Job Description
BROAD SCOPE OF POSITION: It is the mission of the Pikes Peak Library District to seek, engage, and transform lives through library services and resources that enrich individual lives and build community. This position serves as the outreach librarian making connections with area middle and high school students and teachers. The Teen Services Outreach Librarian will support a variety of teen programs, coordinate staff for Booktalks, and resource classes, and assist the Teen Summer Reading program. This position operates in a diverse environment to help fulfill PPLD’s mission by providing reference service to the public using a comprehensive knowledge of Library Science, PPLD collections, electronic databases, current technologies, and community resources.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Works on the public service desks 15-18 hours per week providing reference service to walk-ins, over the phone, via email and instant messaging
- Assists and instructs patrons through material and on-line searches, computer software applications, reference/in-depth research, community referrals, and outside sources/collections
- Provides in-depth assistance and information about the library’s services and procedures
- Searches a variety of reference resources
- Provides readers’ advisory services
- Supports an active Teen Services program for the District; with management’s direction and support, assists the Teen Coordinator with ongoing service programs based on determined needs, advocates the importance of the value of teen library services
- In conjunction with the Teen Coordinator, serves as the middle and high school liaison for outreach activities (i.e. book talks, local school visits, library tours and instruction, Readers Advisory for Teens, etc)
- Serves in active roles on the Teen Team and Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
- May participate in community and state groups that advocate for teens
- Maintains confidentiality in all patron and staff interactions
- Assess patron needs and provide pertinent materials in an organized fashion (including bibliographies, fact sheets, pathfinders, etc.)
- Serves as “person in charge” in the absence of the Adult Services Manager
- May teach computer classes and/or database instruction classes to the public and/or PPLD staff
- Performs other related duties and projects as assigned
Requires an essay response. In order to be considered as a qualified applicant for this position,
you must write and submit a typed and double-spaced essay (250-300 words), in response
to the following question:
Why should Pikes Peak Library District offer outreach services to teens? In your response, please include your experiences working with teens.
Applications that are submitted without the above requested essay will not be considered for this position. Include your essay as an attachment with your other PPLD job application materials.
Additional Info & Requirements
- Prefer a candidate with a minimum of one year of professional reference experience working in a busy public library environment. SIRSI experience is a plus!
- Advanced-level proficiency in using MS Office software is required.
- Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing with patrons and staff, and to maintain effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
- Interpersonal communication skills necessary to understand, interpret and paraphrase questions.
- Ability to represent the library with tact and courtesy and to exhibit sound professional judgment and demeanor in all public interactions.
- Ability to foster teamwork, demonstrating a willingness to assist and support coworkers, to encourage others to contribute ideas, and to maintain flexibility.
- Ability to establish rapport with firms, organizations, and the business faculty of area educational institutions to assess local business information needs.
- Excellent communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment, a “whatever it takes” work ethic, and an excellent customer service attitude. Bilingual ability is a plus in serving our diverse community.
The Community
Colorado Springs, located at the foot of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, is a diverse community with excellent opportunities for education, culture, outdoor activities and offers great weather averaging 245 days of sunshine annually. It is the mission of the Pikes Peak Library District to seek, engage, and transform through library services and resources that enrich individual lives and build community.
HR Info
PPLD Human Resource @ 719-884-9800 x6994
Please complete the application at PPLD.org/jobs