Librarian I Job at City of Duluth, MN in Duluth

Overview

The Duluth Public Library (DPL) is seeking a librarian with a passion for customer service, as well as a dedication to welcoming and serving all people in the community. Applicants will be considered for any job openings that come up over the next three months. DPL employs librarians in Youth Services, Adult Services, and Technical Services. The current opening is in Adult Services overseeing outreach and volunteer coordination.

We are looking for

• Librarian with Master’s Degree in Library Science, ideally with public library experience
• Dedication to customer service
• Strong reference and readers advisory skills
• Enthusiasm for planning and providing engaging events for the community
• Knowledge of collection development and management
• Skill in helping people navigate online resources
• Creativity and flexibility to provide outstanding library service in the midst of change

Key tasks

• Staffing a service desk, offering general reference assistance and readers advisory suggestions
• Providing outreach to the community
• Planning and providing programs and events for the public
• Working within a budget
• Working collaboratively with a team of staff to plan, provide and improve library services
• Selecting, evaluating and weeding items in a designated collection, if assigned one
• Working with library supervisor to recruit, onboard, manage and recognize library volunteers

About the Job

SUMMARY/PURPOSE
To provide direct library service to the public; provide and promote library services, programs, and collections; and organize and direct the activities of assigned staff, volunteers, and interns.

Under direction:

1. Provide direct library service to the public.

A. Serve the public directly by staffing public service sites.

B. Provide information to the public using a variety of sources, formats, technologies and equipment.

C. Provide instruction to the public in the use of library resources.

D. Serve as a resource person in specialized areas of library service.

E. Maintain professional growth and development through a variety of activities which may include continuing education courses, seminars, conferences, and participation in professional organizations.

2. Provide and promote library services, programs and collections.

A. Provide library outreach to the community.

B. Conduct tours, classes and programs for adults, teenagers, and children.

C. Review and recommend materials, technologies, services, and programs within designated budgets.

D. Analyze circulation trends; withdraw worn, dated and/or damaged materials from the collection.

E. Acquire, classify and catalog library materials.

3. Organize and direct the activities of assigned staff, volunteers and interns.

A. Assist in the selection of library staff.

B. Assist in training personnel.

C. Assign and schedule the work activities of designated personnel.

4. Assist in division or department functions as assigned.

A. Provide explanation of library policies and procedures to the public.

B. Participate in or lead committees and task forces.

C. Maintain records necessary for statistical analysis.

D. Perform related tasks as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education & Experience Requirements

A. Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited school.

Knowledge Requirements

A. Knowledge of the principles and practices of library science, including cataloging and classification; reference and research; reader's advisory; collection development; library information networks; censorship and copyright laws; library automation and technologies; electronic and web-based resources; data and patron privacy laws; and public library management and marketing.

B. Knowledge of services for diverse populations, including people of all ages, with disabilities, and from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Ability Requirements

A. Ability to use and apply modern library technologies and equipment and personal computer technology.

B. Ability to handle information requests from both public and staff efficiently and effectively.

C. Ability to perform detail work accurately and consistently.

D. Ability to work independently at public service desks.

E. Ability to work without direct supervision and to accept personal responsibility for one's decisions and actions.

F. Ability to retain one's composure when working under pressure.

G. Ability to meet deadlines.

H. Ability to maintain a positive and flexible approach to changing needs within the community and to a changing information environment.

I. Ability to communicate through oral and written reports.

J. Ability to work as a member of a team.

K. Ability to organize and direct the work activities of assigned staff, volunteers and interns, within prescribed parameters.

L. Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with library personnel and with the public, including people of all ages, with disabilities, and from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

M. Ability to work scheduled hours, including evenings and weekends.

N. Ability to retrieve and replace materials on shelves at various heights.

O. Ability to push and pull shelving carts requiring up to 41 pounds of force for distances of up to 25 feet on a carpeted surface.

P. Ability to retrieve information from various sources, such as online databases, books, and microforms.

Q. Ability to frequently transport materials weighing up to 25 pounds, and occasionally weighing up to 50 pounds, from one part of the library to another.

R. Ability to work in a stationary position for long periods.

S. Ability to transport oneself throughout the library and to and from branch libraries.

T. Ability to attend work on a regular basis.

If available for this job classification, detailed Physical Demands can be viewed on the following website: https://duluthmn.gov/human-resources/employment/job-physical-demandswork-environment/

Education/Experience Review (100% of scoring process; 70 pass point):
Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be rated based on the type (relatedness) and extent of their education and experience as documented on their application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Applicants who pass this exam will have their names placed on an eligible list for this classification.

2026 Salary Range: $64,096-$77,774 Annually ($32.8698-$39.8840 Hourly)