Librarian I, Information Services/All Sections (Reference, SC Room, Interlibrary Loan, and Technology Center), Hughes Main Library

Required: 

Must meet one of the categories of training & experience listed below:

Category 1:

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited college or university
• Two years of experience working with the public in a customer service position.

Category 2:

Applicants who are working towards a Master in Library & Information Science (MLIS) degree may be considered as a Librarian Trainee for Librarian I and II level positions. To be considered, the following requirements must be met:

• Currently enrolled in an ALA accredited university working towards the MLIS degree,
• Completed at least 12 credit hours for the MLIS degree,
• Able to complete the MLIS degree within two years of the date of hire or promotion to a Trainee position, and
• Have three years of experience working in a public library or two years of experience working with GCLS.

Transcripts or other acceptable documentation from an ALA accredited university must be provided to support the above requirements. Librarian Trainees will be hired at 5% below the starting minimum of the pay grade for Librarian I and II level positions, as applicable.

Preferred: 

• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience working in a public library, archive, or historical research environment.
• Experience working in a local history and genealogy department.
• Experience working with genealogy materials and research techniques.
• Experience working with digitization.
• Experience providing general and/or specialized reference service.

Must have the ability to:

• concentrate for long periods of time
• speak clearly and distinctly
• hear and/or comprehend verbal communication
• hear audible alarms and notifications
• see and interpret all job-related materials
• operate library equipment as assigned
• lift up to 25 pounds and push book carts weighing over 100 pounds
• sit for long periods of time
• stand for long periods of time
• walk, bend and stoop
• reach, grasp and use hands to touch, handle, or feel
• type on an ongoing basis for long periods of time, using both hands
• tolerate low levels of dust and mold associated with working around paper files, books, and other library materials

• Weekend and night work
• Performs duties of any section in Information Services, including Interlibrary Loan, Reference, South Carolina Room, and Technology Center.

These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. Essential job functions designated with (E).

• Provides reference service to Library System users and staff. (E)
• Assists customers with identifying, locating, and using library materials. (E)
• Assists customers with the use of computer equipment, Windows operating system, MS Office, various Internet browsers, email, and the Library System’s website, including the online catalog and databases. (E)
• Teaches customers and staff effective use of the library catalog, the Internet, computer software, online databases, etc., through both group instruction and one-on-one appointments. (E)
• Provides instruction in the use of library equipment. (E)
• Makes appropriate referrals to other Library System units, agencies, etc., for information or materials not available at work location. (E)
• Assists customers with current mobile device technology and assists them in downloading and/or accessing the Library System’s online digital materials such as eBooks. (E)
• May conduct tours, presentations, workshops, and orientation for groups.
• Acts as a Team Leader, i.e. serves as the responsible party for the unit’s operation, during nights, on weekends, or as designated. (E)
• Communicates and enforces the Library System’s Code of Conduct and other policies, procedures, and rules to customers. (E)
• Reviews professional literature to keep abreast of developments in library and information science, with an emphasis on developments in reference services. (E)
• Prepares, processes, and/or transmits, correspondence, acquisitions request forms, time sheets, reference statistics sheets, cataloging corrections forms, reports, etc. (E)
• May develop content for web pages and Library System publications.
• Attends library association meetings, training programs, workshops, and conferences as appropriate.
• Ensures safe work methods are followed to prevent injury. (E)
• Works a schedule that meets the needs of the unit, which may include varying assignments within Information Services. (E)
• Accepts conference room applications and enters application information into meeting space calendar system in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. (E)
• Promotes Library System programs and assists customers in registering for them. (E)
• Assesses Library System materials for needed repair, identifies items for discard/replacement review, evaluates the collection to identify gaps, and may recommend materials for acquisition. (E)
• Cleans and dusts Library System equipment, materials, and shelving; assists in keeping the public and non-public areas in Information Services clean and neat. (E)
• May assist in various aspects of programming for adults, including planning, organizing, preparing materials, presenting, and/or providing instruction.
• May participate in community events on behalf of the Library System upon request.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance and remains compliant with the Library System’s Attendance Guidelines. (E)
• Performs other related duties as required, including those of any staff member in the unit.

(Testing of computer skills may be part of the interview process for this position.)

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of general and specialized reference sources; of reference practices and techniques, including reference service delivered via telephone, online, and one-on-one appointments.
• Knowledge of technology and mobile devices.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of computer, mouse, and keyboard use.
• Knowledge of Windows operating system, MS Office, various Internet browsers, and email.
• Preferred: Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Preferred: Knowledge of genealogy, local information, and the history of Greenville County and of South Carolina.
• Preferred: Knowledge of digitization and historical research sources.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to create and work in a team environment and establish and maintain effective working relationships with Library System staff and the general public.
• Ability to work under frequently stressful conditions and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to be detail-oriented and recognize and correct errors.
• Ability to learn and enforce the Library System’s policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to deal with difficult individuals with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to operate and care for computers and their peripherals, e.g. RFID pads, barcode readers, printers, etc.
• Ability to learn the Library System’s integrated system software that manages various work processes.
• Ability to effectively use and demonstrate to customers the use of computer equipment, Windows operating system, MS Office, various Internet browsers, email, and the Library System’s website, including the online catalog and databases.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate the use of current mobile device technology to assist customers in downloading and/or accessing the Library System’s online digital materials such as eBooks.
• Ability to teach basic library, computer, and internet skills in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Ability to learn emerging technologies and moderately complex computer applications.
• Ability to communicate concepts, general information, and task-oriented information in oral, written, and electronic forms.
• Ability to plan and execute presentations and demonstrations of library resources for various audiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use good judgment and discretion in carrying out duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, problems, and complaints with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to adapt easily to working in a variety of settings and roles within Information Services, and with different work teams.
• Effective reference interview skills.
• Effective public speaking and group presentation skills.
• Preferred: Touch typing skills.
• Preferred: Bilingual – English/Spanish skills.

Characteristics:

• Works well in a team environment.
• Adapts easily to working in a variety of settings and roles, and with different work teams.
• Establishes rapport with others in person and on the telephone, and maintains effective working relationships with customers and coworkers.
• Enjoys interacting with people both individually and in group settings, and possesses a strong commitment to providing an exemplary customer experience.
• Works calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Follows established procedures and instructions received from supervisor.
• Possesses strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Values technology as a tool, staying on top of technology trends.
• Recognizes change as an ongoing opportunity for growth.
• Performs routine tasks efficiently and without difficulty.
• Uses good judgment and discretion in carrying out duties and responsibilities.
• Is receptive to feedback, willing to learn, and embraces continuous improvement.
• Takes ownership of work, does what is needed without being asked, and follows through until task is resolved.
• Arrives on time, works hours as scheduled, and maintains a good attendance record.
• Is flexible, willingly accepting schedule adjustments and varying work assignments, often with little advance notice.

 EXAMPLES OF ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED IF WORKING IN THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES UNIT

Reference

• Provides readers’ advisory service with emphasis on nonfiction. (E)
• Assists customers with current mobile device technology and using them to download and/or access the Library System’s online digital materials such as eBooks. (E)

South Carolina Room

• Provides specialized research assistance related to genealogy, local information, and the history of Greenville County and of South Carolina. (E)
• Assists with digital collection project tasks. (E)
• Indexes newspaper articles and other materials on the computer. (E)
• Retrieves library materials as requested. (E) 

Interlibrary Loan

• Locates, borrows, and lends library materials to other libraries using standard interlibrary loan procedures. (E)
• Prepares library materials for loan and for return to lending libraries. (E)
• Prepares bills and handles correspondence pertaining to interlibrary loan. (E)