes “holds” for library patrons; repairs damaged books.
• Assists patrons with public catalog, public computers, and other reference materials. Helpspatrons locate books or other library materials. Reviews shelved books to ensure they are in proper order; Assists with opening/closing the library as needed.
• May be assigned a specialty task/responsibility, such as selecting materials for outreach, receiving and processing inter-library loans, recording data for statistical purposes, preparing reports of lost/damaged materials, contacting patrons for overdue/lost materials, maintaining order of librarymaterials, shifting collection materials, preparing labels, processing orders for materials, as well as additional assignments as needed.
• Provides general assistance to patrons in person and on the phone, answering inquiries and providing information and directions.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED is required;

• At least one (1) year experience in a library is preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Fundamental library principles, objectives, methods, materials and practices;

• Principles, practices and objectives of the Dewey Decimal System;

• Basic library cataloging methods and practices;

• Collection maintenance and preservation;

• Library search methods and techniques to locate materials;

• Effective customer service methods, techniques, and objectives;

• General office skills and operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform para-professional technical and clerical duties related to the assigned division;

• Provide effective customer service to library patrons;

• Listen to and comprehend patron requests;

• Explain and apply library policies and procedures;

• Determine proper placement of materials within the collection;

• Be observant and detail oriented for accuracy in performing the essential job functions;

• Follow written and oral instructions;

• Operate a computer system used for circulating books and library materials;

• Provide patron services to furnish information on library activities, facilities, rules and services;

• Assist patrons in locating materials to meet their needs;

• Open and Close the Library as needed;

• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;

• Alphabetize and use the Dewey Decimal System to maintain library collection;

• Respond politely and graciously to interruptions and/or questions that may have been asked numerous times;

• Maintain calm and work effectively with the public to diffuse sometimes difficult situations;

• Answer inquiries and provide information to the public by telephone and in person;

• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.