Job Description
General Information
Under the direction of the Adult Services Manager, serves in a leadership capacity to develop, implement, and evaluate library collections, services programs, and outreach activities. A Librarian performs professional library tasks that include reference, readers advisory, programming and assisting customers in the use of technology. This position also contributes to the efficient and responsive daily operations of the Adult Services Division.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Provides direct public service in the Adult Services area. Researches and analyzes current trends, emerging technologies and issues in librarianship and allied fields. Serves in a leadership role in maintaining a welcoming and safe library environment. Advocates for customers, defining their needs and promoting their rights to receive quality and respectful library service and identifies individuals and groups presently not served. Maintains a high level of expertise in library principles and best practices in serving specific demographics. Considers community trends and demographics to assess costumer needs in determining collections, services and programs. Creates an environment that is attractive, inviting, enjoyable and convenient to use. Displays and markets materials, programs and services effectively. Participates in strategic planning. Recommends, leads and participates in library-wide process improvement teams. Identifies, interprets and accesses a variety of information sources appropriate to customer needs and abilities. Provides accurate and comprehensive information in response to customer requests. Connects customers with appropriate resources that encourage reading. Assists in preparation of annual budget for collections. Monitors expenditures of assigned collection budgets. Analyzes statistical data to ensure current, responsive collections. Remains current on reading, viewing and listening interests and technology needs of library customers. Maintains weeding schedule to keep the collection current and in excellent physical condition. Designs programs based on customer developmental needs and interests. Demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, web sites, electronic media, and other materials that constitute a diverse, current and relevant collection. Collaborates with community groups to plan, facilitate, evaluate and promote library programs. Presents programs, both within the library and through outreach, commensurate with community needs and library's mission. Develops publications, workshops, training modules, handbooks and other instructional materials. Participates in special projects. Provides generalized training to all staff in information retrieval, readers advisory and library technology. Teaches information literacy skills through classes, tutorials, programs and individual instruction. Assists customers in use of library technology. Promotes activities that build and strengthen information literacy skills and lifelong learning. Plays an active role in professional organizations and pursues continuing education opportunities. Continually updates knowledge of available resources and best practices. Represents the library in the community. Makes presentations and advocates for the role of the library through written materials and various media, including radio and television. Identifies and pursues grant opportunities and implements them as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.
Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement, inspiring creativity and innovation, being customer driven, making data-driven decisions, championing employee involvement, striving for excellence, having fiscal stewardship, acting with honesty and integrity, exhibiting leadership, choosing a positive attitude, respecting one another, promoting safety and wellness, and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: An ALA accredited master's degree required.
Licenses and Certificates: Commitment to attain and maintain State Library of Iowa Public Librarian Certification.
Hours/Schedule: Full Time. Regular hours, including nights and weekends. Schedule subject to change if need arises.
Additional Info & Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: philosophy, principles and practices of public library services; the principles of intellectual freedom, privacy and library patron rights; computer applications; integrated library systems; emerging technologies, trends and resources relevant to public library services; principles of public relations and promotion.
Skill in: customer service; written and oral communication; using print and electronic resources; data analysis; budget preparation and monitoring; training staff, volunteers, and customers; collaborative leadership; principles and practices of continuous improvement; critical thinking and decision making; creative problem solving; developing search strategies and using Internet search engines and other reference tools.
Ability to: work independently and in a team environment; work with a sense of urgency, tact and a sense of humor; evaluate effectiveness of current practices and recommend improvements; initiate, implement and evaluate services and programs; be proactive in problem-solving and trouble-shooting; assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and deadlines; tolerate ambiguity; develop and teach curriculum; handle challenging situations and people; motivate change; develop effective working relationships in the library, City of Ames, community and profession; demonstrate professionalism and positive attitude.
The Community
Beneath the small town charm of Ames, Iowa, beats the heart of a much larger city. With a population of more than 65,000, Ames offers cultural, recreational, educational, business, and entertainment amenities more common in bigger metros. As a growing city, Ames continues to focus on building a strong community filled with opportunities for all. There are so many reasons that Ames, Iowa, is the Smart Choice!
In 2015, Ames was named one of the “15 Cities That Have Done the Best Since the Recession” by Bloomberg Business and one of the top 25 “Best Places for STEM Grads.” Ames ranked No. 8 by Niche Ranking for “Best Towns for Millennials in America.” Additionally, USA Today named Ames as the healthiest city in America!
These awards highlight the wonderful aspects of Ames that residents have enjoyed for years – friendly people, beautiful parks, great shopping, progressive schools, cultural and entertainment venues, quality healthcare, and recreational opportunities in every season. In 2015, the Ames Public Library celebrated its first anniversary in its expanded facility after an $18-million renovation that nearly doubled its size. A groundbreaking was held to mark the construction of a new, state-of-the-art $75-million water treatment plant, and the Ames Power Plant has converted from coal-produced electricity to cleaner natural gas. Throughout Ames, there is evidence of our growth.
Home to Iowa State University, Ames not only educates students from around the globe, but has become a player in developing the world's bio-economic future. No visit to Ames would be complete without experiencing Iowa State University. The campus boasts large expanses of green space, attractive buildings, and more than 36,000 students. The University brings excitement and vitality to our city and provides cultural and entertainment options typically found only in larger cities.
Ames is a city offering top-quality education from kindergarten to advanced degrees, and Ames High School routinely boasts the highest number of National Merit Scholar Finalists in the state. Small class sizes and experienced teachers with advanced degrees make the schools districts serving Ames the example for others. As the medical hub for multiple counties, health care in Ames is accessible and advanced with medical professionals offering state-of-the-art medical intervention close to home.
Ames is an attractive location for new businesses to locate and for existing businesses to expand. World class companies including 3M, Barilla, Becker Underwood, Boehringer Ingelheim, Hach, Danfoss, Syngenta are thriving in Ames.
Enjoy the outdoors? Ames offers four seasons of recreational activities through more than 36 parks, 55 miles of bike trails, golf courses, and more. Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa, Ames is known for its robust, stable economy, flourishing cultural environment, comprehensive medical care, top-quality schools, acres of parks and recreational opportunities, and the world-renowned Iowa State University.
In addition to winning numerous awards for being a progressive, innovative, and exciting community, Ames has been recognized locally, regionally,nationally, and internationally for our schools, creativity, commitment to the environment, and numerous amenities. Ames and Iowa State together offer an unsurpassed quality of life. Ames, Iowa is your Smart Choice!
HR Info
Application Requirements: To apply, visit the City of Ames jobsite at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofames, where the complete job description and the supplemental questions are provided. Through the jobsite, submit a cover letter, City of Ames employment application, three references, and answers to the supplemental questions.