THIS RECRUITMENT WILL GENERATE A 6-MONTH ELIGIBLE LIST TO FILL CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES FOR THE LIBRARY ASSOCIATE Full-Time POSITIONS AT ALL BRANCH LOCATIONS WITHIN MCPL.

About Montgomery County Library System:

MCPL has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1 million diverse customers.

Approximately 500 engaged and passionate staff provide services in 21 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach and virtual assistance. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county. A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.

MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.

The Montgomery County Library System is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. MCPL values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. MCPL encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA , individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. As part of this commitment, MCPL provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position.

General Position Summary:

Are you looking to join an innovative, collaborative, and diverse team?

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is seeking innovative team players that embrace the transformative nature of public libraries, who enjoy connecting customers with materials and resources and are eager to learn. The ideal candidate for this role is an effective communicator, is customer service oriented, and a committed public servant who equalizes opportunities for Montgomery County residents. There are several Library Associate vacancies located throughout the 21 branches in Montgomery County.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Additional multi-lingual pay may be available after successfully passing a multilingual examination.

Successful Candidates will:

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in public service.
• Value building collaborative relationships with community members and organizations, as well as colleagues across MCPL.
• Be responsive to the emerging needs of Montgomery County residents, developing and delivering programs and services that reflect the unique needs of diverse populations.
• Be a life-long learner who readily grasps new technologies and platforms.
• Be a team player who energizes others.
• Be a great communicator and a patient listener who takes the time to understand customer service needs.
• Be an empathetic listener who enjoys understanding the needs of our customers.
• Be a genuine people person who enjoys interacting with people on the telephone and in person.
• Be able to work effectively and calmly under pressure.

Employees in this position must complete LATI, the state’s Library Associates Training Institute, as scheduled, or complete at least 6 hours of coursework in an MLS program accredited by the American Library Association.

Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:

• Promotes and supports MCPL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values with staff and customers. Centers the experiences of people and communities who are most affected by structural inequities when engaging in programming, partnerships, and information services work.
• Connecting children, teens, adults, older adults, and people with disabilities with materials and resources both in-person and over the telephone.
• Assist with programming, including staff-led and partner-led events.
• Assist with collection maintenance, including shelving and processing of library materials.
• Using new technologies and platforms.
• Attends meetings and workshops for professional development.
• Stays abreast of changes in MCPL policies and procedures, and technologies used by MCPL.
• May be assigned to the joint information/circulation service desk, or the circulation desk.
• Prepares library exhibits and displays; identifies items of high potential demand or widespread interest.

All Library Associate positions will include day, evening, and weekend hours.

OHR reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position/IRC.

Montgomery County Government is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email to OHR@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.

Montgomery County Government also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, please refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for interview.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

Experience: None

Licensure: None

Note: An appointee with only a bachelor’s degree shall have two (2) years from date of appointment to complete a minimum of ninety (90) hours of in-service training by attending the Maryland State Library Associate Training Program under Departmental sponsorship; or, complete nine (9) hours of formal course work in library science for compliance with the Maryland State Board of Education Bylaw for Public Library Associates. Continuing Education: Employees will be responsible for maintaining appropriate level of Continuing Education to meet State requirements.

Preferred Criteria:

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifiecaitions will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

• Experience providing direct customer service to customers of all ages.
• Experience in locating information and materials through general reference, electronic and readers’ advisory services.
• Experience or familiarity using Public Access Catalogs and electronic online databases to locate material, place holds, and search indices.
• Experience educating and informing groups and/or conducting programs.
• Experience with technology such as software, digital signage, e-readers, iPads, hotspots, Smart TVs and other equipment to support customer service needs.

Note: Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Additional pay may be available for bi-lingual languages other than English. In order to qualify for multilingual pay, applicants will be required to successfully pass a multilingual examination.