Employment
Librarian
Job Summary
The librarian is responsible for developing and supporting all efforts necessary to maintain a public library, responsive to the community’s needs for information, education, and recreation. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Librarian develops library policies, monitors library services, develops and manages the budget, creates public relations materials, supervises staff and volunteers, oversees the physical plant, and plans programming. In addition, the Librarian serves as a member ex officio of the Board of Trustees to insure a consistent flow of communication.
Reports to: Newman Regional Library District Library Board of Trustees
Planning and Policy-Making
A clear statement of library policies insures that decisions about all aspects of the NRLD are consistent and fair. Working with the Board, the Librarian:
Develops long range plans to support and promote the mission of the library.
Develops short term plans to address specific issues facing the library as they arise.
Formulates and recommends policies to the Board and implements the procedures to carry out these goals.
Develops clear descriptions of staff positions including a non-discrimination statement, qualifications for employment, evaluation procedures, and causes for dismissal.
Library Services
The regular assessment and development of library services is important to fulfilling the NRLD mission. To support these efforts the Librarian:
Establishes and maintains a high customer service performance standard.
In absence of Assistant Librarian, is responsible for all of their duties to meet the needs of the patrons.
Plans, organizes, and regularly evaluates a program of service that supports the mission of the NRLD and reflects the needs of the community.
Selects and maintains library materials including books, media, video games, magazines, computer programs and other materials and insures that these materials meet the needs of the community.
Supervises the purchase, utilization, and maintenance of technology to deliver, monitor and enhance library services.
Compiles and records library statistics and assembles them for monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees, the NRLD annual report and any Illinois State Library reports.
Plans and implements a variety of programming for all ages throughout the year, including Tyke Time for children 0-3 years old and computer classes.
Financial Operations
The coordination of all aspects of fundraising and expenses is vital to insuring the financial stability of the NRLD. In order to insure efficient and responsible management of the library budget the Librarian:
Prepares the annual budget with the Finance Committee for Board review and approval in a timely manner, and with the library attorney implements the annual budget and appropriation/tax levy process.
Administers and monitors expenditure of library funds to stay within approved budget.
Works with Treasurer to create and review monthly reports and keep abreast of various funds and accounts.
Identifies, pursues and supports all fundraising efforts through grant writing, planned giving, underwriting and the annual giving.
Prepares grant proposals for state agencies, foundations and other organizations to fund programs.
Acts as a conduit between Board, staff and volunteers to ensure smooth implementation of fund-raising activities within the daily operations of the library.
Completes all IMRF, IRS, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and Illinois Department of Revenue forms related to personnel wages.
Public Relations
To ensure the community knows about library programs and services and to build a positive image of NRLD, the Librarian:
Manages internal and external communication of the NRLD including but not limited to brochures, newsletters, fliers, and newspaper articles.
Identifies and pursues public relations opportunities that engender good will toward and promotion of the NRLD.
Maintains the library website and Facebook page with regular updates.
Personnel Management
As the immediate supervisor of all library personnel, the Librarian:
Recruits, trains and volunteers.
Assigns duties, defines staff responsibilities, and administers wages.
Promotes staff development by providing opportunities for staff to attend workshops and conferences.
Physical Plant Management
The Librarian’s oversees all aspects of the physical plant, grounds and equipment. The Librarian:
Schedules and supervises contract services, maintenance personnel, and takes appropriate action in emergencies.
Purchases equipment and furnishings as needed with board approval.
Provides leadership and direction for major development projects including construction and renovation of facilities.
Serves as safety and security officer by inspecting building, responding to safety and security issues, and keeping board informed of issues that arise.
Board of Trustees Representative
The Librarian informs the Board of Trustees of all relevant library business. As an ex officio member of the board, the Librarian:
Participates in monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees and provides a detailed report of library operations and developments at each meeting.
Provides professional expertise and guidance to the board including but not limited to presenting information on pertinent issues/trends from local, state, and federal agencies, discussing trends in library technology, funding, and management wherever possible.
Serves as ex officio member on Board committees.
Serves as clerk of Newman Regional Library District and liaison to Douglas County Recorder for legal documents and elections.
Professional Development
To stay aware of new trends in library management and technology, legal issues facing libraries, and new ideas for programming the Librarian:
Attends meetings, workshops and conferences.
Monitors Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois Library Association, and Illinois State Library email newsletters and publications.
The Librarian’s job also includes any other duties that are requested by the Board of Directors or that are essential to ensuring that the NRLD provides the best possible library service to the community. The Librarian will be evaluated by the Board annually.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a Bachelor’s degree, and relevant experience in office work.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Committed to excellence in customer service.
Demonstrates a working knowledge of library organization and general operations.
Strong understanding of computers and office software.
Works in a pleasant and effective manner with patrons, board members, public, co-workers, and volunteers.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to organize work for efficient use of time.
Ability to prepare administrative reports in a clear, logical manner.
Ability to understand and interpret library policies, procedures, and rules.
Ability to keep records accurately.
Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of employees and volunteers in diversified library activities.
Ability to initiate, organize, and follow through on programs, services, and projects.
Willingness to learn current trends and developments in the library profession.
Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy library resources.
Knowledge of library resources: print, non-print, and electronic preferred.
Knowledge of databases; experience with library automation preferred.
Working knowledge of public relations procedures.
Knowledge of Quickbooks preferred.
Grant writing experience preferred.
Ability to represent the library at professional and community meetings.
Work Schedule and Benefits
30-32 hours per week; $19/hour; paid vacation and sick leave; IMRF pension; mileage reimbursement for workshops and trainings.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 functions.
Ability to work in an environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.
Ability to perform duties in an office environment.
Ability to work under stress from deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities, and conditions.
Ability to operate computers with proficiency using library software, word processing, and the Internet.
Ability to view a computer monitor and/or operate a keyboard for extended periods of time.
Ability to move and/or lift materials up to 30 pounds.
Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, reach, climb, balance, and sit.
Regularly required to talk and/or hear; use hands to operate objects, tools, and controls; and reach with hands and arms.
Vision and hearing at or correctable to "normal ranges".
Ability to read printed materials and information on computer screens.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in person, over the telephone, and via the printed word.
Ability to file books, periodicals, files, reports, notebooks, etc. on shelves ranging from 6” to 7 feet from the floor.
Ability to work flexible hours to observe library during all hours of public operation.
Assistant Librarian
Job Summary
The Assistant Librarian helps keep the library running smoothly during daily operations. Performs responsible and varied clerical work in circulation, interlibrary loan, materials processing and shelf maintenance. Assists patrons in finding information and using library services and facilities.
Reports to: Librarian.
Principle Responsibilities and Duties
Helps establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard.
Opens and closes the library. Turns on or off computers, lights, heating or air conditioning.
Performs full range of circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, collecting fines, and answering the phone.
Advises patrons about library materials and computers and oversees appropriate use of the facility.
Responds to requests for information from patrons in the library, through email and by phone or refers inquires to librarian.
Assists in training and supervising volunteers.
Processes new books, audio books, video games, magazines, and videos including verifying book deliveries, checking invoices, labeling and covering materials and entering data into the computerized catalog.
Manages the library collection by culling outdated, unused and damaged items, keeping shelves properly organized, recommending purchases based on reader's interests and requests.
Oversees Interlibrary Loan program including ordering, sending and receiving materials.
Registers participants in library programming including accepting and recording payment.
Assists in compiling data on library visitation and circulation for quarterly reports.
Manages the large print rotating collection and is primary liaison to the Large Print Collaborative.
Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment for materials and patrons.
Additional Duties
Assumes responsibility of daily library operations in absence of librarian.
Has knowledge of upcoming adult and children programs other events.
Performs special duties as assigned.
Attends trainings and occasional meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates a working knowledge of library organization and general operations.
Understands computers and office software.
Works in a pleasant and effective manner with patrons, co-workers, and volunteers.
Works independently and takes initiative to successfully complete duties.
Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy library resources.
The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a high school education, and some experience in office work.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.
Ability to type accurately.
Work Schedule and Benefits
12 hours per week with flexibility in scheduling. Wages: $17/hour. Part time employees scheduled to work at least 50% of full time as defined by policy (12.5 hours per week) will receive sick leave, vacation and holiday pay benefits as a function of the percentage of their employment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 functions.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear.
Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various office equipment.
Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop and crouch.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.
Programming Librarian
Newman Regional Library District serves the residents of Newman and southern Murdock Townships and surrounding areas by providing friendly service and access to information for all visitors. Newman Regional Library hosts over 10,000 physical items with many more digital items available via our online services.
Position Description
Job Summary
The Programming Librarian will be primarily responsible for organizing fun and educational events for patrons of all ages with a focus on youth events. In addition, the Programming Librarian will provide excellent customer service and assist the librarian in the smooth running of the library during all open hours, including performing responsible and varied clerical work in circulation, interlibrary loan, materials processing and shelf maintenance, and assisting patrons in finding information and using library services and facilities.
Principle Responsibilities and Duties
Provides a minimum of one program per month (with a focus on children’s programs) and assists with Summer Reading Program.
Helps establish and maintain a high customer service performance standard.
Opens and closes the library. Turns on or off computers, lights, heating or air conditioning.
Performs full range of circulation desk duties including issuing library cards, checking materials in and out, reserving books, cash handling duties, and answering the phone.
Advises patrons about library materials and computers and oversees appropriate use of the facility.
Responds to requests for information from patrons in the library, through email and by phone or refers inquiries to librarian.
Assists in training and supervising volunteers.
Manages the library collection by culling outdated, unused and damaged items, keeping shelves properly organized, recommending purchases based on reader's interests and requests.
Oversees Interlibrary Loan program including ordering, sending and receiving materials.
Registers participants in library programming including accepting and recording payment.
Assists in compiling data on library visitation and circulation for quarterly reports.
Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment for materials and patrons.
Additional Duties
Assumes responsibility of daily library operations in absence of librarian.
Has knowledge of upcoming adult and children’s programs other events.
Performs special duties as assigned.
Attends trainings and occasional meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Works independently and takes initiative to successfully complete duties.
Problem-solver.
Well organized.
Works in a pleasant and effective manner with patrons, co-workers, and volunteers.
Technically proficient with computers, software, and other electronic hardware and software.
Demonstrates a working knowledge of library organization and general operations.
Enjoys reading and using other library materials and helping others of all ages enjoy library resources.
The skills and knowledge required would usually be acquired with a high school education, and some experience in office or customer service work.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or schedule form.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.
Ability to type accurately.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 functions.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, use hands to, grasp, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, talk and hear with reasonable accommodations.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet but an occasionally noisy environment is a possibility.
Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate computers and various office equipment.
Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop and crouch. Must be able to lift 40 pounds, kneel, and squat.
Minimum Qualifications
A high school education or equivalent. Experience with customer service is a plus. Proficiency with modern technology including, but not limited, to popular modern operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android), office software, web browsers and the internet. Keyboarding proficiency. Physical requirements: lift and carry 40 lbs., pulling, pushing, alternate standing and sitting, crouching, kneeling, stooping and reaching overhead.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with natural curiosity and a creative problem solver who has a passion for community service and connecting people with information.
Work Schedule and Benefits
Hours per week: 20 (with flexibility in scheduling, within the hours of the Library open schedule, and will include Saturdays.)
Wages: $16/hour.
Paid sick and vacation time at the percentage of the appointment.
No health insurance or retirement fund.
How to apply:
You may submit a resume with cover letter to the librarian during business hours of the library or by email at librarian@newmanlibrary.org. Position is open until filled.
For further information:
Contact Matthew Hales, librarian@newmanlibrary.org
The Newman Regional Library District is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.