Community Engagement Librarian - 40 hrs./wk.

Description

Under the general direction of the Community Engagement Manager, the Community Engagement Librarian fosters relationships with individuals and organizations by promoting library services and resources beyond the traditional branch setting. This is accomplished by combining the responsibilities of a librarian with driving the bookmobile to various community partners and underserved populations within the KDL service area.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Offer personalized service to current and potential patrons, helping them discover library resources and services that match their needs and interests.
• Provide friendly and professional customer service to all library patrons, fostering a welcoming and inclusive experience.
• Develop and implement outreach initiatives and programs to engage people who experience barriers to access. Collaborate with local organizations, schools and community group leaders to address the informational and literacy needs of the community.
• Utilize technology on the bookmobile, such as Wi-Fi access, computers and e-readers to enhance library services and provide digital literacy training. Assist patrons with accessing and navigating digital library resources including online applications.
• Provide, promote and evaluate bookmobile and department outreach visits including collection of statistics and setting goals. Assist with budget management and preparing reports as needed.
• Assist patrons with library card registration, account management, and technology access.
• Maintain Bookmobile collection including loading and unloading, shelving and shifting of materials according to the place of visits. Assist with the circulation, weeding, and replacement of materials.
• Maintain the bookmobile according to recommended maintenance schedules. Regularly inspect the bookmobile and assure that service and repairs are performed in a timely manner.
• Safely operate the bookmobile to, during and from assigned visits, practicing safe and defensive driving in varying weather conditions.
• Facilitate the KDL Free Library services and resources.
• Support reservations and maintains inventory of department materials and equipment (e.g. canopies, Katie L. costume, etc.).
• Serve as member of an advisory or programming group.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Communications department to support the Community Engagement’s social media and kdl.org presence.
• Provide training and guidance to those supporting the bookmobile, who may include KDL staff, substitutes and volunteers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• This job requires a Master’s degree in Library Science or related/relevant field, or Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years relevant experience, or High school degree plus 10 years applicable experience, with at least five of the ten in successful service as Assistant Branch Librarian at Kent District Library.
• Must possess, or be eligible to receive, and maintain a valid unrestricted Michigan Chauffeur Driver’s License.
• Must be able to work and drive in various weather conditions and in low light.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and practices of public library operations, including search methods, reader’s advisory and reference interviews. Incumbent is also required to acquire knowledge of the policies and procedures of Kent District Library.
• Considerable knowledge of available circulating materials and basic reference sources.
• Working knowledge of public library computer hardware and software operations and how to access and search them.
• Ability to work under general supervision with latitude in exercising independent judgment and discretion subject to Library policies, procedures, and professional practices.
• Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with various library personnel and patrons in an effective and courteous manner. Communicate effectively on both oral and written forms. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics.
• Visual acuity and physical skills necessary to retrieve library materials from shelves and storage areas, maintain library materials and operate equipment. The incumbent is required to have the physical ability to push/pull fully loaded book carts and lift/carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Hearing ability to answer telephone and patron inquiries.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively access information on the computer.
• Ability to operate a variety of library equipment including a computer, printer and copy machine.

Additional Information

• KDL provides library services to our local communities seven days per week.
• Position will require some evening and weekend hours.
• While this position is currently assigned to the above location, KDL reserves the right to require employees to be available for assignments at any KDL location.

The library employment environment typically requires extensive computer keyboard and mouse activity, in-person, electronic and telephone communication skills. Meeting attendance at various branch and service center locations is expected; self-identified mode of transportation is required. The preparation, loading and carrying or moving of materials is commonly required for all KDL positions. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Recruiting and hiring practices are based solely on job-related criteria. If you require assistance or special accommodations during any part of the application process, contact the Human Resources Department at humanresourcesemail@kdl.org or 616-784-2226.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified.