Community Outreach Librarian I

POSITION TITLE: Librarian I – Community Outreach

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is seeking an enthusiastic Community Outreach Librarian I to join the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library's Outreach Department. The selected candidate will be responsible for daily operation of the Bookmobile to bring library services and resources to patrons of all ages in areas of the community under-served by existing library locations as well as representing HMCPL at various events and community outreach opportunities throughout Madison County.

The ideal candidate will be well-organized, safety driven, passionate about libraries and literacy, and excited to connect the community with resources, services, and events to engage and encourage exploration, creativity, and learning.

LIBRARY LOCATION:

Outreach Department

Downtown Huntsville Library

915 Monroe Street

Huntsville, AL 35801

HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, 40 hour a week position with a rate of pay of $18.50 an hour. Benefits offered include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and MPP and 457(b) retirement plan options. General schedule is Monday through Friday with occasional nights and/or weekends on an as needed basis.

This is professional work providing library services to patrons of all ages through the operation of the Bookmobile on a regular basis as well as representing the Library at a variety of community events. Work includes the operation of a large vehicle that carries a rotating library collection to different sites across Madison County, AL.

Responsible for the provision of library services to patrons and community organizations through community outreach efforts such as developing and maintaining a Bookmobile schedule and collection; establishing connections with community partners and delivering library programming at community events; and supporting the Outreach department in providing library services to under-served populations in Madison County and the surrounding area. Duties include reference and/or readers’ advisory work, materials review, programming, and circulation tasks.

This position requires that the employee have knowledge, skill, and ability in the basic phases of the public library field. This position requires that the employee be able to safely operate a large motor vehicle on a regular basis. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the immediate supervisor as determined by the Executive Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Cooperates as a team member to help fulfill the Library’s Mission Statement: “This is the public’s library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.”
• Plans and conducts adult and/or youth programs such as story times , book talks, and general presentations on the library’s services and resources; represents the library at community outreach events as needed, utilizing the Bookmobile and other library promotional materials.
• Maintains strong community knowledge and seeks to establish partnerships with community organizations and events to better support literacy within the community via the Library’s presence at events, facilities, and public spaces.
• Operates a large vehicle that contains a library collection that travels to different sites for patron usage; Remains physically and mentally alert to traffic and driving conditions and drives defensively.
• Establishes and maintains a Bookmobile route schedule, using scheduling software such as Google calendar, and recommends changes in route if needed to better serve the public; communicates regularly with Bookmobile site partners and selects the appropriate materials for each site visit to meet the needs and interests of the population served.
• Operates a large vehicle that contains a library collection that travels to different sites for patron usage; Remains physically and mentally alert to traffic and driving conditions and drives defensively.
• Conducts pre-trip inspection of the vehicle at the beginning of the route and post-trip inspection of the vehicle at the end of the route to ensure that the vehicle is operational and functioning properly; checks fluid levels and adds fuel, oil and water as needed, ensures the vehicle is ready for travel, i.e. shelves secure, etc.; coordinates services for the maintenance and repair of the Bookmobile.
• Participates in the weeding and development of the Library’s Bookmobile collections including print, audiovisual, and electronic and digital resources as needed.
• May act as a Library representative to professional, private, and civic organizations as well as the general public as needed.
• Participates in system-wide committees, boards, projects, meetings, and initiatives as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Participates in special projects and performs additional duties as required. Performs minor vehicle maintenance duties as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires the mobility to work in a library setting. Requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, pushing/pulling, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 50 pounds. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak with the public both in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard. Physical dexterity is required in the frequent use of hand-to-eye coordination and manipulative skills in the operation of large vehicles. Work requires sitting for periods of time in a confined vehicle. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. Involves risks or discomforts of routine operation of a large vehicle. Involves various and unpredictable driving conditions which are affected by weather, other drivers, potential traffic hazards and changing road conditions. May interact with upset staff and/or members of the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: General knowledge of professional library principles, methods, materials, and practices; general knowledge of automated and computerized library systems; knowledge of reader interest levels, books, authors and professional library publications; ability to analyze and solve major problems; competence in oral and written communications; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies, and the general public; proficiency with current computer and internet.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year relevant library experience or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides a demonstrated potential for performing the above listed duties of the position is required. Possession of a clean driving record including no accidents or violations in the past 3 years is required. Ability to pass a criminal background check is required.

This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Employees may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description. The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.