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Reference Librarian

Position

Reference Librarian

Department

County Library

Accountable To

Library Director

Summary of Work

Maintains and delivers library services for the community by answering requests for information and recreational reading. Uses the County Library, other libraries and other agencies to answer requests. Assists with developing the collection for public use.

Job Characteristics

Nature of Work

This position performs administrative, supervisory, and professional duties requiring adherence to standards of accuracy, timeliness, tact, and confidentiality. Position requires ability to move and shelve heavy books. Position works varying work schedule and includes some evenings and weekends.

Consequence of errors may result in dissatisfied library users and loss of time to find and correct mistakes.

Personal Contacts

Continual and demanding contact with the public. Coordinates duties with other employees and supervisor to complete tasks.

Supervision Received

Direction from Library Director.

Essential Functions

Position requires ability to communicate orally and in writing, retrieve and return books to shelves, type, supervise, calculate, read written material, maintain files, operate a computer, operate library machines and equipment. Maintains and applies a thorough knowledge of the library automation systems.

Areas of Job Accountability and Performance

Strives to meet the objectives of the library as established by the Board.

Serves all library users by providing reference service. Works as lead worker in the reference department and provides direction to other employees, volunteers, and student workers. Makes decisions on how to best serve each library user.

Works at the circulation desk according to assigned schedule and will answer the telephone as needed.

Performs daily activities - retrieves reports, checks library materials in and out, shelves books, files, operates online catalog and automation system. May be responsible for displays and bulletin boards within the library.

Assists with original cataloging if material is not found on the OCLC/WLN database. Completes the technical processing for audio and video cassettes.

Responsible for organizing the interlibrary loan procedures including borrowing materials and returning materials; gives notice to library users of overdue material; keeps accurate records and files; completes forms for Interlibrary loan reimbursement from Montana State Library.

Follows the collection management policy and leases new books according to the contract. Supports collection management by troubleshooting inventory problems, recommending purchases, processing new materials, evaluating gifts, assessing, weeding and maintaining a vertical file.

Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements

Knowledge

This position requires a thorough knowledge of the collection, library practices, procedures and techniques; reference information sources; OCLC/WLN and LaserCat program.. A working knowledge of the laws, regulations and departmental policies pertaining to library services. Demonstrates and practices the use of Internet, online catalog, electronic databases and automation systems. Assist the library users in following an appropriate inquiry process including evaluating information.

Skills

This position requires skills in the use of computers and library equipment; skills in dealing with people.

Abilities

Position requires ability to: work well with patrons; complete tasks; pay attention to accuracy; work with interruptions; maintain confidentiality: stay abreast on new procedures affecting library and services; supervise assistants and volunteers; maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other agencies, and the public, communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.

Education and Experience

The above knowledge, skills, abilities are usually acquired through a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to:

  • A Bachelor's Degree and three years of experience working in a public library is preferred.
  • Current state certification is preferred.
  • Strong interest in reading preferred.

Job Performance Standards

Evaluation of this position will be based primarily upon performance of the preceding requirements and duties. Examples of job performance criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Performs assigned duties.
  • Meets the objectives of the library as established by the Board.
  • Effectively researches information for patrons using and evaluating electronic resources and/or other library materials and books.
  • Competently processes, classifies, and processes books and other library materials.
  • Effectively assists all library users in the use of the library.
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Maintains accurate and timely records.
  • Deals tactfully and courteously with the public.
  • Keeps work areas neat.
  • Observes work hours.
  • Demonstrates punctuality.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors and the public.