Reference Librarian, Kent Memorial Library, Suffield, CT
Posted November 25, 2020
Description:
The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England town with a longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture and agricultural roots. The many people who serve Suffield through town government – as employees and volunteers alike – remain committed to developing and fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.
The Kent Memorial Library in Suffield is seeking an energetic and creative individual to become the Reference Librarian. This position leads and trains a team of part-time staff to provide outstanding service to the community. Serves the residents of Suffield in a positive, customer-oriented manner that helps promote a positive, professional image for the Town government.
Works under the general direction of the Director of Library. This position leads and trains a team of part-time staff to provide outstanding service to the community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Understands and is able to perform all jobs related to reference services, including
but not limited to: research, reader’s advisory, technology and information services - Assists patrons in using the online catalog and other electronic tools and resources;
assists and instructs patrons in using library services, equipment, and facilities,
including one-on-one instructional sessions - Provide outstanding customer service at reference desk to library patrons in person,
over the telephone, and email - Provides technical/reference support to staff; works with Town of Suffield IT
Department in identifying and resolving IT-related needs and tickets. - Maintains reference data and prepares regular statistical reports for the Director;
- Maintains familiarity with the collection, recommends materials to be added, using standard library selection tools
- Keeps informed of current events and of developments in the library field and maintains current knowledge of library technology
- Maintains knowledge of the automated circulation and technical services systems and assists with circulation, technical services tasks, and interlibrary loan system, including paperwork and shipments, as needed
- Creates displays to enhance the library experience and to promote use of library resources
- Maintain positive working relationships with school officials, community groups, and the public regarding program offerings and coordination of services; promptly and cordially respond to citizen inquiries, feedback, and complaints about services and facilities.
- Attend seminars and conferences to remain current on developments in relevant fields.
Other Job Functions:
- Perform other related work as assigned
- Works at other public service desks, as needed
- Attends professional and community meetings, workshops, and conferences, as required.
Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in related field required;
- Master of Library Science Degree in Library Science (MLS) from an accredited institution are preferred;
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in public libraries, including management and supervision of staff, preferably in the reference department;
- Library reference experience required;
- Experience in providing direct customer service to various populations;
- Experience with current and future technologies;
- Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities;
- Suitable experience may be substituted for education attainment if deemed appropriate by the First Selectman;
- Graduate students in Library Science programs are encouraged to apply.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Communication skills;
- Knowledge of computers and office software;
- Knowledge of children’s literature, although not required, is also preferred.
Special Requirements:
- Valid, active Motor Vehicle Operator’s license preferred;
- Must submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing as well as fitness for duty testing.
Tools and Equipment Used:
Prior library experience and familiarity with the Bibliomation Evergreen library system is preferred. This job operates in a professional environment with occasional related fieldwork. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required
to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, handle or operate objects, controls or standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, postage machine, folding machine, printers and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
General Guidelines:
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Travel:
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected for conferences and seminars.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of functions, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEOC Statement:
It is the policy of the Town of Suffield to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance,
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of Suffield will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an undue hardship for qualified individuals with disabilities,
Hours:
This position is at will. This is a 37 hours per week, full-time union position with benefits. Must be flexible to include evenings and weekends. The hours may be subject to change. This position occasionally requires long hours beyond those scheduled hours, including monthly evening commission meetings, evening work, and weekend work as job duties demand.
Compensation and Benefits:
$24.00 per hour; per hour; compensation in accordance to the Library Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits package to include:
- Paid Holidays per Year
- Paid Sick and Vacation Days
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Defined Contribution Plan with Town Match
- Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
How to Apply:
The original job posting with full description can be found here. Applications can be found there. Please submit an application along with a resume by the closing date of posting. You may mail your application to: Town of Suffield, Attention: Shannon Jendrysik, Human Resources Department, 61 Ffyler Place, Suffield, CT 06078 or email to [email protected].
The Town of Suffield is an equal opportunity employer m/f/d/v. The above posting is intended as a guide and is not a complete description of the position or process