LibraryJobline

Job Description

SUMMARY: Performs a variety of patron contact duties including actively assisting patrons with finding library materials and using the catalog. Provides reference service assistance to patrons. Provides programming and/or programming support. Exhibits superior customer service while performing all work duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive. • Approaches patrons, seeks to assist them rather than waiting for patrons to come to the employee to seek assistance. • Assists patrons with finding items on the shelf. • Demonstrates tact and professionalism in all face-to-face patron communications. • Circulates the library floor regularly while performing other work duties to actively assist patrons with their requests. Practices the “patron comes first” philosophy. • Provides reader’s advisory, reference services and directional assistance to patrons. • Actively participates in merchandising library’s collections. • Has demonstrated knowledge of books, authors and bestseller lists. • Assists, plans, and executes programs and story times, with assistance from volunteers and other District staff. • May oversee and direct the work of hourly employees and volunteers. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Info & Requirements

• Must possess superior customer service experience and skills. • Previous library experience and/or bookstore experience strongly preferred. • Strong background/experience/skills in adult and/or children’s literature strongly preferred. • Must know/be familiar with or be trainable on library operating systems, online databases, reader’s advisory, and Internet searching. • Must be a self-starter requiring little supervision. • Ability to clearly and succinctly communicate ideas and thoughts both verbally and in writing. • Must communicate effectively with a diverse population. • Requires ability to resolve patron complaints and handle difficult situations involving patrons. • Requires at least above average computer skills and experience. • Fluency in Spanish desirable.

The Community

Poudre River Public Library District Facts History The Poudre River Public Library District was created in response to ongoing city budget cuts coupled with a growing community need for library services. In November, 2006, a citizens' initiative group called "Libraries-Yes!" worked to place a question on Larimer County's general election ballot for the formation of a regional library district. Larimer County residents overwhelmingly voted to support the establishment and funding of the Poudre River Public Library District. The new district, which was established at the beginning of 2007, was designed to create a stable source of funding for public libraries through a 3-mill property tax increase (which in 2006 was approximately $3.98 per month on a $200,000 home). The Library District serves a large regional area within Larimer County, Colo. The district's boundaries are essentially the same boundaries as those of the Poudre School District. Charge In accordance with the ballot, the Poudre River Public Library District is charged with providing services including: maintaining, improving and expanding library services and facilities; increasing hours of operation at Main and Harmony Libraries; opening and operating the new Council Tree Library; and providing enhanced library services and operations such as re-establishing and adding new book drops in Fort Collins and the surrounding area, buying new books and media and improving programs for children, teens and adults. Governance, Current Priorities and Funding In March, 2007, city and county officials selected the District's first seven-member Board of Trustees to oversee the transition, operations and future plans of the new district. Guided by a seven-member board of trustees and supported with a 3-mill property tax, the District looks to a future full of possibility. The board has fulfilled its most important commitments to citizens: restoring library services and positions; opening and operating a the new Council Tree Library in southeast Fort Collins; created an intergovernmental agreement for the District, the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County; and developing a long-range vision for library services throughout the District. In all its endeavors, the District aims to enrich the cultural, educational and economic life of the growing regional area which it serves. District Branches and Services The award winning Poudre River Public Library District includes three branches. More than 3,000 people visit the libraries each day, and more than 120,000 have library cards. The libraries offer a broad collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs and movies; and sponsors over 1,000 diverse exhibits, presentations and performances per year. Over 2,343,595 items were circulated in 2008, a 6.5% increase over 2007. The District is committed to identifying and employing new technologies that improve our ability to serve our customers. In 2008, the District adopted an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for all our circulation functions. The RFID self-service system along with our online e-commerce functions have greatly improved our ability to handle an increasing demand for library materials with maximum efficiency. Main Library The Main, or Downtown, Library is located at 201 Peterson St. The 34,000 square-foot facility houses a collection of more than 377,000 items. The Main Library circulates more than one million items per year. Harmony Library The Harmony Library is a 30,000 square-foot facility, located at 4616 S. Shields Street was opened in 1998. It is a unique joint use facility with Front Range Community College and contains over 159,000 items in its collection. The Harmony Library includes the Electronic Literacy Center, a newly refurnished teen area and is home to the Friends of the Library used book store. Council Tree Library Council Tree Library opened on March 28, 2009 and is located at Front Range Village, a retail development near the corners of Harmony and Ziegler. Located in the most rapidly growing area of the District, this branch is a unique neighborhood library with an emphasis on families with young children. This 17,000 square-foot facility has a generational arrangement, with adult, children and teen areas. Comfortable, inviting spaces and seating, natural and ambient lighting, sound containment features and environmentally responsible construction striving for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

HR Info

Only on-line applications accepted for this position. This position is with the Poudre River Public Library District. Salaries and benefits are provided by the Library District. The City of Fort Collins provides administrative services to the Library District. Visit the City of Fort Collins’website at www.fcgov.com/jobs to apply on-line by Friday, April 9, 2010. Requisition #10019. City of Fort Collins, Human Resources Department, 215 N. Mason, P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522. (970) 221-6535. Job Line: (970) 416-2489, x5125. Public access computers are available at City H.R.Dept., Poudre River Public Libraries, and the Larimer County Workforce Center. The Poudre River Public Library District will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance. THE POUDRE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. BACKGROUND CHECK AND/OR DRUG TEST REQUIRED.