LIBRARIAN II/ARCHIVIST

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, manages the Escondido Public Library Pioneer Room; performs routine to complex professional librarian/archivist work involving the selection, organization and reference use of print and non-print materials and resources related to local and family history; and provides library services and instruction to all age groups.

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.

• Organizes and preserves existing local Escondido archival materils for the collection.
• Evaluates and selects new and existing local history and family history materials for addition to or deletion from the collection.
• Assesses user needs, assists them in making effective use of the collection, and answers reference questions.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures to maintain the collection and provide effective service.
• Interprets library policies and procedures to the public.
• Supervises and directs paraprofessional staff and volunteers.
• Operates and assists with maintenance of computer, microform and other equipment.
• Plans, coordinates and conducts public awareness events, programs, tours and classes for the public.
• Acts as principal liaison with the Friends of the Pioneer Room and other local history and genealogy groups.
• Assists in preparation, monitoring and administration of program budget.
• Prepares a variety of oral and written reports and materials.
• Represents the Library in meetings with citizens, special interest groups and other City department committees as assigned.
• Assists with the classification and cataloging of print, media, software and other materials.
• Develops and maintains special files, bibliographies, collections and resources, both print and non-print.
• Participates in the development of overall strategic and technology planning for library systems and services.

Depending on area of assignment, duties may also include:

• Participates in community outreach and services, and related programs as assigned.
• Prepares grant applications.
• Monitors the developments in the library and archival professions and participates in activities of professional associations as time permits.
• Performs related work 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.

Knowledge of:

• Collection development principles for archival, local history and family history management.
• Principles and practices of archival and local history cataloging, preservation, and organization.
• Theory, principles and practices of library services, organization and procedures.
• Reference sources and research techniques in archival and local history materials using print, media, electronic databases and the Internet.
• Principles and practices of positive and effective public relations and customer service.
• Supervisory principles and practices.
• Grant and report writing techniques.
• Principles and practices of budget management.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, implement and evaluate archival and local history reference, services and activities.
• Classify and catalog books, maps, special collections and electronic resources using both manual and automated systems.
• Assess customer needs and provide accurate reference information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, volunteers, support groups, and the local school districts.
• Effectively train, plan, direct and evaluate the work of staff and volunteers.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate records and statistics.
• Operate a personal computer and efficiently utilize software programs used by the City and the Library.
• Prepare specialized programs and conduct tours and classes in related subjects for the public.
• Learn new technologies applicable to archival and public library services and operations and implement them in the workplace.
• Contribute to a successful team effort.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds, both individually and in groups.

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:

Education/Training/Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in Library Science or Master’s of Arts in Archival Management or History and two years experience in reference, local history, or archival management in a public, special or academic library. Alternate education and experience may be a Bachelor's degree in archival management or a related discipline and four years experience in reference and archival management in a public, special or academic library.

License and Other Requirements – Must possess a valid Class C California driver’s license. 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.

Environment: 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 60-hour work periods, with unscheduled breaks. Occasional overtime may be required 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.

Physical: CONTINUOUS walking; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. From below the waist to above the 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 the 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., with or without assistance, and transporting distances up to 10 feet; strong grasp to lift equipment or boxes of books and other materials.

Communication: VISION (may be correctable) to see computer screens, books and 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 2002
Revised by Department - LMcK