Education Specialist III Trustee/Friends Information Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides information and advisory assistance to public library trustees, librarians, municipal officials, Friends organizations, and other interested individuals on matters relating to the administration, maintenance, and development of public library services in Massachusetts. Responsible for the operation of the Agency’s Reference and Professional Library. Responsible for the provision of library reference services to agency staff, and the library community. Assists in the coordination and implementation of the agency’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Head of the Library Advisory and Development Unit/Government Liaison, who provides general supervision, assigns work, provides guidance on policies and procedures, and reviews performance for effectiveness and compliance with the State’s Employee Performance Review System (EPRS)

DIRECT REPORTING STAFF

None

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advises public library directors, library trustees, Friends of Library organizations, municipal officials, and others regarding the application of state and federal laws and regulations that relate to the administration and maintenance of public libraries in Massachusetts.

Provides information to librarians, library trustees, Friends organizations, municipal officials, and private citizens regarding: governance and board operations for Friends of the Library groups ;policy development ; library funding; roles and responsibilities of trustees, library directors, and Friends; forming and revitalizing Friends organizations; fundraising activities for libraries; library personnel issues; utilizing volunteers and activities of professional associations.
Assists the Head of the Library Advisory and Development Unit in developing and conducting continuing education programs for library directors, staff, trustees, and Friends organizations in coordination with the Massachusetts Library System, the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association, and the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries.
Serves as staff contact to the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries, public library boards, library support groups, etc. Provides assistance to the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries in carrying out their role of promoting the activities of library support organizations, assists in the planning of the MLTA/MFOL Joint Conference, etc.
Responsible for the Long Range Planning Program. Advises libraries on planning. Receives and reviews plans and action plans with assistance of Library Advisory and Development staff.
Provides reference and referral services to Agency staff, librarians, trustees, Friends, and other interested individuals through the resources of the MBLC Professional and Reference Library.
Works with the Communications Specialist to create “libraries in the News online publication and the Governor’s Update. Assists with fact checking, and proofreading of documents. ”
Organizes and maintains the Agency’s Professional Library including; the selection of materials, cataloging, organizing the vertical file, maintaining historical records, and planning services in conjunction with the Head of the Library Advisory and Development Unit. Trains staff in circulation, interlibrary loan and serials check in procedures.
Assists in the preparation and reporting for the federal LSTA Program, including the long range plan, annual reports, and required five year evaluation.
Conducts workshops on the LSTA grant process and application procedures, needs assessment techniques, budgeting, development of goals, objectives and an evaluation methodology.
Assists in the development and review of the grant application, review and contractual process including assessment of library needs to design specific grant programs, design and/or revision of forms, contracts, instructions, training materials, and manual for all grant programs.
Monitors LSTA Direct grants through in-person, telephone or e-mail conversations, correspondence, and on-site visits to determine subgrantee’s compliance with established schedules, project plans and federal requirements. Assists librarians and staff in problem solving during grant implementations based on relevant project experience and reviews reports for accuracy, completeness with established procedures.
Prepares reports, fact sheets, reading lists, database of fundraising projects, and other information packages concerning subjects of importance to the library community.
Performs related duties such as attending meetings, workshops, and conferences to exchange information, reading professional literature to keep informed of current trends in the public library field, etc. Participates in Agency projects as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Required work experience:

At least four years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in a public library.

Substitutions:

- A Bachelor’s degree in librarianship may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

- A Master’s or higher degree in librarianship may be substituted for three years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

PREFERRED ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

A master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited graduate library program and a minimum of one year of experience in a public library.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Travel is required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

Ability to exercise proper judgment in providing information to librarians, trustees, and municipal officials.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with the library community, municipal officials, private citizens, etc.
Ability to understand and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc.
Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical sequence.
;Knowledge of the principals and practices of librarianship.
Ability to analyze complex problems, to determine the applicability of professional knowledge, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious professional relationships.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Computer and online proficiency plus skill in Microsoft Office Suite is essential.
Ability to work effectively in groups and establish liaisons with other organizations.
Ability to collect and analyze information, interpret survey data, design and construct research projects, and make appropriate recommendations.
Knowledge of libraries and library systems and their programs and services
Ability to communicate information related to the services and programs of the Board of Library Commissioners.
Knowledge of Agency goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of State law, regulations, and legal opinions relating to public libraries in Massachusetts.
An understanding of state and local government practices and procedures.
Knowledge of public library services and structure in Massachusetts

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

Reports to the Head of the Library Advisory and Development Unit/Government Liaison. Works in cooperation with the Agency’s staff in providing information services to library directors and staffs, trustees, municipal officials, and other individuals.