Folsom Public Library - Senior Librarian

http://www.folsom.ca.us/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=22796

Close: March 20, 2015 5 PM or first 50 applicants, whichever occurs first

Salary:  External Candidates - $46,836-$69,729 annually

               Internal Candidates - $53,039-$69,729 annually

The Position

Under direction, perform a variety of professional librarian responsibilities in support of the Folsom Public Library

• Answer reference questions and assist patrons
• Select and deselect collection material
• Create and execute Library programs
• Incumbents will lead the Reference Services Division of the Library and may exercise direct and/or indirect supervision over lower level personnel.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the lead or specialist level in the Library series. In the lead assignment, incumbents provide direction to lower level staff including assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of staff. In the specialist assignment, incumbents work on specialized projects containing a high number of complex and difficult tasks and assignments. Positions at this level are distinguished from those in the lower classification of Librarian by the independence with which they perform their duties of handling the most difficult and complex work and performing lead work. This class is distinguished from the class of Library Manager in that the latter class provides direct and indirect supervision to lower level personnel for a preponderance of the time and provides for the overall management of the Library.

Duties:  NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Under supervision of the Library Manager, perform responsible and professional library work related to planning, organizing, and overseeing the activities of the Reference Services division. Provide supervision, including personnel and facility, in the absence of Library Manager.
• Oversee and participate in services at the reference desk and public computers; development and maintenance of the library’s collection; the creation of bibliographies and displays; the interlibrary loan program; and the gathering and reporting of statistics related to Reference services.
• Oversee and participate in the development and implementation of a variety of reading, educational and cultural programs for all ages to encourage library usage, increase literacy skills, and foster community relations.
• Oversee and participate in the maintenance of the Library’s web presence.
• Train and coordinate the work of lower level reference personnel; including staff and service desk scheduling and providing feedback for performance evaluations.
•  Participate in grant writing and budget preparation for assigned area; monitor and control expenditures.
• Coordinate staff review and evaluation of programs, services, collections and policies; recommend policies and procedures for the improvement of Reference services.
• Interpret library policies and procedures to the public in a customer-friendly manner.
• Serve on professional and community committees to advance the library and library profession.
• Perform public relation activities in the library and in the community including giving presentations and hosting activities and organizations.
• Oversee, monitor, and direct the work of lower level personnel. Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of professional library work, including modern library methods, practices, techniques, and terminology. Books, reference materials, journals, and documents, and their appropriateness in serving the needs for recreational reading and research. Principles and practices of team building.
• Grant writing, administration, planning, public relations and report writing. Computer-based information products.
• Theory and philosophy of librarianship. Automated library information and communications systems and equipment usage. Collection development, including book and materials selection.
• Cataloging and classifying procedures for various materials.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles and practices of children and adult library programs and services.
• Children, youth, and adult literature. Reference methods, techniques, and sources used in librarian work.
• Policies, procedures, and functions of the library system. Common word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

Ability to:

• Develop and conduct special programs.
• Foster a team building environment.
• Handle multiple priorities in an efficient and organized manner.
• Develop operating policies and procedures related to area of assignment.
• Develop and monitor an assigned budget; achieve budget goals within area of responsibility.
• Use electronic tools for reference.
• Plan and implement specialized programs.
• Classify and catalog a wide range of books and library materials using both manual and computerized procedures.
• Write written reports and correspondence.
• Prepare displays and other visual materials.
• Maintain records and files.
• Analyze and respond to community needs and requests.
• Operate audio-visual equipment, photocopy machines, and other equipment.
• Perform professional library work in the area of reference.
• Assist patrons in response to reference and related library questions.
• Conduct research using various resources including the Internet.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Oversee, monitor, and direct the work of lower level personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course
• of work.

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities

would be:

Education: A master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working with the public in a professional library position.

One (1) year of lead experience is desirable.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements: Possession of, or ability to obtain and retain, a California Class C driver license by the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Supplemental Questionnaire

1. Choose an example of a program in a public library and describe the specific steps that you would take to update it to respond to changing community needs.

2. Write a brief paragraph describing your experience in each of the following areas:

a. Utilizing emerging technologies especially as it relates to library services.

b. Establishing community contact with schools, local government, library friends’ groups, and/or other agencies and organizations.

c. Developing a new library program or service.