Vacancy Posting

& JOB DESCRIPTION

Adult Reference
Associate

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
Application forms are available and accepted at all MRCPL locations, or complete an online
application on our website: www.mrcpl.org/about/employment

This is a full time (40 hours per week) position.

Reports to: Adult Services FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Coordinator

Pay Grade: 17; $16.11/hr to start Location: Main Library

Positions Supervised: None

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Adult Services Coordinator, the Adult
Reference Associate is responsible for providing and promoting library resources and services to
persons of all ages. This position will focus on the areas of Adult and Reference Services and
Local History and Genealogy, actively assisting customers both at the Reference Desk and in the
Sherman Room, assisting in basic collection maintenance, and assisting with the preservation
and digitization of local history materials. This position will be split between Adult public service
and the Sherman Room.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's Degree is preferred with coursework in a related field, or equivalent of 10 or more
years of relevant work experience in a public library

2. Experience in the areas of local history, genealogy, or adult reference services is preferred
3. Advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office, GSuite, internet and email
4. Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
5. Must be experienced and comfortable working alone and in a team environment
6. Must enjoy engaging with adults in both one-on-one and group settings
7. Must have experience with a variety of social media and digital formats along with devices

used by customers, like IPad, tablets, eReaders, smartphones and the like
8. Experience working with a variety of professional reference, research, and reader’s advisory

tools, publications, and resources is preferred
9. Knowledge of current trends in public library resources, services, and programming is

preferred
10. Reliability and above average work attendance with ability to work flexible schedule

including day, evening and weekend hours

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11. Physical requirements: Engage in extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending,
stooping, kneeling, twisting/turning and stretching to shelve materials throughout the library
on shelves of varying heights from above shoulders to below knees. Engage in intermittent
periods of climbing stairs, typing and viewing computer monitors, lifting and carrying
equipment and materials occasionally weighing 40 – 60 pounds and pushing loaded book
trucks weighing 75 - 100 pounds or more on tile or carpet. Must be able to use hands and
fingers to grasp, handle and manipulate materials and operate tools and controls, including
computers, phones and office equipment. Occasionally required to get on hands and knees
to look for materials that have fallen under the shelves or stand on step stool 14 ½ inches
high to reach upper shelves. May need to sweep or vacuum after programs.

12. Favorable results of pre-employment background check.
13. Reliable transportation in order to meet work requirements.
14. Valid vehicle operator’s license is required, with acceptable driving record and current

vehicle insurance. Travel in all weather conditions is required.
15. Required at time of hire: proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of Library policies, procedures and operations, including emergency response
(acquired after hire)

2. Knowledge of safe work practices and safe lifting techniques (acquired after hire)
3. Knowledge of Dewey Decimal System and alphabetization principles (acquired after hire)
4. Knowledge of online circulation system, catalog, and resources (acquired after hire)
5. Knowledge of reference interview and readers’ advisory techniques with knowledge of, and

the ability to utilize, appropriate resources when assisting customers with selections and
information (acquired after hire)

6. Knowledge of a variety of genealogy and local history resources (acquired after hire)
7. Familiarity with digitization of archival materials (acquired after hire)
8. Knowledge of reference sources, in print and online and experience with providing reference

services (acquired after hire)
9. Knowledge of adult materials and literature and current trends in library service to adults

(acquired after hire)
10. Knowledge and experience with general office practices, procedures and equipment
11. Ability to accurately sort, file and read numbers and letters alphabetically and numerically
12. Ability to simultaneously manage duties and complete work with multiple interruptions and

distractions
13. Ability to speak publicly to audiences of varying size and demographics
14. Ability to actively listen and communicate clearly with diverse customer base
15. Ability to understand and follow specific instructions
16. Ability to work independently in the absence of close supervision
17. Ability to prioritize work and efficiently carry out assigned tasks and projects
18. Ability to perform tasks in areas where seating is not provided, unless reasonable

accommodation is requested
19. Ability to remain mentally alert, focusing attention on detail and accuracy
20. Skill in exhibiting an attitude of professionalism, including tact, good judgment, dependability

and courtesy

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21. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy

ESSENTIAL CORE COMPETENCIES
All MRCPL employees are expected to continuously demonstrate the following:

1. Basic computer skills with demonstrable ability to use applications in Windows
environment including Microsoft Office products, internet use and email

2. Ability to efficiently, effectively and positively meet the library needs of internal and
external customers

3. Ability to use good judgment and common sense when making decisions, based on
Library policies and procedures, to the best interest of the Library, staff and public

4. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
5. Ability to adapt and adjust to changing situations
6. Ability to troubleshoot and correct basic technology problems
7. Awareness of community events, resources, attractions and demographics
8. Understanding of Library policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and the

ability to communicate this information to staff and customers and ensure the Library’s
compliance

9. Knowledge of and ability to use the content of the Library’s website, online catalog and
Integrated Library System

10. Awareness of the attributes and library needs of particular customer groups and the
ability to apply that knowledge through materials, services and programming

11. Understand and support the Library’s role in providing free and equal access to ideas,
information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every
individual (Intellectual Freedom)

12. Ability to identify and prioritize work needs
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor and other

staff members and work collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals and
objectives

14. Knowledge of and compliance with the Ohio Ethics Law and the Code of Ethics and
values of the Library

15. Ability to promote and support the fundamental purpose of the public library, its mission,
vision, culture and structure

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: The duties listed below illustrate but do not limit the tasks performed by persons in
this classification.

1. Consistently provide superior customer service.
2. Handle multiple interruptions at once, sustaining productivity and accuracy.
3. Exhibit professional, courteous and approachable demeanor at all times.
4. Maintain confidentiality of customer records in accordance with Library policy and Ohio law.
5. Work at the Public Service desk as assigned, and professionally and non-judgmentally

provide quick and accurate answers, using appropriate reference techniques.
6. Deal tactfully and professionally with unhappy customers, resolving the customer’s issues

while explaining and adhering to Library policy.

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7. Locate and process materials to fulfill customer requests.
8. Deal quickly and appropriately with emergency situations in accordance with library policies

and procedures.
9. Assist the Local History and Genealogy Librarian with serving customers in the Sherman

Room, providing local history and family ancestry research guidance
10. Digitize appropriate Sherman Room materials in accordance with copyright limitations
11. Assist the Local History and Genealogy Librarian with implementing programs related to

local history, genealogy, and related topics, both in the library and at outside venues
12. Conduct reference interviews, using resources and materials in a variety of formats, to

provide research assistance and connect customers to the information they are seeking.
13. Conduct reader’s advisory services using resources and materials in a variety of formats.
14. Directly assist and instruct customers in using library online resources upon request either in

person or over the phone.
15. Assist in the use of computer reservation and print release software in accordance with

library policy and procedure.
16. Conduct basic collection maintenance in assigned areas of the collection
17. Actively contribute to collection development efforts in assigned areas of the collection, in

accordance with library guidelines
18. Track and maintain statistical data within your area of responsibility or as requested by the

supervisor.
19. Assist with creating and maintaining displays on various themes and timely topics in or

around the department.
20. Maintain a current awareness of system wide library programs, resources, and services in

order to recommend to customers as appropriate.
21. Assist with the production of bibliographic aids such as reading lists, bibliographies and

resource guides, as needed.
22. Complete specialized projects or off-desk responsibilities as assigned by supervisor,

meeting the operational needs of the department.
23. Make minor corrections to item records, as needed.
24. Identify and make recommendations for improvements to operations and streamlined work

processes.
25. Maintain regular and predictable attendance, working days, evenings and weekends to meet

the needs of the department.
26. With reasonable accommodation, meet the physical requirements and perform essential

tasks and responsibilities reliably within 6 months of on-the-job experience and training.

ADDITIONAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: The duties listed below illustrate but do not limit the tasks performed by persons in
this classification.

1. Adhere to, support and effectively implement Administration and Board policy, procedures
and core values.

2. Accept payments for printing and scanning services and return correct change
3. Assist in the training of new staff and department volunteers.

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4. Occasionally assist with the planning and/or execution of special programs and events as
indicated by customer/community interest and need or administration request

5. Assist with daily shelving, straightening, and shelf reading.
6. Assist with maintaining the quality of all departmental materials including inspecting,

cleaning, evaluating, and resolving issues with the materials.
7. Work with the supervisor to identify promotional opportunities for services and resources

available within your area of responsibility.
8. Represent the Library publicly at meetings and other activities, as directed.
9. Participate in the Library’s outreach efforts and activities.
10. Engage actively in professional development and monitor changes in the profession through

meetings, and professional reading, bringing ideas and suggestions to the attention of the
supervisor.

11. Act as Person In Charge (PIC) as requested, and work Sunday rotation when scheduled.
12. Perform opening and closing procedures for the Adult Reference Department.
13. Attend meetings as scheduled by the Adult Services Coordinator.
14. Communicate regularly with supervisor.
15. Clean up bodily fluids as necessary following MRCPL procedures.
16. Attend Staff Development Day, and additional workshops and seminars as assigned.
17. Perform additional tasks as required by the upward chain of command, which moves from

the Adult Reference Associate to the Adult Services Coordinator to the Deputy Director to
the Director.

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