ACE

SENIOR LIBRARIAN

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 of the Deputy City Librarian, plans organizes and directs a major division of the library such as adult services, children’s services, media services or technical services or a branch library; supervises professional and technical staff as needed; performs related work as assigned.

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.

• Plans, organizes, directs and reviews work of professional and technical support staff assigned to a specific division or branch library.
• Assists in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, programs, procedures and work standards for an assigned division.
• Selects library materials and resources for an assigned area.
• Conducts studies and makes recommendations for improved service delivery.
• Acts as liaison between library management and the community.
• Develops annual budget requirements and monitors expenditures for an assigned area.
• Coordinates and provides specialized programs and services to customers such as advisory/reference services and topical programs.
• Develops and coordinates outreach and promotional efforts for an assigned area.
• Represents the library in meetings with the public, citizen groups and other agencies.
• Monitors developments in the library field, including emerging technologies.
• Participates in activities of professional associations as time permits.
• Assists in application for outside funding for library programs.
• Performs vacation and temporary relief 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:

• Supervisory principles and practices, including training and evaluation of employees.
• Theories, principles and practices of program and budget development and implementation.
• Library materials and resources in a broad spectrum of subjects and formats.
• Automated library information systems, software and equipment usage.
• Theories, principles and practices of Collection development.
• Theories, principles and practices of cataloging and classification procedures for a variety of materials and formats.
• Research techniques using print, media, electronic databases and the Internet.
• Principles and practices of positive customer service and public relations.

Ability to:

• Develop, coordinate and implement library service programs and activities.
• Effectively select and train professional and paraprofessional staff.
• Effectively plan, organize and direct the work of professional and paraprofessional staff and volunteers.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of library customers, staff, volunteers and community groups contacted during the course of work.
• Analyze service and resource problems and evaluate alternatives and courses of action to resolve problems.
• Mitigate customer service issues.
• Develop appropriate and effective collections/resources within an assigned area.
• Operate library automation system and other computer equipment.
• 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.

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: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Library Science.

Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience as a professional librarian in a public library.

License and Other Requirements - Must possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License or be able to arrange transportation as required. English/Spanish bilingual ability is desirable. Must be able 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. Book dust and mold is constant in a library facility. Work is performed in 80-hour bi-weekly 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. Incumbents must occasionally deal with difficult customers in library facilities, including impaired persons or persons violating library rules and regulations.

Physical: CONTINUOUS walking; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulder level and transporting distances up to 500 yards; fine finger dexterity and light pressure to operate keyboards, calculators, and 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 the waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side to side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing 11-15 lbs. From below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances of up to 500 yards; moderate wrist torque to operate and adjust equipment such as printers and computers. OCCASIONAL climbing, kneeling; lifting objects weighing 26-50 lbs. from below waist to waist level, with or without assistance, and transporting distances of 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 of up to 10 feet; lifting objects weighing 51-75 lbs. From below waist to shoulder level, with assistance, and transporting distances of up to 5 feet; strong grasp to lift equipment or boxes of books.

Vision: May be correctable, to see computer screens, books, and observe customers and situations. Speaking: Ability to clearly converse with customers.

Writing: Ability to complete forms and notes to assist customers, and related paperwork.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; hearing sufficient for use of telephone, verbal communications, safety alarms, and sound equipment.

Date: January 2004
Revised by MH/Department