MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

GROTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Circulation Librarian

Statement of Duties
Performs professional librarian tasks for a Library department.  Has responsibility for coordination of library material circulation.  Oversees interlibrary loan services. Performs other duties as required.

 

Supervision
Works under the general supervision of the director who provides goals and objectives. Works independently to analyze/evaluate current circulation programs and practices and to revise/develop programs as needed to respond to patron needs and service delivery. Library policies and procedures are available and must be observed and followed.

Provides general supervision for up to seven personnel, as well as volunteers, providing initial instruction and guidance.  Participates in employee evaluations.

Has access to confidential employee and patron information.

Job Environment
This is varied work, involving many detailed operations as well as non-standardized tasks, procedures and techniques.  Evaluation and analysis are required to judge appropriate response to problems. Works in a very public, active area, with competing demands on attention; interactions may require considerable effort to diffuse potential conflict.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service and monetary loss, damage to equipment, patron dissatisfaction.

Constant contact with Library patrons.  Other contacts are with other town employees, state and regional library associations, government agencies, vendors, and school employees.  Contacts are usually in person or by phone.  Written communication is frequently necessary.
 

Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Coordinates functions related to circulation of library materials, including but not limited to overseeing material lending functions, registration of patrons, tracking overdue material and assessing fines.  Is liaison for regional book mobile.

Manages Interlibrary Loan services, including computer database search and retrieval, obtaining material; and tracking distribution and return.

Provides training and supervision to Library Assistants, establishes work schedules, makes assignments, participates in performance reviews.  Coordinates volunteers assigned to circulation area.

Assists with collection development by tracking and analyzing reader preferences and needs; provides bibliographies and/or exhibits to promote collection.

Makes presentations to community groups to explain library programs and services.  Receives complaints and/or special requests from patrons and community groups, providing response or conflict resolution.  Advises patrons and groups of policies and procedures.   Coordinates community meeting rooms, including scheduling, assuring proper use and care of areas used.

Attends professional library conferences, seminars and network committees; reads professional literature; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.
 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

            Education and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent with college courses; Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or a related field preferred and experience for three to five years in the capacity of professional librarian with supervisory duties; or the equivalent combination of experience and education.

            Knowledge, Ability and Skill

            Thorough knowledge of:

• Library operations and library services, and of data processing and automation as related to library circulation operations and services.

• Library policies and procedures in order to explain programs and services to others.

• Basic reference sources in subject area, research techniques, reader interest levels, publisher and dealer practices, methods of library supply resources.

Working knowledge of:

• Common computer applications and use of the Internet

Ability to:

• Supervise others at various levels of training and ability, evaluate performance, provide training and discipline.

• Create goals and provide leadership for subordinates

• Persuade, negotiate, resolve conflict

• Research information from multiple sources for a variety of users

• Handle a great many details, some simultaneously, with accuracy

• Communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing
   

Physical and Mental Requirements
Work is performed in and office setting, subject to quiet or moderate noise.  Up to two thirds of time is spent standing, walking, stooping or reaching with hands or arms.  Up to two-thirds of the time is spent using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting is required up to 30 pounds; seldom required to lift up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The compactness of space and accessibility, the need to respond to competing needs or resolve conflicts could cause inconvenience and stress at times. Equipment used includes personal computers, office machines.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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