Reference Librarian

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 Reference Librarian assists in the mission of the Blount County Public Library which is to improve the lives of Blount County residents through access to information, education, recreation, and technology. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

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  Provide courteous and excellent reference services in person, via telephone or via email in order to support the informational requests of library users;
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  Provide 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;
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  Plan, coordinate, and implement 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;
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  Collaborate with other local organizations in the planning and implementation of activities, and coordinate workshops for reference staff development in the use of information sources;
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  Develop and expand a comprehensive knowledge of print and electronic informational resources; as well as, a broad understanding of changing community information needs;
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  Participate in the development of the library's collection, particularly in the areas of reference and genealogy;
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  Recommend print and electronic reference sources for purchase to the Collections Manager;
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  Order yearbooks from the local high schools to preserve in archives, and maintain the collection through shelving, weeding, organizing, and archiving materials as appropriate;
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  Provide routine supervision to library aides, volunteers, and student workers, and, at times, serves as team leader to other reference staff;
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  Monitor individual patrons as well as groups, and report difficult or volatile patrons that are not abiding by library policies or laws regarding the appropriate use of the internet;
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  Collect and record daily library use statistics as directed by the Reference Manager and complete work-related forms and other paperwork as required by the administrative staff;
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  Contribute to planning and implementation of library initiatives in ways which support and encourage collaborative team work;
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  Participate in staff meetings and other required activities which promote positive communication among all departments;
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  Identify issues with current processes and procedures and recommend changes to the Reference Manager to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of library service;
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  Adhere to Blount County Government and Blount County Public Library policies, procedures, and regulations in daily activities;
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  Accept, receive, and/or collect payments;
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  Prepare and process purchase orders;
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  Participate in recommendations that impact the library budget;
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  Review and reference genealogy areas;
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  Develop a plan for expansion of the department and for improved preservation of archival materials through better storage and special digitization projects; and
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  Performs other assigned duties.

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  Support the principles and methods used and set forth by departmental practices and systems;
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  Maintain remarkable professional organization and self-management;
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  Possess knowledge of human behavior and performance regarding individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation;
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  Propensity to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities, and needs;
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  Routinely maintain tactful and professional conversations with others; including, while being confronted with controversial situations;
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  Maintain organized working space, projects, and assignments; and

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  Bolster and sustain a professional demeanor with the citizens, patrons, co-workers, and other agencies; including calm, kind, and effective communications.

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  MLIS Degree from an ALA accredited institution;
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  Five (5) years of experience;
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  Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience; and
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  Valid driver’s license.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.