Librarian - Core Services (Anticipated Vacancy)

Augusta , Maine , United States | Library Services | Full-time

Apply by: May 23, 2024

Apply with Linkedin Apply

MAINE STATE LIBRARY

PUBLIC AND OUTREACH SERVICES, RESEARCH & INNOVATION

LIBRARIAN– CORE SERVICES: CIRCULATION AND OUTREACH

JOB CLASS CODE: 3105

PAY GRADE: 20

SALARY: $20.08 - $26.96/Hour

OPENING DATE: May 2, 2024

CLOSING DATE: May 23, 2024

PURPOSE OF ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Maine State Library (MSL) is dedicated to serving the information needs of all Maine citizens and to the support of all Maine libraries, through helping people, making libraries stronger, and transforming information into knowledge. The Maine State Library fosters an environment of collaboration and teamwork, encourages innovation and ideas, and seeks individuals who enjoy working in such an environment. Providing excellence in service is at the heart of our mission.

MSL has a vacancy for a Core Services Librarian located in the Augusta office. This position requires core library services work to be provided at the Maine State Library and may require evening and Saturday hours.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

This is Librarian – Core Services work in the Public & Outreach Services, Research & Innovation Division of the Maine State Library, with primary responsibilities in Circulation and Outreach. This is professional services work in the general management of the Maine State Library’s public facing operations involving high touch daily contact with library patrons and processing of library materials. This position ensures daily coverage of the library’s circulation desk, transport and retrieval of library materials from an off-site location, and oversight of the Books By Mail program (which helps serve underserved Maine residents). The Outreach Library section of the Maine State Library serves as the lending library for Maine residents living in un‐served or underserved areas or who are homebound by delivering library materials via U.S. Mail. Patrons can order materials through the online catalog, mail or via phone. This program provides Maine rural and homebound residents physical library materials, in addition to having access to audio and e‐books via the Download Library, and other online resources and databases already accessible with an MSL library card.

The Core Services Librarian will report to the Library Section Supervisor - Public and Outreach Services, Research & Innovation, and will work with the other Maine State Library public and outreach service staff to ensure library lending services offered through the Maine State Library are being delivered successfully. The candidate must possess a passion for service, exhibit outstanding verbal and written communication skills, be adept at using technology, and proficient in knowledge of integrated library systems.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Typical duties of the position may include, but are not limited to:

Circulation:

• Maintains expert knowledge of the circulation modules of the Library ILS and all associated tools and equipment

• Operates, maintains, and trains others on the automated circulation system (Sierra/Polaris) and in the procedures of the Circulation Department; ensures the standardization of quality circulation services; assists in troubleshooting circulation issues and oversees scheduling and workflow

• Develops, documents, and maintains procedures for circulation and patron material access functions including holds, overdues, ILL, direct lending and library card applications

• Assures that all phone greetings for Library main line & Outreach Services phone lines are up to date.

• Oversees daily cash register operation reconciliation and preparation of banking deposits, fines, fees, and monetary donations.

• Contributes content to the Library’s newsletter, website, and social media platforms

• Serves as MSL representative to URSUS Consortium and attends URSUS committee meetings and provides updates as needed. Takes a leadership role in the integrated library system migration from Sierra to Polaris

• Oversees the library’s public computing technologies, troubleshoots issues with public computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, microfilm and works with State OIT and other vendors in the maintenance and delivery of technology services

• Manages the daily workflow and scheduling of circulation services and provides functional direction of Librarian Generalists and Customer Service Representatives who work with direct lending and Books By Mail

• Participates in collection development and management activities as needed.

• Provides instruction to patrons and staff with OPAC searching and requesting

• Interprets library policies, rules and procedures for library patrons and staff

• Mediates patron disputes related to circulation policies and procedures; resolves problems, answers questions, and addresses patron concerns.

• Participates and contributes to meetings and shares information with department as necessary; maintains effective communication with department staff

• Prepares accurate and informative statistical reports as required and collects data as a guide for future planning.

• Keeps informed of professional and technological developments through participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, webinars, and continuing education courses.

• Works cooperatively with other departments to implement new projects and initiatives.

• Performs any and all other related duties as needed

OUTREACH SERVICES

Books By Mail Program:

• Ensures that all 1st class Outreach Services mail is distributed to appropriate staff.

• Vets/approves all Books By Mail registrations. Follows up on applications as necessary.

• Writes and updates procedures for Outreach Services (BBM) and consortial ILL/van delivery processes.

• Reviews status of books checked on ILL-Books by Mail record and follows up on overdue “billed” items on a weekly basis. Collaborates with staff on the handling of claims and patron billing disputes.

• Contacts BBM patrons regarding overdue items and follows up on overdue billing.

• Handles billing with other libraries for Outreach Services patrons and items.

• Catalogs and reviews cataloging for Books By Mail items.

• Assists with/responds to Outreach Services information requests. Handles more complicated Outreach Services requests and situations

• Compiles and provides statistics for Outreach Services programs as requested.

• Assists with phone calls, reader advisory, and daily workflow in Outreach Services programs and consortia ILL/van delivery processes.

• Oversees the daily workflow in the Books By Mail program.

• Provides functional direction to the Librarian Generalist who:

o Handles/processes URSUS and INN-Reach reports on a weekly/monthly basis.

o Coordinates and administers Books By Mail summer reading program.

o Creates and posts items on social media on an ongoing basis.

• Maintains Outreach Services patron feedback files for LSTA purposes. Provides feedback, information, and statistics for the annual LSTA report.

• Explains and promotes Talking Book Program Plus services, responds to patron inquiries, and makes appropriate referrals as required.

• Assists and supports Talking Books staff as needed.

• Works on special projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:(These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Knowledge of professional library techniques, systems, tools, materials, and major library classification systems.

• Knowledge of general cataloging guidelines and systems (i.e. Machine-Readable Cataloging Records (MARC) / Resource Description and Access (RDA) Cataloging / Ohio College Library Center (OCLC)).

• Knowledge of collection development and maintenance principles and practices.

• Knowledge of Maine State Government and Maine State Library collections and local resources.

• Knowledge of reader interests, books, and authors.

• Knowledge of principles and methods for instructing individuals and groups

• Knowledge of the Talking Books Program Plus and populations served

• Knowledge of and proficiency in public computing technologies

• Ability to troubleshoot issues with public computer hardware and software, printers, and copiers.

• Ability to use a variety of modern office and audio-visual equipment.

• Ability to ascertain informational needs of patrons and to respond effectively.

• Ability to talk with people with disabilities

• Ability to use and explain the use of catalogs, guides, indexes, bibliographies, technologies, and other library materials.

• Ability to perform original cataloging and classification of library materials.

• Ability to demonstrate ongoing intellectual effort required to maintain current knowledge of library resources, learning, literature, and information resources.

• Ability to understand and interpret instructions, directives, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to identify problems and review related information to develop, evaluate, and implement solutions.

• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to facilitate both small and large meetings as needed.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Push and pull loaded book trucks weighing up to 200 pounds; bend down to floor and reach up to seven feet to retrieve and shelve books, often with the aid of a foot stool; lift and carry books weighing 20-30 pounds; sit at a keyboard display for data entry for two to three hours at a time; work at public service desk up to four hours at a time with frequent change in sitting and standing positions; cover large distances and walk quickly to retrieve materials for patrons including use of stairs; shift heavy equipment and furniture up to 200 pounds; crawl on hands and knees to troubleshoot equipment and retrieve materials; and carry bags of books weight up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:(Entry level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in library and information science and two (2) years of experience in professional library work, -OR- an acceptable equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a passion for service and can demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience working with librarians, libraries, library ILS systems and library technologies. Current enrollment in/or completion of an accredited master’s degree program in library science or equivalent a plus.

COMPLETE APPLICATION SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Two References with current contact information

• Standard State of Maine Application Form

• Copy of last PMR if a State Employee

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

  State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

  Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.