Library Specialist I

Midland County; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Midland County in Midland, TX is seeking library staff to provide high-quality customer service and paraprofessional library support. Responsibilities include helping patrons, shelving materials, handling fees, and supporting programs across units, with flexibility for various duties and locations.

The role requires a high school diploma and preferred experience in libraries or clerical work, plus Spanish language ability and knowledge of library systems.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent; basic computer skills.
• Two to three years of library, clerical and/or customer service experience preferred.
• Able to speak, read, and/or write Spanish.
• General knowledge of library policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of bibliographic formats and simple searches.
• Familiarity with copyright and intellectual property practices.
• Proficiency in English grammar, punctuation and spelling; clear writing and speaking.
• Ability to use library systems and related software.

Responsibilities

• Work at assigned service desk, greet visitors, and prepare desk for operation.
• Sort, shelve, and file library materials; inspect items for damage and perform minor repairs.
• Calculate and collect fees; balance cash drawer with daily receipts.
• Register patrons and issue/update library cards.
• Assist in planning programs; register participants and manage attendance.
• Troubleshoot printers and computers; assist patrons with electronic resources.
• Check room availability and input reservations to avoid conflicts.
• Conduct library tours and orientations; respond to inquiries in person or by phone.

Skills

Customer service

Spanish language

Clerical work

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Library systems software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide friendly, high-quality customer service. Perform paraprofessional library services to assist patrons to provide system-wide service. Perform a variety of tasks related to the operation of the library.

Vary depending on the unit to which the employee is assigned. Other duties may be assigned.

• Work at assigned service desk, greet visitors, and prepare desk for operation.
• Sort, separate, arrange, shelve, and file various library materials accurately according to library classification systems (alphabetic, numeric, and alphanumeric).Assist in maintaining collections by inspecting items for damage and performing minor repair.
• Calculate and collect fees and charges from patrons for damaged or lost items, printing, or any other service that requires a fee. Make change and balances cash drawer with daily receipts.
• Create and maintain registration for programs, activities, or meetings, as assigned. May include creating calendar of events and distributing accordingly.
• Monitor effectiveness and attendance of programs and report to supervisor.
• Design, promote, execute, and evaluate programs for target audience of assigned unit. Includes researching and requesting materials needed for programs.
• May assist with special projects involving library promotion and outreach activities.
• Interpret censorship and freedom of access issues as they pertain to the selection of materials for library customers.
• Prepare and compile required reports and statistics.
• Plan, assemble, and arrange displays of materials to support popular topics.
• Conduct library tours and orientations, as assigned.
• Respond to inquiries from the public in person and over the phone to help them obtainthe information they are seeking; conduct research to locate relatedinformation.
• Assist other areas of the library as assigned/requested.
• Maintain unit equipment including troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance procedures as needed.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Take advantage of continuing education opportunities and reviews industry literature to improve services and workflow. Keep abreast of publishing trends for materials and maintains an awareness of library trends.
• Perform other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the library and the provision of excellent customer service.

Children’s and Youth Services

• Ability to analyze library children’s and juvenile programs and operations, develop recommendations and solutions for future operations and recruit, train, and supervise volunteers focused on children’s and juvenile programming.
• Work with the children’s unit leader and supervisor to create crafts and display items.
• Plan and conduct weekly preschool story time; summer reading program for children preschool through teen; youth book clubs; special programs for Children and Youth for afterschool and for school holidays. Conduct book talks for students.
• Develop bibliographies and pathfinders from children's collection.
• Identify and translate children and young adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the needs and abilities of children and the available library materials and services.
• Plan and attend unit clubs and Teen Library Advisory Board.

Reference and Adult Services

• Accesses information from library webpage and digital media offerings.
• Troubleshoot problems with printer sand computers for personal use and for the public and is familiar with the library’s print release and computer reservation system.
• Instruct patrons in the use of the library’s electronic resources and databases.
• Teach patrons to use the technology including smartphones, tablets, and computers as they relate to utilizing library resources.
• Check availability of meeting and study rooms and accurately input reservations to avoid conflicts.

Circulation Services

• Register patrons; process library card applications. Issue new patron cards/updates cards.
• Enter and retrieve patron and circulation information by computer terminal in a computerized circulation system. Maintain patron and material records.
• Perform library materials check-in, check-out, renewal, holds, and patron registration and renewal; route material to correct locations, and notify patrons about reserved materials.
• Check and empty returns/drops and follow protocol for safe check-in of materials, including cleaning and disinfecting material, as needed, using the proper technique and equipment.

Floaters

• Must have the ability to learn quickly, as well as demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• Must be able to perform all essential duties of other sections as well as specific job functions.
• System-wide position that may be assigned to any location or unit, at any given time, scheduled or unscheduled, with little notice.
• May assist in various areas such as 3D printing, exhibits, programs, and others.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain Notary Public certification.
• May obtain Passport Acceptance Agent certification.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to any location as needed/assigned.

Employees at this level perform clearly defined tasks, typically within one or twoof the core functions of the job.Employees typically follow set procedures and instructions. May oversee part-time staff, shelvers, and volunteers who are performing similar or relates work within the library unit.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The completion of a high school education or equivalent certification, plus basic computer skills and competencies, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferences: two to three years of library, clerical and/or customer service experience; able to speak, read, and/or write Spanish.

• General knowledge of library policies and procedures and more specific knowledge of policies and procedures and work methods pertaining to the assigned functional area and work unit.

• Working knowledge of library terms and bibliographic formats and structures, including the ability to conduct a simple bibliographic search.
• Familiarity with the library’s ethical policies and practices associated with use of and access to library resources, including networked resources, as well as familiarity with established standards related to copyright and intellectual property protection.
• Knowledge of basic library research methodology and the ability to use it.
• Proficiency in English grammar, punctuation and spelling, including the ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing. Knowledge of numerical and alphabetical filing systems.
• Ability to use the library system(s) and subsystem(s) module(s) to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to access various on-line resources and databases used within the library and to use their standard features to perform technical work and/or assist patrons.
• Ability to use standard features of office support technology and standard software packages.
• Ability to perform standard arithmetic operations.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision to perform assigned work.
• Ability to work within a diverse environment and be service-oriented in working with patrons and other library staff, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the library.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to work with the public and assist patrons with basic inquiries and direct them appropriately in locating and using library materials and inform them of applicable library policies and procedures.
• Willingness to maintain and improve skills.

Must have valid Texas driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and have adequate transportation.