Reference Librarian - Programs

Township of Upper St Clair; Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Township of Upper St Clair Library seeks a full-time Reference Librarian to answer reference questions, deliver adult outreach, and assist with collection development. The role requires MLS from an ALA-accredited program and at least three years in a public library. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Work includes evenings, some Saturdays, and on-site collaboration under the Director's supervision. Prior knowledge of Sierra ILS and MS Office is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of recent experience in a public library setting.

Responsibilities

• Answer reference and informational questions in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Plan, schedule, organize, promote and deliver outreach/inreach programs for adults.

Skills

Reference services

Public speaking

Outreach planning

Interpersonal skills

English writing

Education

MLS degree (ALA)

3+ years public library experience

Tools

Sierra ILS

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This is responsible professional work in the Township Library. The Full-time Reference Librarian’s main areas of responsibility include answering reference and reader’s advisory questions, planning, scheduling, organizing, promoting and delivering outreach/inreach programming and services to adults, and assisting with collection development. The Full-time Reference Librarian works under the general supervision of the Director of the Library. Work involves initiative and independent judgment and is periodically reviewed at completion.

Work is performed during regularly scheduled hours and may involve additional hours as needed. Regular hours for this position comprise a Monday-Friday schedule. One evening per week and one Saturday per month is required.

The position is exempt under the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answer reference and informational questions in person, over the telephone, or via email.
• Effectively search the Internet, library catalogs, and online databases. Experience and familiarity with the Sierra integrated library system (ILS) or other ILS platforms is preferred.
• Assume the role of Librarian in Charge on weekends and selected evenings. Excellent leadership skills, communication and problem-solving abilities are essential to this position. Quick thinking is a must.
• The selected candidate will initiate, plan, and conduct a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the library by adults, including but not limited to informational presentations, special events, and community outreach. Actively seek program presenters and exhibitions in order to provide residents and citizens with recreational and scholarly pursuits inside the Library. Assure that the technology needs of presenters are met. Perform community outreach and attend events throughout the community, representing both the Upper St. Clair Township Library as well as the Township itself in a professional, courteous, neighborly, and knowledgeable manner.
• Assist in collection development with selection and weeding of library materials in assigned areas.
• Participate in eiNetwork and ACLA taskforces and committees as necessary.
• Maintain harmony among reference staff and other staff members.

• Attend professional association meetings and be knowledgeable about new developments in library services for adults.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Library Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library systems and programs commensurate with a Master of Library Science degree.
• Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (ILS). Familiarity with the Sierra ILS is preferred.
• Mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite is required, most notably Word and Excel.
• Ability to network and build/maintain connections for the purposes of Library programming geared towards adults.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate orally, both interpersonally and in public speaking situations, and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to carry out moderate tasks with accuracy critical to the success of the program.
• Ability to work independently and to handle multiple tasks and interruptions.
• Ability to conduct effective reference interviews and provide reader’s advisory.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned tasks in a timely fashion.
• Ability to organize and maintain records and files.
• Ability to analyze and prepare complex reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate the tools and equipment listed below.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality where necessary.
• A valid driver’s license is required for this position.
• Must be able to work on-site during scheduled hours, as this position requires in-person collaboration and access to office resources.

Education and Experience

• A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited institution and a minimum of three years of recent experience in a public library setting. Programming experience and outreach to adult patrons is preferred.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Personal computers and printers, smart phone, photocopier, fax machine, telephone, scanner, cellular phone and automobile.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is often required to sit, walk, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment, reach and bend at the knees.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move lightweight objects such as books and other materials.
• The ability to talk, hear and see; as in reading, computer operation, location of library materials, and focusing on staff and patrons is essential. The employee must be able to drive a car.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

• Normal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
• The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

USC Job Grade 3

Updated/Revised October 2026