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Librarian I - Outreach

The Beaumont Library District is seeking a self-motivated, service-driven, energetic individual to fill a new full-time Librarian I position in Outreach Services. This position will primarily be responsible for handling all bookmobile services, collections, scheduling and maintenance and promoting the library at a wide range of community events.  Candidates must be comfortable driving a large vehicle. The bookmobile is a 28' Ford F59 Stepvan.

DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of a Supervising Librarian or the Public Services Manager, the Librarian I plans, conducts, and participates in activities of a specialized library function such as Technical Services or Public Services, including Literacy, Programs, or Outreach. The position performs complex professional and technical library work and provides training to other staff within their area of specialty. Librarian I may act as “manager on duty” in the absence of the director or senior staff but does not have full supervisory authority.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

  • Plans, organizes, and performs library work in an assigned area.
  • Participates in achieving the goals, priorities, objectives for assigned services and programs; recommends policies  and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations. 
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues on programs, services, planning and forecasting.
  • Recommends and assists in the implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan goals and objectives.
  • Promotes the library within the community, establishes relationships with community organizations and leaders, and develops community engagement and support. 
  • Participates in reference and reader’s advisory services; assists and instructs members in the use of reference resources, including accessing and retrieving information utilizing current electronic technologies.
  • Researches and develops alternative funding sources for program enhancement, promotes library fundraising through endowment or Friends organization, and pursues grant opportunities. 
  • Performs a variety of specialized and technical clerical duties including compiling data and statistics and maintaining a variety of records and files.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings and stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library services.
  • Trains and provides work direction to clerical staff and volunteers of the assigned section.
  • Acts as Manager on duty as assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

In Outreach:

  •  Creates and maintains bookmobile schedule; drives the bookmobile as scheduled and performs pre-driving safety checks; performs basic inspection and maintenance of the bookmobile to ensure proper vehicle maintenance, including keeping the fuel tank and various automotive fluids filled; reports vehicle problems, accidents, etc. to Public Services Manager and others, as required.  
  • Delivers books and other materials to people’s homes and returns finished material to the library; 
  • Works with Public Services Manager, Library Director, and marketing staff in identifying relevant programs and outreach events; works in partnerships with outside agencies to promote use of library services; uses project management and outcomes-based planning and evaluation tools to develop and access events that fulfill target audience needs and networks with community agencies and businesses. 
  •  Assists patrons in locating the information needed using library resources and Internet sites and assists patrons with circulation functions which include, but are not limited to, issuing and updating library cards, checking-out and renewing materials, placing holds, and addressing account problems. 
  •  Maintains bookmobile collection; notifies Technical Services of discarded items to keep collection appealing, current, and useful.  
     

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

  •    Current library trends, services, and organization.
  •    Principles of administration, supervision, and training.
  •    Books, sources, bibliographies, and reference materials; library material selection standards.
  •    Cataloging and classification plans, particularly the Dewey Decimal System.
  •    Reader interest levels and trends, current professional literature.
  •    E-resources, including databases, e-books, and e-audiobooks.
  •    Fundraising and grant writing.
  •    Community resources and outreach strategies.
  •    Basic clerical techniques.
  •    Current office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  •    Telephone technique and etiquette.
  •    Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
  •    Record-keeping techniques.
  •    Computer skills and knowledge of general office equipment.

 Ability to:

  •    Promote the interest of children, young adults, and adults in books and other library materials and services.
  •    Stimulate reader interest, provide advice and materials.
  •    Perform an effective reference interview.
  •    Work independently with little direction.
  •    Plan, develop, and promote programs.
  •    Meet schedules and deadlines.
  •    Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; understand and follow both verbal and written communication.
  •    Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and community groups.
  •    Interpret, apply, and explain library policies, procedures, resources and services to the public.
  •    Analyze situations accurately and efficiently and adopt effective courses of action.
  •    Interact with diverse people of all ages in a professional and culturally appropriate manner.
  •    Drive a large vehicle.
  •    Use a variety of computer software applications and computer equipment.
  •    Train and furnish work direction to others.
  •    Learn to operate a variety of equipment.
  •    Demonstrate superior customer service.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited college or university OR a master’s degree in a related field AND one (1) year public library experience. 

 Preferred Qualifications

A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited college or university AND at least three (3) years of full-time library or equivalent experience involving public contact, including the operational services, reader’s advisory, routine reference work and/or other increasingly responsible paraprofessional work is preferred. 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Typical public library environment, subject must be able to stand or sit and maintain a stationary position for extended periods; operate office equipment; walk or move within the property; bend/stoop/kneel or position self for shelving, filing, or other purposes; and lift or push or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must possess mobility to operate a motor vehicle and visit meeting sites or other points of business; possess hearing and speech to communicate in person before groups, and over the telephone; possess specific vision abilities required by this job including close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an incumbent encounters while performing the typical tasks of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform typical tasks. 

Most work is performed in an office setting within a public library, although there may be exposure to inclement weather conditions, noise, dust and potentially hazardous materials.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Weekend, evening work, and attendance at off-hours meetings and occasional travel are required.


Please submit cover letter, resume, and a minimum of three (3) references to:

Kelly Van Valkenburg

director@mybld.org