Hybrid Library Specialist presso City of Lewiston, ID

About the Department

Ideal Candidate:

The library specialist will be working under the youth services focus of the job description assigned to the Youth Services Librarian. The ideal candidate will have several years of experience working with children in a library or formal setting, be self motivated and able to accomplish tasks independently. They will exhibit effective presentation skills and be able to work within a team to accomplish the library's mission. Experience in marketing will be helpful.

The  Position:

Under an assigned supervisor, the Library Specialists bring specialized knowledge and experience in library operations in the areas of Educational-Training, Outreach-Diversity, Community Relations, Communications (Press Release, Web and Social Media), Programming-Services or/and Technical Help Desk support. With some degree of autonomy, Library Specialists independently engage the public in these areas.

Position Duties

Essential Functions:

Candidates may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address library needs.

•Independently represent the Library through outreach services to the community including: community presentations, Homebound Services, early literacy programming to daycare and childcare facilities, area classroom visits, residential and assisted living engagement, special community events, and summer reading programming.
 
•Establish and maintain liaisons with community groups, service clubs, businesses, schools, and the public regarding library services in areas assigned. 

Library Specialists may have one or more areas of focus from the following:

Youth Services Focus
Develop professional connections with youth from ages zero to eighteen, becoming familiar with their needs and interests. Routinely plan, organize and provide, independently or through collaboration with other organizations or presenters, a wide variety of programs and activities, including literacy activities for particular age groups, to encourage reading and continued use of library facilities and resources. Routinely help with development and implementation of youth summer reading programs, assist and present classes and/or workshops in a variety of formal and informal settings.  Provide outreach to educational and childcare facilities in the area of children’s programming. Conduct special activities and reading programs on or off site. Assist in creating book and bulletin board displays. Use software to create marketing material. Collect and record data. Organize and plan tasks for Summer Associates during the summer reading program.

Outreach Focus
While collaborating with adult and technology departments, plan, market and provide access to materials and resources off site. Build relationships with community residential and assisted living sites to provide access to literature and enrichment activities. Coordinate with other city departments and community organizations to offer programs at a variety of locations outside the library. Maintain and circulate an outreach collection and access to technology. Provide instruction to patrons in how to access library materials. Use software to create marketing material. Collect and record data.
 
Technology Focus
Provides one-on-one assistance to library staff and users of the library’s public access computers and printers. Assists patrons accessing online resources via mobile devices including Android, IOS and e-readers.  Assists users in accessing and navigating the Internet, understanding common security protocols, locating resources, and downloading and saving files of all types.  Assists users with online communication tools (social media tools, sign up, create or reply to messages, manage contacts, attach files, identify spam and phishing messages).  Performs routine maintenance of library equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate degree required, Bachelor degree preferred in related fields of early learning, education, social work, and/or information technology. Customer service and education or experience working with youth programs required. Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Idaho Driver’s License. 

Knowledge & Abilities:

Must demonstrate knowledge of library operations. Previous public library experience is required. Three years of previous work experience which includes customer service and specialized knowledge of library operations; experience working with children, young adults and elderly; experience working with library technologies.  Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with other staff and the public; communicate clearly and effectively both in writing and orally; apply and explain rules, guidelines, policies and procedures; train and provide work direction to others including volunteers; work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner.

Other Qualifications

Working Conditions:

Work setting is formal, team oriented, having both routine and variable tasks.  Work pace and pressure is variable, but frequently fast-paced and high pressure. Primary functions require the following:   ability to work in an office and operate office equipment and technology; ability to stand for extended periods of time; ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels; ability to bend and twist, sit, stoop, kneel, push, pull, and crawl; ability to lift 35-40 lbs, ability to carry 30 lbs, ability to reach in all directions.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.