Position Definition: The Reference Librarian serves to connect the
community to ideas, information, emerging technologies, culture and each
other by using the library’s collections, electronic resources and
public space. The Librarian provides reference assistance, technological
instruction, varied programs and works to promote readership in the
library community.
Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of
the Reference and Adult Services Manager who assigns areas of
responsibilities, outlines policy and procedures, provides guidance as
necessary, and evaluates work in terms of accuracy and effectiveness.
Works with independence in assigned areas. Makes regular reports to the
Reference and Adult Services Manager.
Supervision Exercised: Provides general supervision to
Library Technical Assistants, Library Specialists, Library Assistants,
Library Pages and volunteers, and part time Reference staff if a full
time position.
Examples of Essential Job Duties:
Reference Assistance—Communicates with the public to help select and evaluate all library materials.
Interviews patrons to determine the scope of information
needs and recommends appropriate resources to answer their needs.
Compiles statistics for reports.
Content Development—Participates in the development and
maintenance of the library collections. Evaluates for balance and
comprehensiveness; reviews professional publications and other sources
for selection of materials: books, periodicals, e-books and other
library materials. Interacts with staff and public to consider the
interests of the community. Creates displays to promote the collections.
Participates in weeding the collection periodically.
Participates in the development, evaluation and maintenance
of the reference collection and electronic databases and assists the
Reference and Adult Services Manager in the selection process. Provides
recommendations to the Reference and Adult Manager for department budget
and may assume responsibility for monitoring budget items.
Computer Technology—Performs basic searches and instructs
the public, individually or in small groups, in the use of the library
online catalogs, the Internet, electronic databases, computers, software
and equipment. Further assists patrons by troubleshooting search and
equipment problems and demonstrating resolutions to common difficulties.
Maintains current knowledge of library and emerging technologies.
Create reports, statistics, publicity materials and presentations.
Programs and Services—Plans, publicizes and executes library programs for the community as assigned.
Assists patrons in the use of genealogical resources and
local history materials and in giving book talks or leading book
discussion groups. Lead tours to acquaint the public and local
organizations with the library resources. Coordinates outreach and
volunteer programs for library within the community. Edits and
contributes to library publications, including grant applications.
Contributes content for the library website and social media.
Examples of Incidental Job Duties:
Participates in regional, state, and national professional
library and public administration organizations, at meetings or
conferences, to assure a continuing awareness of programs and
opportunities available to the Town and the library.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Performs services in all Library units as needed. May assist
with circulation duties, including charging and discharging library
materials.
Minimum Qualifications Required: The skills and knowledge
required would generally by acquired with a Master’s Degree in Library
Science and two years of progressively responsible experience in library
work.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have a working
knowledge of library principles and practices. Excellent communication
skills are essential. Ability to work effectively with the public and
other staff members. Must have considerable knowledge of computer
applications, Internet, social networking media, e-books and electronic
resources related to the library. A strong working knowledge of library
cataloging and familiarity with the Dewey Classification System, MARC
and AAR2 cataloging is required. The ability to apply the principles of
library science solve practical problems is required. Must be able to
carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form. Must possess
the interpersonal and communication skills to effectively represent the
Library to the community.
Physical, Mental Exertion/Environmental Conditions: Works in
office setting and open area subject to continuous interruptions and
background noise. Includes exposure to computer screens on a daily
basis. May be required to lift and move light to medium weights, for
example, books, audio visual equipment, office supplies, etc. Must be
able to bend, stoop, stand and reach, climb and kneel on a daily basis.
Vision abilities required include close, distance, color and peripheral
vision necessary to operate computers and office equipment. Must be able
to work under stress from demanding deadlines and changing priorities
and conditions. There is frequent interaction with library patrons,
which may cause stress.
License or Certificate: A Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License is desirable.
Note: The above tasks and responsibilities are illustrative
only. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and
responsibility. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
