City of Racine is hiring: Public Service and Programming Librarian in Racine

Overview

The Racine Public Library has been the community’s educational and informational institution since 1897. All employees are expected and encouraged to create a positive and friendly environment for library users, the community, and coworkers. It is expected that all employees be flexible, responsive to change, and take a leadership role when necessary. Essential duties may change in response to evolving community needs.

The individual in this position, under the general supervision of the Adult Services Supervisor, performs professional library work in maintaining the standards of materials, services and programming, primarily in the Adult Services Department. This individual will also act as a Programming Lead Coordinator requiring considerable judgment and initiative in planning and overseeing various programming services for all ages. This position also plans, implements and manages services to special groups including seniors, English language learners, and job searchers.

Essential Duties

• Provide public information services and readers’ guidance services in-person, online and by telephone to patrons of all ages at all public service desks ensuring community members’ needs are met
• In conjunction with the Department Head and others in the Department, has a role in the planning, promotion, implementation and evaluation of instructional programs for adult patrons
• In conjunction with the Department Head and others in the Department, participates in the planning, promotion and execution of the annual Adult Summer Reading Program.
• Initiate, plan, oversee, and coordinate outreach services and programs to senior living facilities and community centers
• As Program Lead Coordinator, provides oversight for all programming staff in scheduling programming meetings, reviewing staff program plans and schedules, and ensuring all deadline are met
• Maintain and cultivate contacts and relations with the general community, as well as acting as the key liaison to various senior citizen centers, Spanish-speaking communities, the Racine Literacy Council, Racine County Workforce Solutions, Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
• Has a key role in overall collection development for the adult nonfiction materials and in maintaining a diverse collection which is inclusive of the needs of all adults in accordance with the Library’s Collection Development policy (this is also inclusive of reading reviews, selecting library materials in various formats, and weeding)
• Regular public services duties include staffing service desks as coverage demands, responding to inquiries and providing customer service, assistance and instruction to library community members; interprets library rules, policies and procedures to the public
• Prepare bibliographies, thematic book displays, readers’ advisory brochures and blogs, flyers, and other promotional materials, as needed
• Provide instruction to the public on the OPAC (online public access computer), Internet and other public access technology
• Assist patrons with personal technology devices when able
• Participate in staff meetings and provide input on improving services, programs, and the collections
• Attend and increase skills and knowledge through professional meetings, workshops, webinars, and conferences
• Keeps informed of trends in adult materials and resources, library services, and issues affecting adult patrons, and libraries, in general.
• Perform duties as Lead Person in charge, as needed
• Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record

Associated Duties

• Ability to become a notary public and performing all range of duties inclusive of the notary role
• Ability to use personal judgment to effectively problem solve
• Ability to work with a diverse public, and other staff members politely and with respect
• Ability to communicate effectively in a pleasant and professional manner
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Work on special projects as assigned by supervisor
• Attend meetings of community organizations, as required
• Promote library resources through various mediums, including outreaches, library events, city and county-wide initiatives, etc.
• Assist in training new staff, as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association preferred; or any combination of education and/or experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and public relations skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, both orally and in writing, desirable
• Knowledge of and ability to use current technology and ability to adapt to new technologies
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with the public, other staff members, supervisors, and community members
• Ability to work within a budget and make sound purchasing decisions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability and stamina to physically perform all of the necessary tasks assigned to the position
• Ability to work in a potentially stressful environment and resilient in the face of change
• Demonstrated passion and involvement for working to improve the lives of people across the Racine community
• Ability to work autonomously on routine and ongoing projects
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of public libraries
• Demonstrated knowledge of programming for adults
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer applications for library services
• Knowledge of reference sources and ability to use this knowledge to assist patrons
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Demonstrated time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to evaluate material based on reviews and personal judgment
• Ability to plan and present programs for adults
• Ability to work with the public and other staff members politely and with respect
• Ability to make sound decisions using personal judgment
• Ability to develop new skills

Physical Demands

Reaching, walking, standing, kneeling, sitting, bending, keyboarding, lifting up to 20 pounds, talking, listening, grasping, reading.

Environmental/Working Conditions

Normal working conditions of a public library. This position requires intensive interaction with the public, at a busy service desk. Some evening and weekend work is required. Exact schedule to be worked out with your immediate supervisor.

Equipment Used

Computer, telephone, fax machine, photocopy machine, laminator, e-book readers, audio-visual equipment, gaming systems, projector, sound amplifying equipment, walkie-talkie, scanner.

This job description is intended to identify essential duties and illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.