7 September, 2017
The Town of Hopkinton seeks a full-time Adult Services Librarian for its Public Library to provide skilled professional work providing various types of support to library patrons and in the daily operations of the Library.
This position works one (1) evening per week and is added to the regular Saturday rotation for staffing the reference desk (7 hours every 3-5 weeks).
Under the general direction of the Library Director, the Adult Services Librarian will exercise a high degree of judgement and initiative in the planning, administration, and execution of the Adult Services Department. This includes daily contact with patrons, staff, other Town departments, boards, government and agencies, as required.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manages Adult Services, providing reference services to the public; answers reference and reader’s advisory questions and researches or guides patron research on difficult and complex questions.
• Answers specific research questions and assists patrons with acquiring the necessary resource materials and using appropriate technology. Assists patrons with the use of the library's historical and archival collections.
• Plans, promotes and coordinates library and Friends of the Library sponsored events.
• Communicates with presenters and co-sponsors; publicizes events on social media; sends information to local contacts/groups and media; sends email newsletters about events; sets up and cleans up rooms; introduces presenters and ensures events run smoothly.
• Serves as liaison to Town IT department and library consortium, will troubleshoot if appropriate. Updates and troubleshoots computers. Researches and provide recommendations about new technology to purchase for the library. Teaches/trains staff about technology and software. Provides informal technology instruction and assistance to patrons.
• Provides support to the Director in completion of tasks, including coordinating reports, general correspondence, and the organization and preparation necessary for meetings.
• Responsible for collection development and assessment of materials for the library’s adult collections. With input from the staff, selects and orders fiction and non-fiction books and movies for the library’s adult collection; chooses downloadable eBooks and audiobooks; evaluates reference and adult nonfiction collections for weeding; evaluates and selects periodical subscriptions.
• Monitors and maintains social media accounts; responsible for monthly electronic newsletters.
• Evaluates and prioritizes the needs of the library’s adult services on a regular basis and reports on adult services department to the Library Director. Initiates new procedures or recommends new technologies to improve the administration of work unit and library services generally.
• Receives complaints or special requests from library users and makes every effort to follow through in response to them.
• Sustains contact with civic organizations and groups, promoting library programs and services to the community. Develops public relations materials for distribution in library, online and through media.
• Recruits and handles intake for potential volunteers; schedules and trains volunteers; performs light supervision of volunteers including checking in with staff about volunteer performance.
• Prepares and manages desk schedules. Informs staff of assignments for scheduled shifts on public service desks; arranges for staff coverage.
• Fulfills Director’s responsibilities in his/her absence.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in library and information science or related field from an American Library Association accredited program and two to four years progressively responsible library experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Knowledge of: the principles and practices of professional library work; and thorough knowledge of the management and organization of library operations including collection development and administration. Knowledge of basic reference sources and research techniques. Working knowledge of technology and appropriate library applications.
Ability to: communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences including public officials and the general public; handle multiple tasks, determine priorities and meet deadlines; maintain accurate and detailed records; maintain knowledge and skill in utilizing software programs; recognize Library priorities and work cooperatively and collaboratively to support their accomplishment.
Skill: organizational, writing, interpersonal/collaborative communication, resourcefulness and discretion; computer skills that encompass effective use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email, social media, internet browser and library software.
HIRING RANGE:
$21.81 to $26.21 per hour depending on qualifications; Full salary range up to $30.62 per hour.
Internal/External Applicants: To be considered for this position, please submit the required Application for Employment to hr@hopkintonma.gov no later than 4:30 pm, Tuesday, September 26, 2017. You may also include a cover letter and resume, however the Application for Employment is required. While the preferred method of application is through e-mail or online, applications will also be accepted via walk-in or mail at: Town Hall, Human Resources Department, 80 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748. The Town of Hopkinton is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.
