LIBRARIAN TRAINEE

OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY 

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

TENTATIVE EXAMINATION DATE: Practical Exam - Schedule to be determined.

Under direct and/or general supervision, tasks involve routine to more complex professional librarian work ranging from the training/entry level class, to the journey level. Assists customers with information, reference, and readers’ advisory services, the use of library computers, personal electronic devices, and other emerging technologies; plans and presents library programs, cultivates relationships with the community and assists with assigned collection development activities; performs related work as assigned.

Librarian Trainee is the trainee level of this professional series. Trainees work full-time while enrolled in a program to obtain a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS). Under close supervision, incumbents learn to provide assistance and service to customers and the specifics of library policies, procedures, and operations. Assignments become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision as the trainee’s education and experience progresses including leading part time staff and/or leading day-to-day operations of a small branch. Upon completion of the MLS degree and satisfactory job performance, the trainee may be alternately staffed to Librarian I. 

All Levels:

• Provides information services and guidance to library customers in the selection, organization, and interpretation of library materials, and in the effective use of equipment and facilities. 
• Reviews, evaluates, and selects materials for addition to or deletion from the collections.
• Builds and maintains expertise in a wide range of resources and technologies to serve the diverse needs of the community.  
• Plans, promotes, and presents effective library programming for all age groups and community interests.
• Presents book discussions and story times in the library, community venues, and/or virtual platforms.
• Develops partnerships with local organizations and constituencies to support education and promote library services throughout the community.
• Interprets library policies and procedures to the public; may represent the library in meetings with citizens, library support/advocacy groups, or special community interest groups.
• Creates, develops, prepares, and disseminates effective marketing materials for library programs and services.  
• Maintains awareness of current technology trends and innovations and how they can be incorporated into services for the community and professional development of staff. 
• May perform oversight duties in the absence of lead professional library staff.
• May plan and direct the work of paraprofessional or support staff and part time staff; may direct the work of limited hours branches or support units of the library.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Librarian Trainee:   Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any academic subject with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in the bachelor’s degree or in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units, or current enrollment in a Master of Library Science program in an American Library Association approved school.  

Trainees must enroll in an American Library Association accredited library school program within one year from the date of appointment and successfully complete MLS program within four years from the date of appointment as a condition of employment.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License within six months of appointment. 

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of professional library objectives, organization, and procedures;
• Community needs and their relationship to public library programs and services;
• Reference sources and search techniques;
• Theory and philosophy of library services;
• Current reading, viewing, and listening interests of children, teens, and adults;
• Books, authors, online databases, and reference sources in a variety of areas and formats;
• Readers’ advisory methods and practices;
• Current trends in technology and electronic resources with application to library services;
• Automated library information systems and equipment usage;
• Collection development, including book, electronic, and nonprint materials selection; and
• Cataloging and classifying procedures for varied materials.

Skill in:

• Basic library principles and practices;
• Providing effective customer service;
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public;
• Communicating effectively with diverse community members and co-workers;
• Enforcing library rules and assisting library staff with safety and security;
• Utilizing current technology and traditional resources to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community;
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; 
• Planning, directing, and reviewing the work of assigned staff;
• Applying professional knowledge, skills, and flexibility to creatively develop and implement services in a rapidly changing community, professional, and technological environment;
• Searching print and digital reference and readers’ advisory resources, including specialized materials in assigned work areas;
• Establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with a variety of library customers, community groups, and others contacted in the course of the work; and
• Preparing and producing effective oral and visual presentations.

Physical/Mental Abilities: 

• Mobility – Frequent sitting, standing, and bending neck; occasional walking, bending at waist, squatting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling; 
• Lifting/Carrying – Frequent lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; 
• Vision – Ability to read fine print and/or normal type size print; ability to read and see PC screens; ability to read and produce printed material and information displayed on a visual display terminal;  
• Dexterity – Constant fingering (typing, picking, pinching), repetitive use of both hands, frequent simple grasping with either/both hands; occasional fine manipulation, pushing and pulling with either/both hands; and reaching above and below shoulder level;  
• Hearing/Talking –  Ability to detect specific noises such as with proper equipment operation, and understand what people are saying in normal conversation, over the telephone, and in a noisy environment;  
• Special Requirements – Ability to work a full-time regular schedule and evenings and weekends on rotation; use of a vehicle as needed; 
• Emotional/Psychological – Ability to concentrate, make decisions, work with the public, exercise sound judgment, handle stressful situations, and work alone; 
• Environmental Conditions – Indoor cold/heat, working around office equipment;  
• Working Conditions – Primarily performed in an office environment which is predominantly quiet; 
• Comprehension – Ability to understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions or other information; ability to understand, remember, and communicate routine, factual information; ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions; ability to understand opposing points of view on highly complex issues and to negotiate and integrate different viewpoints; 
• Organization – Ability to organize thoughts and ideas into understandable terminology; ability to organize and prioritize own work schedule and work schedules of others on short-term (up to one month) and long-term basis; 
• Reasoning and Decision-Making: Ability to apply common sense in performing job; ability to make decisions which have impact on immediate work unit and monitor impact outside immediate work unit; ability to make decisions which have impact on the department’s credibility, operations, and services; and 
• Communication – Ability to understand and follow basic instructions and guidelines; complete routine forms; communicate effectively with others, including over the phone; speak in front of groups of people, including making presentations outside the immediate work area; and compose reports, manuals, and publications.  

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirement of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

• After on-line submittal, immediate notification will appear on your screen indicating your application has been received.  Please print this notice as proof of filing.
• Notices and correspondence will be sent via email only. No paper notices will be mailed to applicants. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that correspondence is being received. 
• NeoGov.com: You will receive correspondence via the e-mail address you provided on your application. Some e-mail accounts have been known to place these e-mails in the spam/junk file. Please check your e-mail folders or accept e-mails ending with neogov.com.