Library Information Specialist
Full Time
United States
$4,378 - $6,159 a month
Posted
Job description
Class Title
Library Information Specialist
Class Code
285
Salary
$4,378.00 - $6,159.00 Monthly
Basic Function
Under general supervision, a Library Information Specialist is a skilled paraprofessional that requires competency at the Library Assistant II level plus advanced paraprofessional knowledge, skill, and ability. The Library Information Specialist provides expertise in technical and clerical services including circulation, reference and readers advisory, programming, collection management and administrative support.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Library Information Specialist is distinguished from the next higher-level classification of Library Assistant IV in that the latter is responsible for overseeing all daily operations of the downtown branch or oversees system-wide circulation functions and staff supervision. This classification is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Library Assistant III in that the latter is responsible for the basic daily operations of a library branch, specialized services or support at the larger downtown branch.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Helps users select the most appropriate information resource to meet their needs, and evaluates the quality, currency, and authority of information retrieved through all library channels.
- Conducts effective reference interviews.
- Instructs users in research procedures, including use of the library’s catalog, general database, and web searching, and locating materials in the library.
- Creates and uses locally developed tools such as subject guides, FAQs, and other resources that provide guidance to answer information requests.
- Assists the public with locating and using the virtual branch, its collections, and its services, such as online question help, online search help, and search consultation by appointment.
- Interprets bibliographic record and citation formats.
- Provides paraprofessional-level question-answering and information discovery assistance to the public.
- Provides reader’s advisory and consults with librarians for readers advisory assistance.
- Efficiently refers questions to librarians from the public according to guidelines.
- Efficiently searches the online resources of the library to connect library users with library resources.
- Under professional guidance, develops and maintains special collections.
- Provides collection management including cataloging, processing, repairing, selection and deselection, and making and correcting bibliographic records.
- Provides direct service to the public in finding information in the branch and using collections, computers, and equipment in the library.
- Performs a broad range of tasks in operating the branch such as scheduling staff and handling basic patron, facility and equipment issues.
- Assists with the selection and leading of staff and assists with performance planning and evaluation of staff.
- Provides constructive input and feedback within the library system concerning the needs of the public and the effectiveness of services and programs.
- Operates various office machines, computers, and audio-visual equipment as required.
- Creates, provides and delivers programs for youth, teens and adults such as organizing book discussion groups, story hours, crafting, class visits, and book talks.
- Prepares flyers, displays, and social media slides.
- May direct the work of Library Aides, Interns, and Volunteers
- Responds to community concerns.
- Collects and analyzes service-area data and provides findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position requires frequent sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping and repetitive use of hands in the performance of daily activities. Crouching, grasping and twisting is required in the performance of weekly activities. Occasional climbing, working overhead, pushing and pulling, and finger dexterity is required. The position requires near and far vision and normal hearing in the performance of daily activities. The need to lift up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis is required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and,-
Two (2) years of library work experience of technical and clerical nature in any combination of circulation, reference and readers advisory, programming, collection management and administrative support.
One year enrolled in a MLIS program may substitute for one year of library work experience.
Knowledge:
Knowledge:
Advanced working knowledge of library routines, procedures, and services in the assigned area.- Advanced computer operations needed to access library applications software and productivity tools.
- Concepts and issues concerning the appropriate use of technology by different user groups.
- Practiced knowledge of the information resources of the library system.
- The general scope of the library’s collections, including areas of strength and specialized collections.
- Basic legal issues involved in reference services, including user privacy, confidentiality, copyright, and programming.
- Advanced reference and readers advisory, information, and community resources.
- Classification and organization schemes for collections.
- Program planning, facilitation and evaluation.
- Advanced use, search methods, display options, and terminology of the library’s catalog, website, and other information access tools.
- Marketing programs and services including use of social media.
Skills:
Adept at using Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel and Google Workspace.- Basic computer operations needed to access library applications software and productivity tools.
Abilities:
-
Assist and train users to operate public equipment, connect to the internet, utilize library software applications, and access library services from remote locations. -
Instruct users in research procedures, including use of the library’s catalog, general database, and web searching, and locating materials in the library.
-
Perform basic troubleshooting of technical problems and resolve or appropriately refer those problems.
-
Access and use assistive technologies, where appropriate, to ensure that all users have equitable access to technology.
-
Make evaluative decisions when referrals are necessary and use appropriate referral procedures.
-
Multi-tasks in interacting with the public on the telephone, online, and in person while using the computer to search for information and guide the patron in a search as necessary.
-
Use good judgment in handling difficult situations.
-
Conduct effective reference interviews.
-
Help users define their information needs.
-
Use searching skills to find information in print, non-print, and digital resources.
-
Use locally developed tools such as subject guides, FAQs, and other resources that provide guidance to answer information requests.
-
Help users select the most appropriate information resource to meet their needs, and evaluate the quality, currency, and authority of information retrieved.
-
Identify and locate information in all formats, and assist users in retrieving materials, including those not held locally.
-
Interpret bibliographic record and citation formats.
-
Use current technologies to communicate and interact with patrons at remote locations.
Licenses and Certificates
- N/A
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- ALA-APA Library Support Staff Certification
- Fluency in Spanish, an Asian language or sign language.
Career Ladder
- Director of Libraries
- Assistant Director of Libraries
- Librarian III Librarian II
- Librarian I
- Library Specialist
- Library Assistant IV
- Library Information Specialist
- Library Assistant III
- Library Assistant II/Bookmobile Library Assistant
- Library Assistant I
Class Detail
Reports to Librarian
Supervises Non-Supervisory
Bargaining Unit SEIU
Classification No. 285
Date of Issue: 1/2012
Update: 4/23
SALARY
- This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit and has a nine-step salary range. All classifications in this bargaining unit add an additional wage Step J on 7/14/18 by MOU agreement. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. The current salary schedule is posted on the City website. See MOU for salary practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION
- This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT
- Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment
. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation – 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick – 12 days/year
Holidays – up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE – (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical – Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life – City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability – City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
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