Reference Librarian

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Reference Manager, the Reference Librarian provides information and reference services of excellent professional quality to local citizens, businesses, and other organizations. Additionally, the incumbent assists in the mission of the library which is to improve the lives of Blount County residents through access to information, education, recreation, and technology.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides courteous and excellent reference services in person, by telephone, or by email in order to support the information needs of library users;

• Provides one-on-one instruction to library patrons in the use of computers and other technological resources including: the integrated library system, databases, scanning equipment, and internet searching;

• Plans, coordinates, and implements library programs and exhibits to support the educational and recreational needs of library users including: adult summer reading programs, genealogy workshops, and special displays highlighting library resources;

• Collaborates with other local organizations in the planning and implementation of activities, and coordinates workshops for reference staff development in the use of information sources;

• Develops and expands a comprehensive knowledge of print and electronic information resources as well as a broad understanding of changing community information needs;

• Participates in the development of the library's collection, particularly in the areas of reference and genealogy;

• Recommends print and electronic reference sources for purchase by the Collections Manager;

• Orders yearbooks from the local high schools to preserve in archives, and maintains the collection through shelving, weeding, organizing, and archiving materials as appropriate;

• Provides routine supervision to library aides, volunteers, and student workers, and, at times, serves as team leader to other reference staff;

• Monitors individual patrons as well as groups, and responds to difficult or volatile patrons that are not abiding by library policies or laws regarding the appropriate use of the internet;

• Collects and records daily library use statistics as directed by the Reference Manager and fills out work-related forms and other paperwork as required by the administrative staff;

• Contributes to planning and implementation of library initiatives in ways which support and encourage collaborative team work;

• Participates in staff meetings and other required activities which promote communication among all departments;

• Identifies issues with current processes and procedures and recommend changes to the Reference Manager which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of library service;

• Adheres to the Blount County Government and Blount County Public Library policies, procedures, and regulations in daily activities;

• Accepts, receives, and/or collects payments;

• Prepares and/or processes purchase orders;

• Makes recommendations that impact the budget;

• Reviews and references genealogy areas, offers recommendations for improvement of the organization of staff, information sources, technology, and physical space;

• Develops a plan for expansion of the department and for improved preservation of archival materials through better storage and special digitization projects; and

• Performs other assigned duties.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• MLIS Degree from an ALA accredited institution;

• Excellent social skills, able to operate with diplomacy, tact, and empathy;

• A high degree of personal organization and self-management;

• Five (5) years of experience;

• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and

• Valid driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of library organization, resources, and systems;

• Knowledge of departmental practices and systems;

• Skilled in the use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems;

• Skilled in using computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes;

• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and an orientation towards customer service;

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities, and needs;

• Ability to supervise, organize, and communicate effectively;

• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others; and

• Ability to cooperate with fellow employees as a team member.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, reach and manipulate objects, tools and/or controls. The position requires mobility. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment, such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator and similar machines. The position requires hearing, mental acuity, speaking, and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Most work is performed in a well-lighted, modern office setting with centrally controlled heating and air conditioning.

BENEFITS

Full time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more.