Neill Public Library is looking for an innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated library professional to join our Circulation & Reference department! The Library Technician is instrumental in supporting the library’s mission of access to information, with an emphasis on connecting patrons with materials and resources, and a passion for connecting with the diverse community of Pullman. Additionally, the Library Technician serves as backup to the Circulation & Reference Supervisor and may be asked to supervise the work of staff and volunteers. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, and provide excellent customer service. Come work with an outstanding team, in an organization with strong community support and a welcoming, inclusive environment. A competitive salary and excellent benefits package are included.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Performs professional library work in the circulation and reference department.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:

The principal function of an employee in this class is dependent upon the department to which the employee is assigned; in this case, the employee serves as a professional staff member in the Circulation and Reference department. Additionally, a Library Technician- Circulation and Reference serves as a primary back-up to the Library Supervisor- Circulation and Reference. As such, the Library Technician may supervise the work of staff and volunteers on a regular or sporadic basis. The work is performed under the general direction of a Library Supervisor with much independence granted to perform the assigned functions. The principal duties of the class are performed in a general office or library environment.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (will vary with position assignment):

Provides a variety of services in the area of circulation & reference: answers circulation questions and conducts circulation transactions; answers reference questions; shelves library materials and oversees shelving operations; explains library services including internet, electronic and print materials, and refers patrons to other community resources, as needed; suggests reading materials, provides patrons with bibliographic information; develops, clarifies and implements circulation and/or reference policies and procedures; plans and conducts library outreach programs and events; prepares various reports for library planning and reporting; attends meetings to support library operations; plans and writes brochures, flyers, signs, and articles to promote library services and resources; coordinates volunteers to help to assist with special programs or projects; provides patron assistance in searching library databases or accessing the Internet.

Serves as back-up to the Library Supervisor – Circulation and Reference: Trains other library staff; participates in hiring and selection process of library staff; supervises staff and/or volunteers on a regular or sporadic basis; participates in staff meetings or other planning sessions;

SELECTION FACTORS:

(Applicants should describe their previous experience and training for each of the following selection factors. These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Candidates selected for employment must satisfactori­ly demonstrate possession of these factors during a prescribed probationary period, and afterwards, for continued employment.)

Knowledge of current:

• Development, trends and practices in circulation and reference services and materials including technological developments;
• Library collection classification and selection techniques;
• Equipment and facilities required in a comprehensive library system, including online cataloging, bibliographic procedures and circulation systems;
• Community library needs and resources;
• Adult and/or children’s literature, specific genres, reading preferences and publishing trends;

Ability to:

• Coordinate and direct special library programs in assigned area;
• Develop creative displays and visuals, flyers, brochures or other media;
• Attend work on a regular and dependable basis;
• Interact in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public;
• Relate well to a variety of people of diverse ages, backgrounds and interests;
• Work on multiple projects at a time;
• Effectively identify problems and modify procedures to improve service to the public;
• Provide quality library services and to meet and deal with library patrons in a calm, pleasant, and courteous manner;
• Work independently;
• Communicate effectively;
• Establish and maintain effective working relation­ships with supervisor, co-workers, and the general public;
• Work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends;
• Interact in a professional and respectful manner with city staff and the public;
• Physically perform the essential functions of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Persons applying for a position of this class should have any combination of the following experience and training.)

A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred with two years of part-time work experience dealing with the public or substituting successful completion of course work or training in office, educational, or library practices and principles for up to six months of the experience; at least six months of part-time library or teaching experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Supervisory experience is preferred.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer, computerized library information systems, multiple online databases, copy machine, telephone, fax machine, scanners, printers, laminator.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representa­tive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal or while standing at a counter for extended periods of time. Physical exertion may be required to replace or retrieve materials from shelves, high and low, and to service computer equipment. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation are essential to permit the employee to read and sort library materials and provide public services.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.