Librarian I - Reference

Summary: Under the general supervision of Coordinator of Adult Services the Librarian I-Reference performs duties pertaining to adult services including patron assistance, planning and presentation of programs, and collection development.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Answers in-person, telephone and e-mail questions and directs patrons conducting research using resources in multiple formats.
• Assists patrons and colleagues in teen services.
• Helps patrons locate and select materials, including showing and teaching patrons how to access and use the library’s digital resources, such as Libby & Hoopla.
• Provides reference and reader’s advisory service by giving book talks and reviews.
• Plans, develops and conducts programs and services for adults, including computer classes.
• Participates in outreach programs and special outreach events.
• Engages in training, education and self-directed learning to keep current on trends in reference services.
• Attends meetings and participates in professional library organizations.
• Conducts class tours for middle and high school classes to provide bibliographic instruction.
• Evaluates and selects library materials in a variety of formats for adults and young adults.
• Evaluates and manages current collections by applying collection development methods and techniques.
• Selects materials for branch libraries.
• Coordinates the library’s interlibrary loan service.
• Develops and prepares bibliographies; and maintains various files and indexes.
• Develops and maintains content for the library’s webpage.
• Contributes content to social media such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Plans, arranges and sets up displays.
• Supervises paraprofessional and clerical staff.
• Assumes responsibility for the department in the absence of the department head.
• Performs other related duties.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May plan, coordinate and direct the work of staff.

Qualficiations: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience: Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library school; or a substantially equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing professional library services, and patron services. Preference may be given to applicants with experience in reference services and library service to adults.

Other Skills & Ability

• Knowledge of principles and practices of professional library work.
• Working knowledge of computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Skill in developing community contacts and collaborations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with evening and weekend hours.
• Ability to engage well with others and committed to providing exemplary service for customers of all ages.
• Ability to apply new technology and new media to library services.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing, including press releases.
• Ability to give appealing and clear presentations.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Math Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; sit; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The City of Warwick offers a robust menu of employer provided benefits to include individual and family health and dental insurance; paid time off to include holidays, vacation, personal time and sick leave; pension, life insurance, and optional, supplemental retirement plans.