LIBRARIAN I/II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, performs routine to complex professional librarian work involving the selection, cataloging and reference use of print and electronic library materials and resources and the provision of library services and instruction to all age groups.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Librarian I:  This is the entry level class in the Librarian series.  Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Librarian II level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Incumbents at this level are expected to learn the full range of responsibilities and perform duties with an increasing level of independence. Advancement to the “II” level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Librarian II:  This is the full journey level class in the Librarian series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Librarian I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed human resources knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Librarian II level are normally filled by advancement from the Librarian I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents 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 business needs and changing business practices.

• Assesses library customers' needs and advises them in making effective use of library resources and services;
• Provides reference service and instruction to library customers of all ages using print, media and computer resources;
• Reviews, evaluates and selects print, non-print and computer materials for addition to or deletion from collections;
• Develops and maintains special files, bibliographies, collections and resources, both print and electronic;
• Classifies and catalogs print, media, computer and other materials;
• Plans and participates in community outreach and services, and related programs as assigned;
• Represents the Library in meetings with citizens, special interest groups, and other City department committees as assigned;
• Prepares a variety of oral and written reports and materials;
• Assists in the overall organization of library-related print and non-print resources, including Web site development;
• Participates in the development of overall strategic and technology planning for library systems and services.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans and conducts library programs and tours for all age groups;
• Monitors developments in the library profession and participates in activities of professional associations as time permits;
• Performs related work as required;

Supervision:

• Supervision is received from the Senior Librarian or Deputy City Librarian; may supervise paraprofessional staff and volunteers.

Employment Standards:

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles and practices of library services, organization and procedures;
• Books, authors, and reference sources in a variety of subject areas;
• Research techniques using print, media, electronic databases and the Internet;

Librarian I/II

• Library-related and business-related computer software and equipment and their operation;
• World Wide Web tools, applications, techniques, practices and resources;
• Collection development, including book, media and electronic database selection and collection maintenance;
• Cataloging and classification procedures for varied formats and materials;
• Supervisory principles and practices;
• Principles and practices of customer service and public relations.

Ability to:

• Assess library customer needs and provide accurate reference information;
• Plan and implement specialized programs, including performing outreach work;
• Classify and catalog a wide range of books, library materials and electronic resources using both manual and automated systems;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with a variety of library customers, staff, volunteers and community groups, including the ability to work effectively with difficult customer interactions;
• Effectively train, direct and evaluate assigned staff and volunteers;
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, files, statistical information, reports and correspondence both in print and electronically;
• Operate a personal computer and learn to efficiently utilize software programs used by the City and the Library;
• Learn new technologies applicable to public library services and operations and implement them in the workplace;
• Contribute to a successful team effort;
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of Escondido’s diverse community, interacting and communicating successfully with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Librarian I

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS); or a Bachelor’s degree supplemented by a minimum of 9 semester or 14 quarter units of Library Science education, which must be creditable toward the completion of an MLS degree and 2 years of full-time experience as a library paraprofessional.

Librarian II

Incumbents may be considered for progression to Librarian II upon successful completion of the MLS and two years of experience as a professional librarian at a level equivalent to Librarian I with the City of Escondido.  Initial appointment at the Librarian II level may be considered based on qualifications and department requirements. 

License and Other Requirements – Must possess a valid Class C California driver’s license. English/Spanish bilingual ability is desirable. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

In addition to the above, essential functions require the following physical, environmental and communication demands:

PHYSICAL:  CONTINUOUS walking; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below the waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to 500 yards; fine finger dexterity and light pressure to operate keyboards, calculators, telephones; pinch grasp to hold books, writing materials.  FREQUENT standing, sitting, bending and stooping, squatting, reaching above and at shoulder level, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing 11-15 lbs. From below waist to waist level, with or without assistance, and transporting distances up to 10 feet.  INFREQUENT crawling, balancing above ground, lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. From chest level to above shoulder level, with or without assistance, and transporting distances up to 10 feet; lifting objects weighing 51-75 lbs. From below waist to shoulder level, with assistance, and transporting distances up to 5 feet; strong grasp to lift equipment or boxes of books.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Exposure to heat and humidity working outdoors at special events; noise of crowds and groups of people; temperature variations within the building and from indoors to outdoors; possible mechanical hazards of equipment and large quantities of books and papers.  Work is performed in 80-hour work periods, with unscheduled breaks.  Occasional overtime my be require for adequate staffing of library facilities, and incumbents may be required to work weekends, nights and holidays.  Work is performed primarily indoors at library facilities. 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.

COMMUNICATION:  VISION (may be correctable) to see computer screens, books observe customers and situations. HEARING of telephone and personal conversations with customers, fire and security alarms, sound equipment. SPEAKING clearly to converse with customers.  WRITING to complete forms and notes to assist customers.  Incumbents must occasionally deal with difficult customers in library facilities, including impaired persons or people attempting to steal items.

Date: October 2011
JP/Department

Date: December 2010
JP/Department

Date: August 2001
SB/Department