Library Specialist I (Children's And Youth Services)

Salary : $38,263.48 Annually
Location : Midland, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2019-00409
Department: Library-Any Location
Division:Youth Services
Opening Date: 03/07/2024
Summary
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• Resume

Performs a variety of tasks related to the operation of the library. Organizes and implements services and activities in assigned unit of the library, performs paraprofessional library services to assist patrons within the library system to provide system-wide service. Performs responsible and varied clerical library services in the circulation of books, periodicals, materials, equipment, and related collection items; assists patrons in using library services and facilities; and maintains circulation statistics. Provides friendly, high-quality customer service. Constant contact and collaboration with target audience, including those with diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
vary depending on the unit to which the employee is assigned. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assesses, evaluates, and weeds assigned collections.
• May serve on Library Selectors team, which helps to maintain and keep the library collection current and useful to the community. Reviews, selects, and orders materials in print and non-print formats for assigned collections.
• Works at assigned service desk, greets visitors, and prepares desk for operation.
• Sorts, separates, arranges, shelves, and files various library materials accurately according to library classification systems (alphabetic, numeric, and alphanumeric). Assists in maintaining collections by inspecting items for damage and performing minor repair.
• Assists in evaluating and weeding assigned collections and assists in selection and ordering of print and non-print materials. Analyzes and interprets statistical and community information as part of the selection process.
• Calculates and collects fees and charges from patrons for damaged or lost items, printing, or any other service that requires a fee. Makes change and balances cash drawer with daily receipts.
• Creates and maintains registration for programs, activities, or meetings, as assigned. May include creating calendar of events and distributing accordingly.
• Monitors effectiveness and attendance of programs and reports to supervisor.
• Maintains neatness of assigned unit and creates an inviting environment that provides for enjoyable

and convenient use of library resources.

• Designs, promotes, executes, and evaluates programs for target audience of assigned unit. Includes researching and requesting materials needed for programs.
• May assist with special projects involving library promotion and outreach activities.
• Interprets censorship and freedom of access issues as they pertain to the selection of materials for library customers.
• Prepares and compiles required reports and statistics.
• Performs in-depth reference searches and performs readers advisory services.
• Plans, assembles, and arranges displays of materials to support popular topics.
• Conducts library tours and orientations, as assigned.
• Provides information on library activities, facilities, rules, and services to patrons. Refers patrons requiring professional assistance to the appropriate staff.
• Receives incoming calls; provides general information to patrons regarding services available to the public, schedule of events, requirements to obtain a library card, overdue items, meeting and study rooms reservations and policies, and other inquiries.
• Searches and enters, through ILS, materials on hold for patrons. Materials may be requested in person, by phone, or email. Searches and informs patrons and staff regarding availability of materials on hand. Provides materials to other units as requested.
• Responds to inquiries from the public in person and over the phone to help them obtain the information they are seeking; conducts research to locate related information.
• Conducts inventory of unit supplies and prepares replenishment orders for supervisor.
• Assists other units when staffing is inadequate, as assigned/requested.
• Maintains unit equipment including troubleshooting and performing basic maintenance procedures as needed.
• Assists patrons the use of library resources, including library equipment, computer catalogs, indexes, computerized search systems, self-service print system, and the Internet, providing digital information literacy to patrons on a one-on-one basis as time permits.
• Attends staff meetings, professional and community meetings, workshops, and conferences, as required. Reports work accomplished to supervisor.
• Explains library policies, objectives, and services to community groups and the public.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Takes advantage of continuing education opportunities and reviews industry literature to improve services and workflow. Keeps abreast of publishing trends for materials and maintains an awareness of library trends.
• Performs other duties as required to ensure the smooth operation of the library and the provision of excellent customer service.
• Required to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the library, including evenings and weekends. May be assigned to work at all library locations, as needed. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

POSITION SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS
Children's and Youth Services:

• This position requires the ability to analyze library Children's and juvenile programs and operations, develop recommendations and solutions for future operations and recruit, train, and supervise volunteers focused on Children's and juvenile programming.
• Works with the children's unit leader and supervisor to create crafts and display items.
• Conducts children-related library tours.
• Coordinates programs and activities with school librarians, teachers, parents' groups, and community organizations.
• Plans and conducts weekly preschool story time; summer reading program for children preschool through teen; youth book clubs; special programs for Children and Youth for afterschool and for school holidays. Conducts book talks for students.
• Develops bibliographies and pathfinders from children's collection.
• Identifies and translates children and young adult needs and interests into effective library services and programs.
• Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the needs and abilities of children and the available library materials and services.
• Plans and attends unit clubs and Teen Library Advisory Board.
• Must be able to work out of doors during special events and summer programming.

Reference and Adult Services:

• Accesses information from library webpage and digital media offerings.
• Can troubleshoot problems with printer sand computers for personal use and for the public and is familiar with the library's print release and computer reservation system.
• Can instruct patrons in the use of the library's electronic resources and databases.
• Teaches patrons to use the technology including smartphones, tablets, and computers as they relate to utilizing library resources.
• Checks availability of meeting and study rooms and accurately inputs reservations to avoid conflicts, as needed.

Circulation Services:

• Registers patrons; processes library card applications. Issues new patron cards/updates cards.
• Enters and retrieves patron and circulation information by computer terminal in a computerized circulation system. Maintains patron and material records.
• Performs library materials check-in, check-out, renewal, holds, and patron registration and renewal; routes material to correct locations, and notifies patrons about reserved materials.
• Responsible for checking and emptying returns/drops and following protocol for safe check-in of materials, including cleaning and disinfecting material, as needed, using the proper technique and equipment.

Collection Development:

• May serve on Library Selectors team, which helps to maintain and keep the library collection current and useful to the community. Library Selectors team members vary in pay grade.
• Reviews, selects, and orders materials in print and non-print formats for assigned collections.
• Under the direction of a Librarian, supports collection development and management activities.
• Assists in identifying gaps in the library's collections based on analyzing collection use statistics.
• Stays within allotted budget.

Qualifications, Education, and/or experience
Employees at this level perform clearly defined tasks, typically within one or two of the core functions of the job. Employees typically follow set procedures and instructions. May oversee part-time staff, shelvers, and volunteers who are performing similar or relates work within the library unit. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The completion of a high school education or equivalent certification, plus basic computer skills and competencies, including the ability to navigate the Internet; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Preferences: two to three years of library, clerical and/or customer service experience; able to speak, read, and/or write Spanish.
Must have valid Texas driver's license, provide proof of insurance, and have adequate transportation.
Knowledge, Skills and/or ability
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Work at this level typically requires the following range of skills:

• General knowledge of library policies and procedures and more specific knowledge of policies and procedures and work methods pertaining to the assigned functional area and work unit.
• Working knowledge of library terms and bibliographic formats and structures, including the ability to conduct a simple bibliographic search.
• Familiarity with the library's ethical policies and practices associated with use of and access to library resources, including networked resources, as well as familiarity with established standards related to copyright and intellectual property protection.
• Knowledge of basic library research methodology and the ability to use it.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English grammar, punctuation and spelling, including the ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of numerical and alphabetical filing systems.
• Ability to use the library system(s) and subsystem(s) module(s) to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to access various on-line resources and databases used within the library and to use their standard features to perform technical work and/or assist patrons.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply policies and procedures related to assigned functional work area.
• Ability to use standard features of office support technology and standard software packages.
• Ability to perform standard arithmetic operations.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision to perform assigned work.
• Ability to work within a diverse environment and be service-oriented in working with patrons and other library staff, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the library.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to work with the public and assist patrons with basic inquiries and direct them appropriately in locating and using library materials and inform them of applicable library policies and procedures.
• Willingness to maintain and improve skills.

HEALTH / DENTAL INSURANCE- Regular full-time employees are provided general medical, hospitalization, and dental insurance coverage. This is free to the employee if they take a yearly HRA and have negative Cotinine test yearly. Employees may obtain coverage under the group plan for family members at their own expense. Employees become eligible for this coverage on the 91st day of employment. Prices for other insurance are listed
LONG TERM DISABILITY- Regular full-time employees working over 30 hours per week are eligible for long-term disability benefits. This benefit becomes effective on the 1st day of the month following six months of continuous employment with the county
CAFETERIA PLAN- All regular full-time employees are eligible to enroll in the supplemental insurance portion of the county cafeteria plan on the 91st day of employment, or annually during an enrollment period for the following plan year of January 1 through December 31. They will not be eligible for enrollment in the Flexible Spending Accounts for medical reimbursement and/or dependent care until the first annual enrollment for the plan year beginning after 1 full year of employment.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS- Midland County offers five deferred compensation plans. Enrollment in one of these plans can be done at any time after the 91st day of employment.
RETIREMENT PLAN- The county is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS). Regular employees are required to become members of TCDRS and are eligible for this benefit immediately upon employment. Employees automatically deposit 7% of their salary. Temporary employees are not eligible to become members of TCDRS. The county matches employee deposits by 200% and interest at retirement. An employee is veste...