Portsmouth Public Library
175 Parrott Ave
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Email application materials to: jobs@cityofportsmouth.com
Library Director: Steve Butzel
POSITION TITLE: Librarian I – Reference Department
CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: 9
SALARY RANGE: $42,149 – $51,125 (Effective 07/01/19: $42,992 – $52,148)
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess Master’s Degree in Library Science and/or equivalent combination of education and relevant library experience. The candidate must have a good understanding of library automation systems, Internet resources and be comfortable working with a wide range of information technology devices. Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library reference and special collections services; advanced skills in locating relevant print media and other materials to meet the intellectual business, academic, and cultural and entertainment needs of customers; demonstrated expertise using Microsoft Office applications and conducting online research using free and subscription-based services including historical research tools. The candidate must be an excellent personal example of providing a high level of service to customers. The candidate must have a proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, employees in other municipal departments and City Officials. This includes excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as being a good listener. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and the necessary judgment and public relations skills to deal with people effectively and appropriately; familiarity with archival and special collections procedures, practices and principles and a desire to work in a high-energy, team-oriented environment. The position includes some evening and weekend hours.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The purposes of this position are to independently and collaboratively perform professional library services, coordinate one or more department service areas, and create a welcoming, warm and respectful environment for library patrons and staff. This requires participating in collaborative decision making within and across library departments as well as working cooperatively with City Departments, business, academic and cultural organizations, City schools and other state and national organizations in order to meet the Library’s customers’ needs.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Answers in-depth, complex reference questions in person, by phone, using email, etc. Helps patrons locate materials within the building and available electronically; helps obtain other materials by placing holds, initiating interlibrary loan requests and processing purchase requests
- Participates in materials selection and maintenance to better meet customer needs
- Offers individual device help and/or group computer instruction, creating or updating lesson plans and handouts when necessary
- Participates in numerous additional aspects of Reference services such as, but not limited to: readers’ advisory, processing serials, outreach visits, grant writing, budget allocation, promotion and advertising, establishing community liaisons, attending professional workshops, training of new staff, staying current in library services, implementing new ideas, among other responsibilities
- Interprets and implements library policies, rules and procedures and assists in their evaluation for effectiveness, efficiency and contribution to customer service
- Participates in planning and implementation of library programs, possibly serving on the library’s Programming Committee
- Tracks of a wide variety of usage and service statistics on a daily basis, and assists in preparing statistical reports
- Registers patrons for the use of various library services, including study rooms, museum passes, computer classes, library programs, etc; explains procedures
- Assists patrons with using the library’s public computers and the software available on them including Microsoft Office applications, internet browsers as well as department-specific technologies
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS MAY INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
1. May participate in departmental social media efforts
2. Assists with library outreach activities
3. Assists in promoting library services by preparing displays and other publicity.
4. May assist with grant writing and fulfillment.
5. May participate on and/or chair other library committees
6. May assist with library exhibits
7. May contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the art and artifacts collection, obituary database, Portsmouth Herald newspaper archives and local history “vertical files.
8. May contribute to the department’s digitization projects and online special collections presence. This involves using scanners and digital asset management software.
SCOPE OF EXAMINATION: Competitive Examination which includes a personal interview.
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing and background check.
– Posted June 11, 2019