FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
Position Opening Announcement #20190
POSITION TITLE:
DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS
SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICES LIBRARIAN for YOUTH SERVICES
AFSCME UNION POSITION
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC SERVICES / PROGRAM SERVICES
FTE: 40 hours per week (100%)
STARTING WAGE: Grade 13 | $23.12 / hour
DATE OF POSTING: 4/23/2015
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5/15/2015 (first review May 1st)
Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as recruitment may close when sufficient applications are received.
POTENTIAL SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday (hours vary)
Job Summary
The Senior Public Services Librarian will provide a full range of information and program services to patrons of
all ages in person, and by phone, email, and chat. Respond to reference and reader’s advisory questions. Help
patrons locate information and materials and use related technology. Create, develop, plan and implement
programs. Instruct patrons in use of the full range of library technology. Develop and maintain effective
relationships with schools and community groups. Promote library services and present programs both in and
outside of the library.
Specialties
This job description is intended to describe the essential functions and requirements for all Senior Public
Services Librarian positions. Certain positions will have specialized job assignments in a branch or district
headquarters. Examples include, but are not limited to, positions with primary responsibilities for serving
youth from infants through teens, or primarily teens, or primarily adults. Positions may also specialize in
providing district-level reference and readers’ advisory services, or other future services. Postings for
vacancies will include details about the specific job assignment responsibilities, and the nature of the “related
work experience” requirements.
Essential Functions
Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
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Provide general and specialized reference, reader’s advisory and material selection assistance to library
patrons; research and answer complex questions, including those referred by other staff; provide
instructions to patrons regarding library catalog searching, computer use, technology and use of personal
information device.
Troubleshoot problems as necessary; provide guidance and support to other staff in reference, reader’s
advisory, programming, technology use and outreach.
Plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate branch and community programs for specific age groups or all
patrons.
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Supervise assigned staff; assign and review work; mentor, evaluate and provide performance feedback to
staff, volunteers and substitutes; participate in the interview and hiring process.
Develop and deliver training to staff and the public.
Participate in the management of the branch; assist in the development of new policies and procedures;
assist in developing department or branch budget; monitor expenditures in assigned area(s); make
recommendations for purchase of equipment, materials and supplies; maintain and evaluate the library
collection including weeding in assigned areas using established guidelines and tools; prepare reports;
collect and analyze statistics related to branch or department operations.
Coordinate and participate in community outreach activities, represent the library in the community, and
cultivate community partnerships.
Collaborate with district coordinators and other staff to evaluate services and develop and implement new
services, technologies, and initiatives.
Promote library use and services to public, community and patrons through presentations, programs and
marketing activities.
Attend meetings and participate in committees and organizations that further the library’s mission and
goals.
Keep informed of current library practices, trends, related technologies, and print and electronic resources
by attending workshops and educational programs and reading specialized literature.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Duties are considered non-essential and include the following:
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May regularly work as the person-in-charge of the branch or department.
Participate in district-wide initiatives and programs.
May be responsible for special branch or district projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision
The position typically reports to a Branch or Department Manager, with moderate supervision and guidance
available as needed; works within established practices and procedures. Oversees, directs and assigns work to
staff; provides guidance and direction regarding application of policies and procedures. Takes part in
interviewing, hiring, and performance management of staff. Position also oversees programs and projects at a
branch.
Core Library Competencies or Values
Complete definitions are included on the FVRL Performance Evaluation Form located on the website and staff intranet. Employees
are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:
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Competencies working with people
o Customer orientation
o Communication skills
o Interpersonal awareness and teamwork
Competencies performing job duties
o Job knowledge
o Quality and quantity of work
o Results orientation
Self-management competencies
o Managing change and adaptability
o Managing performance
o Stress management
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o Safety: Adheres to all workplace safety rules, safety laws, regulations, standards and practices
o Attendance and Punctuality: Observes call-in policy and demonstrates reliable work schedules
Leadership
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
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Knowledge of Fort Vancouver Regional Library’s policies and procedures and ability to apply them
appropriately.
Knowledge of a broad range of public library information resources and literature and ability to effectively
search for and locate information.
Ability to apply techniques to locate and suggest books and other resources to meet patrons’ needs and
criteria.
Knowledge of computers, technology and electronic devices with ability to perform troubleshooting tasks
to assist patrons.
Knowledge of library services, programs and offerings with ability to describe and explain to patrons, and
ability to direct them to age-appropriate services and programs.
Knowledge of current library practices, tools, methods and procedures; standard and non-standard
Strong service orientation as demonstrated by ability to work effectively with patrons, volunteers and
library personnel at all levels.
Demonstrate strong organizational, planning, interpersonal, supervisory, oral and written communication
skills.
Ability to supervise, direct, coach, and train employees and volunteers.
Ability to communicate effectively and act as a representative of Fort Vancouver Regional Library to the
public.
Ability to learn, adapt quickly to, and implement new technologies and practices deemed appropriate for
library services.
Ability to learn and effectively use the integrated library system used by Fort Vancouver Regional Library.
Ability to solve non-routine patron and work issues and provide direction to other staff
Ability to maintain tact, courtesy, confidentiality, and discretion in dealing with the public, patrons and
community.
Ability to establish priorities and organize workload, with ability to properly assign work to other staff
members.
Skillful in helping to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere.
Education and Experience:
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see addendum for additional requirements
Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or ability to obtain a
Washington State Librarian certification upon hire.
Minimum of 3-5 years of related work experience, including customer service experience.
One to three years of supervisory experience or lead worker experience.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:
Primary work is conducted in a normal library setting in public spaces and in staff offices. Occasional lifting of
stacks of books and of library materials in boxes (up to 35 pounds), and pushing and pulling full book carts is
required. Work may also require walking, standing for extended periods of time, bending, stooping and
operating a passenger vehicle.
Some work may be conducted outside of the library, such as at schools, businesses, community meetings and
events.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of
such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or
avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or
working conditions associated with this job.
This and all FVRL positions are subject to transfer, based on library need.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this
job. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is also an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Senior Public Services Librarian addendum (Youth Services)
1. Classification: Senior Public Services Librarian
2. Specialty title: Senior Public Services Librarian for Youth Services
3. Location assignment: Program Services Dept./ District Headquarters
4. Education specialization, within the scope of the general classification: Master's degree in Library and
Information Science from an ALA accredited program or ability to obtain a Washington State Librarian
certification upon hire. Preference for additional education course work in child development and early
learning.
5. Experience specialization, within the scope of the general classification: Minimum of 3-5 years working
with children including planning and implementing programs for children.
6. Area(s) of focus: Library services, resources, and programming for children age 0-18, including the
involvement of their families and caregivers in the children’s development.
7. Projects or special assignments:
• Take leading role in district-wide programs for youth. (Summer reading, bookmark contest, early
learning initiative, youth writing contest)
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Represents the library in the community and cultivates community partnerships related to youth
services.
8. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -- most important specializations:
• Knowledge of public library information resources and literature for children, ages 0-18.
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Knowledge of childhood development and the role of the public library in fostering that development.