Library Technician-Eligibility List

Frederick County Government, Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

State Pension Plan enrollment

Employee Sick and Safe Leave

Job summary

Frederick County Government operates the Frederick County Public Libraries system and seeks part-time para-professional staff to deliver customer-focused library services. Join branches like C.

Burr Artz Public Library or Emmitsburg to assist patrons, handle circulation, and support programs for all ages. Selected candidates may become certified as a Passport Acceptance Agent or Notary, with training provided as needed.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or the equivalent.
• Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are an Associate’s Degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong customer service at the desk, handling check-in/check-out of materials.
• Assist patrons with information questions and reader's advisory requests.
• Help patrons use library resources and online services.
• Maintain knowledge of branch collections and resources.
• Present pre-planned programs for children, teens and adults as needed.
• Circulate materials and perform basic clerical duties related to circulation.
• May perform Passport Acceptance Agent duties and Notary duties as required.
• Participate in outreach events to promote library services.

Skills

Customer service

Patience and courtesy

Reader's advisory

Information queries

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s Degree (substitution)

Tools

Tablets

Mobile devices

Software applications

Job description

JOB INFORMATION

Position Details

Non-exempt; part-time; 18 hours per week; scheduled to work days, evenings and weekends during FCPL operating schedule; no-benefits with exception to enrollment in the Maryland State Teacher's Pension Plan and Employee Sick and Safe Leave; subject to system-wide reassignment.

Current Vacancies

• C. Burr Artz Public Library: 18 hours per week assigned to this location
• Emmitsburg Branch Library: 18 hours per week assigned to this location
• (2) Substitutes: 18 hours per week. Work locations may vary from week to week in support of all Frederick County Public Library branch locations. Assignment may occasionally be at one location for an extended period of time.

This para-professional position provides comprehensive library services to patrons and is involved with a wide variety of library activities and operations. Supervision is received from the Assistant Branch Administrator or Branch Administrator.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.

Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities

• Provide strong and effective customer service, exhibiting patience and courtesy while staffing the desk, including check-in and check-out of FCPL materials
• Assist patrons of all ages with information questions or reader's advisory requests and assistance with using library technologies, downloading e-content and related assistance
• Assist patrons in using computerized and print information sources and/or direct them to other appropriate sources
• Maintain general knowledge of branch collections and resources, and current literature
• Present pre-planned programs for children, teen and adults, as needed
• Perform basic bibliographic searches related to interlibrary loan requests and reserves
• Explain FCPL policies and services to patrons, and refer difficult questions to the supervisor
• Assist with general maintenance of branch collections
• Prepare and maintain displays to promote reading and FCPL services, as assigned
• Circulate FCPL materials (check-out and return); and perform other basic clerical duties related to circulation of materials
• May perform duties as a Passport Acceptance Agent, to include executing passport applications
• May perform duties as a Notary Public, to include witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity
• Participate in outreach events to promote library services
• Assist with emptying and transporting books and materials from the book drop
• Attend related workshops, meetings and learning opportunities
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

Qualifications And Requirements

• High school graduation or the equivalent
• Minimum 1 year of work experience providing customer service working directly with the public

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are an Associate’s Degree.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of public library practices and procedures
• Knowledge of research techniques, research materials and general readers' interest, as well as authors, books and other formats of library materials
• Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, and ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media
• Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills
• May require the ability to become certified as a Passport Acceptance Agent from the U.S. Department of State within 180 days of hire and maintain certification
• May require the ability to become a certified Notary for the State of Maryland within 90 days of hire
• Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and the Internet, and ability to effectively provide related instruction for customers and staff in a friendly and respectful manner
• Ability to effectively organize work, problem solve, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and effectively manage time in a busy environment
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude and good judgment.
• Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, co-workers and the general public

Preference May Be Given For

• Additional years of customer service work experience
• 6 months of work experience in a public, academic, or school library

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally stoop
• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and occasionally outdoors, walking on uneven ground, in hot (above 100 degrees) and cold (below 32 degrees)

Additional Information / Examination Process

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, workshops and various branch libraries as needed
• Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may Include)

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to [e-mail]

The Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) system operates under the authority of the FCPL Board of Trustees. FCPL has adopted the Frederick County (Government) Personnel Rules except where those rules conflict with state law relating to public libraries or with FCPL personnel procedures

Pension Plan

FCPL employees who qualify are required by state law to participate in the Maryland State Teacher’s Pension System and are subject to the laws governing this plan.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement now and pay taxes later by contributing a portion of their salaries pre-tax to the plan. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.