Job Details

Substitute Librarian, Kingston Public Library (Kingston)

Non Benefits Eligible
At least 2 hires

SCHEDULE: Flexibility is required. Shifts may consist of morning, afternoon, evening, or Saturday hours. Minimum of a four hour shift. Shifts may be on call or scheduled to cover regular staff’s absences.

Definition:
Professional and direct service work using library resources to provide reference assistance and customer service to young adults and adults for the Kingston Public Library; may occasionally provide reference and customer service to children; all other related work as required.

Supervision:
Works under the general direction of the Library Director. Supervised by the Reference Librarian or Children’s Librarian when working in those departments.
Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative and requiring thorough knowledge of library collection and reference methods, resources, and responsibilities.

Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical library conditions; library hours may require evening and weekend work.
Operates computer and other standard office equipment; operates standard library equipment such as copier, scanner, FAX, microfilm, and microfiche readers.

Makes constant contact with the public, other local and regional libraries; also has contact with other town departments and community organizations.
Errors could result in lower standards of library service, misuse of public funds and adverse public relations.

Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below 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.)
Provides reference services and customer service to the public for the Kingston Public Library.
Becomes familiar with traditional and digital reference resources provided by the Kingston Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners; maintains knowledge of these reference resources.

Performs a wide variety of reference services; assists patrons with online catalog, physical collections, and downloadable resources; assists patrons with requests for information or materials; performs research assistance, making use of library, network, regional, and online resources; performs computer searches; inputs and retrieves data from a variety of online databases.
Provides basic assistance to the public in using the library’s public computers, printers, and copiers.
Provides assistance to patrons using the library’s resources on their personal electronic devices.
Advises patrons (students, scholars, and the general public) on library resources; provides referrals; teaches patrons how to use the library.
Provides Readers’ Advisory services to patrons. Keeps abreast of current authors, books, and trends.
Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and particularly reference services. Integrates digital and social media tools and practices into reference services.

Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school; experience in reference work; experience with helping patrons to use computers required; experience with both traditional and 21st century digital resources and practices required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Complete familiarity with reference sources. Thorough knowledge of Readers Advisory resources and techniques. Working knowledge of automated systems.

Ability: Ability to assess patron needs quickly and accurately. Ability to handle numerous, diverse tasks at one time. Ability to interact with staff and the public, especially children and teenagers. Ability and interest in working with other staff on cooperative approaches to service. Ability to relate well to the public and to organize programs. Ability to express oneself clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to use web resources in reference services. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional reference services. Ability to foster community awareness of the services available at the Kingston Public Library. Ability to work with schools, town departments, and other institutions.

Skill: Excellent customer service and public relations skills. Skill in conducting reference interviews. Strong oral and written communications skills. Computer skills essential. Demonstrated comfort with and curiosity about 21st century digital resources and practices. Web publishing skills desirable.

Special Requirements:
Certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners required.

Physical Requirements:
Light physical effort required to perform functions under normal library conditions. Intermittent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, climbing and similar activity related to library work. Ability to climb ladders or step stools for physical access to the library collection required. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard.

(This 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.)

Full/Part Time

Temporary

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary

$26.44  / hour

Salary Notes

FY24 Rate

Closing Date

How to Apply

Application Procedure:
Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston Employment Application found on the Town website under Human Resources and submit their résumé. Please include a cover letter with salary expectations. Application materials can be emailed to personnel@kingstonma.gov, mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources or hand delivered. The Town of Kingston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis but may close at any time.

Posted

2023-08-09 |  Quick link to this job