LibraryJobline

Job Description

1. Works approximately 20 hours per week at the Reference and East Teen Center public service desks assisting patrons in person and over the telephone. Provides reference services, assists in research, performs in-depth searches and bibliographic identification. Offers directional assistance and information about the library, its services, policies and procedures. Refers patrons to outside sources and collections when appropriate. Maintains confidentiality in all interactions with patrons. 2. Provides access and instruction to library holdings on the on-line catalog. 3. Staffs PPLD’s “Ask a Librarian” email reference and the statewide “Ask Colorado” chat reference services. 4. Working closely with the Information Technology staff, is responsible for implementing and overseeing the content of the home page’s “Web Picks” resource. Identifies, selects, indexes, edits, and promotes “Web Picks.” Trains PPLD staff in the use of “Web Picks” and teaches computer classes to the public. 5. Assesses patron’s needs and delivers organized information to help meet specific and anticipated needs by compiling lists of pertinent materials, bibliographies, fact sheets, pathfinders, etc. 6. Assists and works with staff in coordinating various community databases: Agencies, Authors, and Child Care. 7. Represents the library through instructional tours, demonstrations, talks, and by participating in community groups and forming external contacts. 8. Presents a positive, professional image of PPLD in all interpersonal communications and transactions. 9. May act as “Librarian in Charge” on evenings and weekends in the absence of the Adult Services Manager. 10. Performs other job-related duties and projects as assigned. May participate in committees or teams as requested.

Additional Info & Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Requires an MLS degree. 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! 2. Requires two essay responses. In order to be considered as a qualified applicant for this position, you must write and submit two typed and double-spaced essays (250 - 300 words each) in response to each of the following two questions: a. “How will public libraries continue to be relevant in the future?” b. "What specific skills and talents would you bring to this position that distinguish you from the other applicants?" NOTE: Applications that are submitted without the above requested essays will not be considered for this position. Include these paragraphs with your other PPLD job application materials. 3. Requires 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. 1. Knowledge of professional library science theories, principles, and techniques. 2. Advanced knowledge of reference tools, methodologies, and philosophy and collection development tools and theory. 3. Interpersonal communication skills necessary to understand, interpret, and paraphrase patron questions. 4. Knowledge of Public Access Catalog (PAC) searching techniques, library materials and their arrangement, and a variety of reference resources. Ability to encourage and instruct patrons in the use of the online catalog and other automated files. 5. 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. 6. Broad knowledge of general subject areas necessary to conduct successful patron interviews. 7. Comprehensive knowledge of library and department functions, procedures, and public service responsibilities, policies, and procedures. 8. Ability to plan, organize, and perform job assignments accurately with initiative and judgment, independently, or with minimal supervision. 9. Ability to represent the library with tact and courtesy and to exhibit sound professional judgment and demeanor in all public interactions. 10. Ability to work in a team setting demonstrating a willingness to assist and support coworkers, to contribute ideas, and to maintain flexibility. 11. Ability to think and act appropriately under pressure on the public desk. 12. Knowledge of commercial, governmental, and on-line business information resources. 13. Knowledge of techniques necessary to plan, develop, and evaluate effective library programs. 14. Ability to establish rapport with firms, organizations, and the business faculty of area educational institutions to assess local business information needs. 15. Knowledge of library and division functions, procedures, and public service responsibilities.

The Community

With its 12 branches and 2 bookmobiles, Pikes Peak Library District serves the 500,000+ residents of El Paso County, which is nestled at the base of beautiful Pikes Peak.

HR Info

In order to be considered as a qualified applicant for this position, you must write and submit two typed and double-spaced essays (250 - 300 words each) in response to each of the following two questions: a. “How will public libraries continue to be relevant in the future?” b. "What specific skills and talents would you bring to this position that distinguish you from the other applicants?" Applications that are submitted without the above requested essays will not be considered for this position. Include these paragraphs with your other PPLD job application materials. NOTE: A PPLD job application is required for all vacant positions. Obtain a printable application at www.ppld.org