Reader’s Advisor Librarian

Full Job Description
JOB
Job DescriptionIs the library your magic place? Would you enjoy a rewarding and interesting career in a non-traditional library? Do you like working with people? Learning new technology? Are your communication skills top notch? This job may be perfect for you! The Utah State Library’s Program for the Blind and Disabled is seeking a librarian with a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or a related field to work with our staff and patrons to expand fundamental areas of our operations. The position requires work to take place on site at the Utah State Library in Salt Lake City. This position requires a minimum of three years’ experience with supervising customer service/support staff as a professional librarian. The librarian is responsible for creating outcome based performance goals and evaluating staff performance as dictated by State of Utah Human Resource policy. Another element is to work directly with the program manager and library staff to expand existing programming and implement new programming to our patrons. This is a great opportunity to think creatively and have fun! The librarian will oversee staffing, ensuring there is adequate customer service coverage during library hours of operation. As a working supervisor, the librarian will use the library’s ILS and interact directly with library patrons to provide reader’s advisory and reference services. Knowledge of classic and current literature and authors, subject genres, and popular reading trends is a necessity. The librarian will conduct training and may develop instructional materials for patrons and staff. An additional responsibility is to oversee the library’s recording area, and to coordinate the recording of materials with our prison reading facility and other National Library Service network libraries. Occasional participation in off-site and virtual outreach events and occasional presentations about library services is likely. Travel out of state to participate in library related conferences as funding allows. Preference given to librarians with previous experience working in an NLS network library. Other duties as assigned, depending on need.Principle DutiesThe Readers’ Advisor Librarian will work at the Utah State Library building and perform the following duties: Directly supervise customer service/support staffEngage in job coaching; establish realistic performance goals and evaluate staff performanceExpand current programming to a wider audience, and develop new programmingInteract directly with patrons to provide reader’s advisory and reference serviceProvide training to patrons with using library materials and equipmentOccasionally conduct outreach virtually and in personCollection Development for locally produced audio and braille materials The Ideal CandidateThe best person for this position is someone who is able to: Work effectively independently and remain on taskCommunicate in a professional manner, both verbally and in writingMaintain a positive demeanor and professional conduct with staff and patronsSupervise staff and deliver tactful feedback when requiredWork with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilitiesUse a computer and word processing softwareDevelop training materials and provide training to patrons and staffCommunicate and collaborate with state and national agenciesAdapt to and embrace new ideas and technology to advance library servicesParticipate in conference calls and meetings, both virtual and in-personTravel out of state to attend library related conferences in person when funding is availableComply with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety, standards of conduct, and dress code.PreferencesPreference given to candidates with previous experience working in an NLS network library.Why You Should Join Our TeamThe Library for the Blind and Disabled circulates proprietary audiobooks, braille and large print materials to patrons in four states, and provides braille material to 19 states nationwide. The library produces local/regional interest braille and proprietary audiobooks and magazines for use by our patrons. Our recording program allows us to provide audio materials that are unavailable from other sources. This job is a unique opportunity to celebrate librarianship and to serve the blind, visually, print and physically disabled community with reading materials, and above all, advance an exemplary library program.The AgencyTo learn more about the Utah State Library, please click HERE.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Best qualified individuals will have obtained a MLS Degree in Library Science or closely related field of study and/or a combination of education and/or experience in a library science.Risks found in potentially dangerous or unusual environmental stress situations, being subject to possible physical attack, etc.Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.