POSITION DESCRIPTION
Elyria Public Library System
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Title:
Librarian
Immediate Supervisor:
Department Manager
Positions Supervised:
None
FLSA Status:
Non-exempt
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs a variety of advanced and complex professional library services in conjunction
with fulfilling the educational, recreational and informational needs of the community.
Promotes library services to the community through outreach and education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Answer a variety of routine and complex reference questions by phone, in person, by
written or electronic communication.
Assist patrons in the use of library collections through reference interviews, reference and
literature searches and instruction in the use of catalogs, indexes, files, and appropriate
reference materials in print and online.
Design and implement programs both in the library and in the community under the
direction of the Department Manager. Assist in creating and distributing appropriate
promotional materials.
Selection and weeding of library materials; evaluate collections, allocate and control
materials budgets as assigned; collection development.
Perform simple repair of materials as needed.
Establish relationships with various organizations within the community in order to
promote library services and facilitate programming and service delivery.
Maintain special collections, vertical files, indexes, online databases and other types of
information archives as assigned.
Assist with providing outreach services to the homebound, assisted living and day care
centers.
Respond to patron complaints and problems.
Assure that the library facility and equipment are in good working order. Resolve or
report maintenance problems. Perform opening and closing duties.
Attend workshops, seminars, and professional conferences.
Perform additional duties as requested.
COMMUNICATION:
Incumbents have frequent interaction with a broad range of people both in individual and
group settings. Contacts may be within the library structure, with the general public, or
with other agencies or similar organizations. Communications frequently contain
confidential/or sensitive information necessitating discretion. Occasional formal
presentations to groups may be part of the job responsibilities.
DECISION MAKING/INITIATIVE:
This position functions with some supervision for new or unusual situations or
assignments, and only limited supervision for regular work. Work regularly calls for
decisions, problem solving and/or recommendations within the scope of position
responsibilities. Consideration of facts and options is required, but decisions usually have
some precedent. The position is responsible for making decisions both in a consensus
format as well as independently.
This position has a frequent responsibility for creation development, design or problem
solving of new programs, methods, systems, procedures or policy issues. The
requirement to create new ideas and/or generate original work is an important aspect of
the position. Considerable time is spent on creative or developmental endeavors requiring
both original work and substantial refinement of previous practices.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Position involves frequent interruptions with maximum flexibility required. Planning
requirements are limited to foreseeing issues associated with own work and identifying
future needs for supplies, equipment, or resources. The position makes decisions that
have impact only within the incumbent’s own work unit. Work is consistently monitored
by patrons. An error or delay in providing requested information may result in
unfavorable public impressions regarding quality of service.
LEADERSHIP:
The position is responsible for modeling and promoting organizational values within the
library and as a representative of the organization in the community.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited
school. Course work in functional area.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS:
Knowledge and support of the principles of intellectual freedom.
Knowledge of library policies and procedures.*
Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System of Classification and Library of Congress
Subject Headings.
Knowledge of a wide variety of reference sources, authors, literature, publishers and
publications.
Knowledge of search strategies used for retrieving information in print or electronic
form.
Considerable knowledge of computer systems and applications including Internet, on-line
databases, Office software, and e-mail. Ability to master library technology.
Ability to provide excellence in customer service to library patrons.
Ability to exercise independent judgment to resolve staff, patron, and circulation
problems within established guidelines.
Ability to operate computers, printers, copiers and any other equipment commonly
utilized in a library.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with staff, patrons and
community leaders.
Recognize and set priorities, multi-task and maintain professional demeanor in stressful
situations.
Work a varied schedule, which is subject to change with reasonable advance notice,
including nights and weekends.
Operate as a member of a team.
*May be acquired after hire.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
None.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit and talk
or hear, and to use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and
arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, bend, or stoop. The employee must
occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements are necessary
for this job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Job is performed mostly indoors and in a library setting and includes frequent work at a
PC monitor and extensive close work. Extended periods of standing are occasionally
required. Travel among several locations is necessary. Employee must be able to provide
own transportation. There may be some exposure to angry or hostile individuals.
Hours:
Variable, including nights and weekends
Pay rate:
$15.52 per hour
SUMMARY:
The duties listed above 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.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Library
and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Library and requirements of
the job change.
I have read and understand this job description. I have had the opportunity to discuss it
with my supervisor.
_____________________________________
Employee
_________________
Date
_____________________________________
Manager
________________
Date
8/2012