Job Description
Pueblo City-County Library District is conducting a search for a Genealogy and Special Collections Librarian. The Special Collections and Genealogy Librarian creates a positive library experience for customers by providing expert reference services and assistance with using materials and resources in the Special Collections Department. This position is responsible for the organization and care of the Western Research and Genealogy collections, for developing programs and displays that promote these specialized collections, and connecting the resources of the Department with the communities of Pueblo County and the general public.
The Genealogy and Special Collections Librarian reports to the Manager of Special Collections. The position provides excellent customer service, through effective communication and collaboration with people of diverse age, race, sexual orientation, ability, backgrounds, and cultures. The position works as a team member within the department, trains and works with volunteers, and collaborates with staff throughout the Library District. The position builds relationships through service to, and collaboration with non-profit agencies, outside libraries, museums, educational institutions, and community groups.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides reference and research assistance including: retrieving materials, answering genealogy and history inquiries, placing holds on materials, and making referrals to outside organizations or repositories.
- Leads collection development and selection of circulating and non-circulating materials for the Western Research and Genealogy collections. Works with the department manager and archivist to develop and implement services to targeted communities; including but not limited to primary, secondary and post-secondary students, genealogy and history researchers, and cultural groups.
- Plans and conducts outreach and educational programs for the public that promote the use of Special Collections materials to enhance awareness and highlight library materials. May conduct department tours.
- Performs community outreach to genealogy societies and other community groups.
- Provides instruction to customers in the use of print, manuscript, and online materials, databases, equipment, and technologies.
- Provides reference services for Archives collections.
- Assesses and evaluates data on usage of Special Collections materials.
- Develops and maintains print and electronic indices, bibliographies, and guides.
- Assists department and district staff in developing exhibits that highlight Special Collections materials.
- May collaborate with researchers on special projects relating to local history or genealogy. May write and publish significant findings on behalf of the Library District.
- Exercises professional judgment to anticipate demand, address customer and staff requests, and analyze, identify, and respond to collection needs.
- Assists in training of employees and volunteers for specific tasks.
- Assesses, revises, and implements Special Collections policies based upon current best practices and standards.
- Explains library policies and procedures to customers and resolves basic customer complaints.
- This position is assigned the role of Person in Charge (PIC) at the Rawlings Library on a regular basis to respond to escalated customer service concerns, emergencies, or security issues, and will work closely with the Security Officer on duty.
- Supports team efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for customers and staff by maintaining awareness of surroundings and working in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
- Participates in regularly scheduled department meetings. Attends All Staff Development Days and other professional development to acquire new skills and to stay current on all information that is pertinent to PCCLD.
- Reads daily organizational communications from intranet, e-mail, newsletters, and print announcements. Stays current on all library services, programs and events throughout the district. Regularly accesses electronic time keeping, payroll, and personnel employee access systems.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
May cross-train to provide back-up coverage for the Manager of Special Collections. May supervise and coordinate the work of others for special projects as assigned by the supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Hiring Salary: $49,483.20 - $53,000.00 annual
Benefits: PCCLD offers health insurance including a tele-health service, dental and vision insurance, HSA and FSA plans, employer paid life insurance, and 401(k) and PERA retirement plans. Full-time employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and personal leave.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Additional Info & Requirements
Education and Experience: A Master’s degree in Library Science, MLIS, or MIS from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. Two (2) years of related work experience is required. Experience working in a public library setting is desirable.
Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of history and genealogy research and methods.
- Knowledge of print and electronic reference tools and techniques with a demonstrated passion for working with library customers on local history or genealogy topics.
- Demonstrated experience working in collection development with history and genealogy publications and resources.
- Knowledge of genealogy trends.
- Skill in synthesizing multiple data sources to analyze collection needs.
- Proven skills in project management.
- Knowledge of institutional purchasing practices
- Demonstrated creativity in developing inclusive programs.
- Ability to conduct complex reference interviews, to analyze requests and to apply research skills to locate specialized information or provide customers with alternative sources.
- Knowledge of American Southwest history and Hispanic genealogy is preferred.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, age, race, sexual orientation, and abilities.
- Excellent presentation and instruction skills.
- Ability to function under flexible and changing conditions.
- Strong computer skills, including the ability to teach others to use e-resources and devices.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds and push/pull a fully loaded book cart weighing up to 100 pounds.
Other Requirements: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and weekends. Must submit and successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
The Community
Pueblo is located in southeastern Colorado and is the most populous city of Pueblo County with roughly 150,000 people. One of the largest steel-producing cities in the U.S., Pueblo is sometimes referred to as the “Steel City”. The climate is enjoyable year round with outdoor activities available for every season. Located between rivers and mountains, Pueblo also offers visitors and residents scenic beauty in which to indulge.
Lake Pueblo and Other Water Recreation Lake Pueblo State Park, the most visited state park in Colorado, is an aquatic hot spot, with more than 60 miles of shoreline and 4,500 acres of surface water for boating and fishing.
Pueblo is a multicultural community at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. Downtown's 1.5-mile Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project serves as a centerpiece for the city's three-district Creative Corridor of galleries, cultural destinations and events. One such festival, the hugely popular Loaf ‘N Jug Chile & Frijoles Festival, celebrates Pueblo's famous green chiles. While there's definitely a sense of history here — Pueblo made Livability.com's Top 10 Cities for Historic Preservation list, the city enjoys contemporary recognition on both national and international levels as the home of Colorado State University-Pueblo (2014 NCAA Division II Football National Champions) and Professional Bull Riders, Inc.
HR Info
Apply on-line from our website: www.pueblolibrary.org/employment