PCLC OUTREACH SERVICES LIBRARIAN
DEFINITION:
This is a highly responsible,professional,administrative position involving remote operations (staffing, programming, collection development, services, facilities and budgeting) and outreach services such as books by mail, bookmobile, and kiosk/vending machine services. This position also provides and oversees direct outreach services (such as programs, deposit collections, etc.) to underserved areas. Works under the general guidance and direction of the Coordinator and assumes the responsibilities of the Coordinator in the Coordinator’s absence, and assists in general management of the library cooperative.
BACKGROUND:
The Polk County Library Cooperative exists through an Inter-local Agreement between the 13 municipalities that own and operate Public Libraries in Polk County, Florida and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. The Cooperative strives to provide seamless and outstanding public library services countywide. The goal of Outreach Services is to bring the library to the nontraditional or under-served patron through programs and services. Outreach Services brings the library experience and resources to the community, with special emphasis on the unincorporated areas of the county.
NATURE OF WORK:
While the primary emphasis of this position is outreach, this person assists the Coordinator in all areas of management including but not limited to, developing and managing the budget, creating and receiving orders, preparing bills for payment, completing necessary reports, applying for and managing grants, and providing efficient library cooperative services. Responsible for overseeing operations of outreach services and locations. Does related work as required. This position frequently spends up to seventy-five percent of position time not at PCLC office location. This position uses flexible scheduling, but includes evening and weekend duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Strong customer service skills!
Must possess considerable knowledge of general library operations; library automation software; and library databases.
Knowledge of principles of youth development, language literacy and information literacy as they apply to library programming, services for children, teens and their caregivers.
Knowledge of authors, genres and trends in Easy, Juvenile, Teen and Adult materials; ability to identify materials suitable for different reading skill levels.
Must have experience and knowledge of library administration and management including budgeting, collection development, personnel supervision, grant writing, and project planning and management.
Ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances, including unpredictable audiences, rapidly changing technologies and diverse ages and needs of patrons.
Skill in use of personal computers and standard office machines, including proficiency in Windows environment, Microsoft Office products, Adobe products, e-mail, Internet and Social Networking platforms.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills. Advanced presentation and public speaking skills. Ability to communicate under pressure
Skill in use of digital cameras and software for editing digital photography.
Knowledge and understanding of popular e-reader technologies and formats (Kindle, ePub, audiobooks, mp3, WMA, etc.)
Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with deadlines and emergencies.
Skill in utilizing resources efficiently, prioritizing workflows and managing effectively within budget limits.
Commitment to quality customer service, as demonstrated by positive and courteous interactions with the public.
Must possess programming and customer service skills including but not limited to: storytelling, facilitating, and problem solving.
Must possess the ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; prepare clear and concise written reports and maintain complex records using a variety of source materials; plan, organize, schedule and manage projects; assimilate information; interpret written and numerical data, and arrive at decisions independently in accordance with established rules and regulations; have flexibility; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervised staff, member library staff, general public, and elected officials both in telephone, in person, and via electronic mediums.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Manages social media platforms, promoting Polk Co. Library Cooperative and its member libraries' events and services. Preparing daily posts and coordinating member submissions.
Provides overall supervision of outreach services, delivery, programs and facilities.
Develops outreach collections for all ages in multiple formats.
Coordinates and oversees cooperative-wide outreach programming.
Investigates and evaluates tools for virtual engagement and social networking to interact and meet the informational needs of the community.
Monitors the changing needs of the community and revises outreach programming as appropriate.
Uses a variety of ongoing methods to determine the interests and needs of underserved adults and youth in the community (demographic data, survey users and non-users) and designs a variety of programs and services appropriate to them.
Plans and provides direct outreach services to underserved areas.
Stays abreast of current trends in library services by reading professional materials and participating in professional activities such as meetings, workshops, and other continuing education activities.
Assists with the development, coordination and oversight of grant programs and other Cooperative initiatives including, but not limited to, reporting requirements, deadlines, expenditure reports and status reports for the Coordinator.
Collects and analyzes statistics of outreach programs for use in promotional materials, planning, and reports.
Assists in compiling statistical and budgetary information and assists in the compilation of annual reports.
Teaches and assists member libraries with conducting material inventories.
Serves as mentor, resource and trainer to all staff of the PCLC member libraries providing outreach programs.
Works directly with member libraries on special projects and programs.
Prepares and participates in activities to promote Cooperative library services.
Attends Back-to-School and other community events to promote library services.
Serves as liaison with schools, media and community groups, overseeing communications in both directions.
OTHER DUTIES:
Creates requisitions, places and receives orders and prepares bills for payment.
Cultivates and preserves the PCLC image in the local community.
Provides training for PCLC staff on creating promotional materials, with the goal of ensuring materials are consistent, accurate and attractive.
Develops promotional content for the PCLC website and maintains program pages and oversees rotating ads.
Collects and shares stories that demonstrate the impact of PCLC services, resources and programs on community needs and the lives of individuals.
Attends meetings, training seminars as required and fills in for Coordinator’s role in said meetings and seminars when needed.
Contributes to the visibility of the PCLC in the community by serving on local committees as assigned.
Encourages awareness of and dialogue about the PCLC and the community needs by speaking publicly at programs, events and meetings throughout the county.
Assists borrowers with circulation issues when appropriate.
Performs other job related duties as needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives direct supervision from PCLC Coordinator in regard to work duties. Reports to PCLC Coordinator.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have Masters Degree in Library and Information Science program from an American Library Association accredited college or university. Must have five years progressively responsible professional library experience providing public services. Prefer to have at least three years supervisory experience. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Position will require in-state travel, primarily in county.
COMPENSATION:
Starting salary range is $18.71/hr to $29.61/hr., depending on education and experience. Plus full benefits and mileage for job related travel.
TO APPLY:
Job is posted with the City of Bartow. To apply, please fill out an application with the City of Bartow Personnel Office through their website at and include your resume. City of Bartow hiring policies are followed for this position.