Public Services Librarian

At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members of Team Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym, SERVE (Stewardship Engaged Respectful Visionary Excellence).

The hiring range is $27.80 - $34.75 per hour, depending on qualifications.

Summary of Duties: Under general supervision, the Public Services Librarian possesses a commitment to life-long learning, delivers customer service, and responds to the needs of the community by providing educational opportunities and access to information and library resources.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the entry-level classification in the Public Services Librarian series that follows diversified procedures and implements processes to accomplish end results, within guidelines. Immediate supervision is available upon request. This class is distinguished from Public Services Librarian, Senior in that the latter is a higher-level class in the series that performs more complex technical, investigative, and supervisory duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service in all interactions with respect, responsiveness and professionalism
• Communicates effectively across work teams and with the public through active listening, writing and speaking
• Listens to understand, and respond with sensitivity and inclusivity of varying viewpoints; navigates critical conversations with respect and diplomacy
• Provides respectful, efficient instruction and assistance to patrons in the use of facilities, equipment, services, technology, and other resources; aids in locating library resources and services; answers reference questions and offers reader advisory; instructs patrons using library programs and technologies
• Supports a safe and welcoming environment for patrons and staff by addressing patron complaints and concerns; administers Plano Public Library (PPL) and City of Plano (COP) policies and procedures to maintain building safety for staff and patrons
• Assumes leadership role in the absence of management
• Actively participates in program content creation and delivery; applies expertise and knowledge of community needs; participates in community outreach events.
• Aids in collection development, maintenance, and management in partnership with Library Technical Services staff
• Demonstrates professional leadership and project management skills by engaging in PPL committees, initiatives and special projects
• Exhibits a commitment to the foundations of librarianship by understanding and applying the precepts of intellectual freedom; articulates the value of library services to the community
• Processes library materials, patron holds, library card applications and fee payments
• Supports library building technology according to library and city standards
• Pursues professional development opportunities through participation in local, state, or national library associations; acquires new skills by attending conferences, webinars, and continuing education courses; demonstrates adaptability by responding quickly to changing ideas, responsibilities, expectations, and strategies
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: Evaluates and determines effective responses to reference, service and informational requests. May serve as person in charge, which can include managing patron complaints, building operations and resolving patron account issues. The incumbent exercises discretionary judgment in implementing departmental guidelines and library policy.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Basic library functions and practices; reference techniques and materials; community demographics and needs such as early childhood development and adult learning methods.

Skill in: Effective workplace communication, including verbal, written, and active listening skills; professional level reference and research; providing guidance and instruction to others; demonstrating initiative, effective judgment, professional leadership, and flexibility; navigating and using a variety of technology, software, and digital tools; prioritizing work and managing time effectively; collaboration and forming effective relationships for team-based work.

Education: Master’s degree in Library Science and/or Information Science accredited by the American Library Association required.

Experience: Library experience preferred.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: None.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is performed throughout the library. with standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees may be required to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 30 pounds, or heavier with the use of proper equipment.

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and some exposure to dust/mites Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation. target hourly range for this position is $27.80 - $34.75.

Equal Opportunity Employer - EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.