A resume, cover letter and a list of three references must be attached to application in order to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.Branch Services Librarian 
Under the general direction of the Branch Services Manager, the Branch Services Librarian position assists in planning and managing the collections, services, and programs of the Fargo Public Library branches. Provides reference and circulation services to patrons, answers questions, and assists patrons in selecting library materials. The position provides services to patrons in person, over the phone, and electronic means.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provides work direction and training to Library Associates, Library Pages, and volunteers; answers technical questions and trains on proper work procedures.
2. Assists the Branch Services Manager with the operation and maintenance of the branch libraries.
3. Provides circulation assistance to patrons.
4. Ensures the resolution of more advanced customer questions and conflicts.
5. Coordinates with Branch Services Manager to ensure proper staff coverage.
6. Resolve issues and notify Branch Services Manager of impact to services and personnel.
7. Assists in updating Library website and provides updated content to library social networking sites.
8. Encourages use of materials and services through bibliographies, book talks, displays, interest centers, electronic documents and other tools.
9. Provides library tours and instruction for classes and other groups.
10. Designs and prepares artwork for pamphlets, signs, and advertising regarding the library and programming events.
11. Participates in hiring and training staff.

Scope of Responsibility:
The Librarian I provides work direction to Library Associates, interns, and Pages in the reference unit. The job manages a portion of the overall library collections budget and oversees the public services area of the library during weekend and evening hours.Librarian

1. Provides informational and educational research services for library patrons using professional techniques for analyzing questions and searching resources. Determines for clients which sources will most effectively satisfy their recreational, informational, educational and research needs.
   1. Conducts reference and/or readers advisory interviews and analyzes client needs to assist library patrons with the identification and selection of materials and services according to their needs, interests, and abilities;
      1. Applies search strategies to provide library patrons with a wide range of information and materials using print and electronic resources;
      2. Analyzes the reliability and accuracy of resources in order to provide accurate information to library patrons;
      3. Provides client referral services for information and services not available at library;
      4. Compiles and maintains frequently asked or difficult to answer reference questions to expedite responding to subsequent requests for such information;
      5. Provides readers advisory to library patrons (in person and virtually) using appropriate sources of information including knowledge of the collection, the publishing industry, and other relevant resources.
      6. Verifies information for interlibrary loan requests and hold-requests from patrons.
      7. Ensures the resolution of more advanced customer questions and conflicts.
2. Instructs library patrons (individuals and groups) in information gathering, research skills, use of the library catalog and internet, how best to use the collection, its materials, resources, and services.
   1. Provides individual instruction and develops and conducts classes on emerging technology resources, various databases, the online catalog, digital collections, and other resources; provides library tours;
   2. Provides outreach training on various segments of the collection through offsite and onsite workshops;
   3. Plans, implements, and designs training for staff development;
   4. Instructs library patrons in the use of downloadable library content and in the devices needed to access such library content; troubleshoots issues with the library’s digital services.
3. Develops, coordinates, and implements special programs and events including, but not limited to reading programs, arts events, book clubs, crafters groups, authors events, and special events to promote and encourage individual and group understanding and use of the library. 
   1. Oversees contracting for outside presenters for library programs and events;
   2. Monitors budgets and expenditures for events, trainings, and team activities within delegated areas of authority;
   3. Assists and/or leads major programs involving multiple library departments;
   4. Participates in community engagement at off-site locations;
   5. Conducts preparation and set-up for events, acts as a library ambassador to promote library services;
   6. Answers questions from library patrons regarding library events and assists patrons register for programs;
   7. Develops promotional and instructional materials in conjunction with library programming such as displays, social media posts, library website updates, and booklists.
4. Carries out professional collection development responsibilities including selection, deselection, and proper assignment of materials to specific collections within the library’s holdings.
   1. Maintains current awareness of publishing and literature, resources, periodicals, and other materials by regularly monitoring a wide variety of reviewing sources including publisher’s catalogs and online sources in addition to attending professional meetings;
   2. Determines what is needed and selects materials to meet patrons’ needs, support outreach program and correct deficiencies in the collection;
   3. Reviews dated, worn, and damaged library materials for weeding, and possible reorder based on professional standards and established criteria;
   4. Manages the periodical collection including newspapers and the microfilm collection;
   5. Encourages the use of materials and services through bibliographies, book talks, displays, interest centers, electronic documents, and other tools.
5. Analyze patron and community needs and interests, including analysis of collection/customer usage data and collaboration with other library staff, community organizations, or governmental agencies; make recommendations for development of library services, events, and collections based on findings.
6. Provides work direction and training to Reference Associates and Library Pages. Answers technical questions and trains on proper work procedures.
   1. While performing similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to co-workers using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices;
      1. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
7. Serves as senior staff member responsible for public service functions when working at night and on weekends.
   1. Assesses problem patrons and potentially dangerous situations; in conjunction with contract security and Fargo Police acts within established procedures regarding conduct violations.
8. Monitors the Library facilities and upholds Library policies and procedures.
9. Performs set up for the electronic communication system in the public meeting room and computer lab. Instructs in the use of monitors, and troubleshoots public computers, microform, public scanning, printing, and photocopying equipment.
10. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
    1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors and across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information where the ability to explain concepts is exercised;
    2. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
    3. Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the library;
    4. Serves on library teams and committees as assigned, such as Collection Development, Periodicals, Adult/Teen Services, Policies and Procedures, and Facilities.
    5. Represents the library at meetings such as acting as liaison with Library Board.
    6. Represents the library and builds partnerships with relevant community organizations and groups.
    7. Plans and implements physical layout of public service area when needed. Categorizes and displays materials appropriately.
11. Plans and implements physical layout of public service area when needed. Categorizes and displays materials appropriately.
12. Assists with development and maintenance of library operations documentation.
13. Maintains knowledge of current trends, developments, and best practices in the library profession by reading professional literature and networking with colleagues, and attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
14. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
    1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
    2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
    3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed will report condition, address within scope of responsibility, and refer to supervisor and/or necessary authority in a timely manner;
    4. Draws upon training, experience, guidelines, and knowledge of departmental functions, policies, and procedures to solve problems when handling new or unusual situations or communicating complicated policies and procedures to patrons;
    5. Mediates and deescalates patron complaints of both a routine and confidential nature requiring knowledge of policies, procedures, and rules regarding patron privacy; uses experience to defuse escalated or emotionally charged situations and resolve conflict.
    6. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
15. When an emergency declaration has been made by City of Fargo administration, performs duties as required by the Incident Commander for the duration of need. Duties may require work in locations other than standard library locations, work outside of standard library hours of operations, and/or work with physical requirements beyond that of regular library functions, if able.

The job requires a bachelor’s degree and one or more years of professional library reference experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A master’s degree in Library Science/Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited institution is strongly preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of current principles, trends and best practices of library services and resources, particularly reference sources and strategies, information organization, etc.;
• Knowledge of various academic fields including geography, history, grammar, literature, mathematics, sciences, psychology, etc. to sufficiently assist patrons with requests;
• Knowledge of library practices and procedures including alphabetizing and the Dewey Decimal classification system;
• Knowledge of library circulation procedures, practices, methods and techniques; 
• Knowledge of library research databases and integrated library systems;
• Knowledge in the instruction of electronic content and provider platforms utilized by the library and the relevant supported devices;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows as well as software such as web browsers and plugins, PDF readers, and media players;
• Knowledge of computer peripherals such as printers, monitors, barcode scanners, and self-check workstations;
• Familiarity with current and emerging social media platforms, including content creation;
• Familiarity with presentation technologies including microphones, computer projects, and cameras;
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction;
• Ability to demonstrate and understanding and respect for cultural and ethnic values;
• Ability to communicate at a high level with individuals from a wide variety of educational and cultural backgrounds and over a wide range of ages and abilities in both verbal and written forms, and have excellent customer service and public relations skills;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Work involves considerable variety and light physical demands. Daily work involves frequent handling, lifting, carrying, and moving of individual library materials; extensive computer and phone use and frequent moving between buildings and rooms. There is extensive attention to detail and deadlines. Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions. Work involves continuous exposure to hazards associated with working the general public, including but not limited to pests, bodily fluids, and illegal substances. The position may involve continuous exposure to members of the public who exhibit behaviors associated with mental illness and/or substance abuse. The position may also involve continuous exposure to individuals who are emotionally unstable and may threaten or harass staff.

Light Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with light work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.