ADULT SERVICES LIBRARIAN POSITION
Skidompha Public Library
184 Main Street
Damariscotta, Maine 04543
director@skidompha.org | 207.887.0919
Skidompha Library is looking for an Adult Services Librarian to join our team. The ideal candidate will have and MSL, prior successful librarianship experience, and be a positive, constructive, kind, and encouraging presence in the library.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for someone interested in all aspects of public librarianship, and making a meaningful difference in the community. The Adult Services Librarian will work collaboratively with all Skidompha staff and support all departments.
Summary of Function:
The Head of adult Services performs a wide range of professional tasks related to the operation of the Adult Services department, with primary focus on adult reference and readers’ advisory; collection management, assisting users in the use of a wide range of electronic, print, and media resources, and pursuing adult program planning and delivery. Proactively pursues grants and external support/funding, and participates in outreach activities. Collaborates with other staff members as needed, and assists in creating a positive environment.
General Adults Services Library Duties
• Responsible for the planning, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of adult patron programming, including but not limited to the Adult Summer Read Program.
• Responsible for collection management of specific genre(s), including maintaining a diverse collection in multiple formats inclusive of all adults needs in accordance with the Library’s collection policy.
• Pursues grants and other alternate funding opportunities to support programming, collection, and position development.
• Keeps informed of trends in adult materials, resources, library services, and issues affecting adult patrons.
• Helps create readers’ advisory brochures and fliers and thematic library displays.
• When possible and appropriate, attends professional workshops and conferences. Reports out to Library staff useful information gleaned from professional development.
• Along with all Library staff, responsible for periodic monitoring and sweeping the Library area for security, safety, patron behavior, customer service and general condition of the space, and responding as necessary. Report any problems to the Library Director and/or other staff as designated in a timely manner.
• Works closely with the Chats with Champions Committee to help support and manage the Chats with Champions program.
• May be asked to perform other duties and manage special projects related to Library services as necessary.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Performs opening and closing procedures.
Circulation Desk Responsibilities
• Regularly scheduled for duty at the Adult Services Desk, providing check-in/out, renewal, and request services, bibliographies, as well as phone service, readers’ advisory and reference to patrons.
• Has a friendly, approachable, and professional approach and demeanor at handling in-person and over-the-phone queries.
• Helps with ILL and book processing, covering, cataloging, and collection weeding and inventory.
• Uses library’s catalog and instructs patrons in its as well.
• Works with library staff at assigning and monitoring meetings rooms.
• Responsible for both overseeing and assisting in patron computer use.
• Stays familiar with all programs offered by the Library and can answer questions regarding specific programs, or refer patrons to knowledgeable Librarian.
• Creates displays, fliers, posts to social media, to promote the Adult Collection and programming.
• Follows policies for consistently tracking patron interactions.
• Is familiar with library policies regarding library use.
Communication/Outreach
• Collaborates with Teen Services Librarian to assist older teens transitioning to the adult collection. Collaborates with all staff to ensure program synergy and avoid scheduling conflicts
• Regularly communicates progress and plans with Director. Keeps other staff and Department Heads informed of progress, plans and assignments.
• Attends staff meetings and other meetings and trainings as directed to keep current with events, programs and issues outside of the Adult Services Department
• Pursues and maintains good working relationships with community and professional organizations, teachers, staff and volunteer leadership. Engages in outreach to community, business, and volunteer organizations that serve adults.
• Demonstrates positive attitude in interactions with the public; demonstrates superior customer service skills
• Demonstrates good written and verbal communication skills
• Actively participates in meetings and committees to further the organization
• Responsibly and consistently checks and responds to e-mail in a timely fashion
Technology Skills
• Demonstrates competency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Possesses up-to-date computer and technology skills necessary for effective communication and programming, and can integrates appropriate technologies in program design and delivery.
• Can troubleshoot problems with printers and computers for personal use and for the public.
• Can instruct patrons in the use of the library’s electronic resources, including Hoopla and Cloud Library, and databases.
• Familiar with popular patron technology, including: smartphones, tablets, and computers as they relate to utilizing library resources.
• Stays up-to-date with new software and new devices as needed.
Library Knowledge/Skills
• Has proficient knowledge of the Library’s ILS
• Proficient knowledge of and adherence to all Library policies and procedures
• Can manage and stay within collection development budget allocation
• Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System
• Knowledge of general library terminology
• Knowledge of the field of adult print and non-print material.
• Knowledge with databases available to library users and is able to assist patrons in the effective use of such tools.
• Knows and practices the ALA’s Code of Ethics.
Qualifications and experience:
• MLS preferred
• Experience in adult reference and readers’ advisory
• Skill, tact working with the public
• Interest in providing instructional and entertaining programs for adults
• Interest in responding and staying current with patron interests to develop new services and programs
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as assigned
• Comfortable working with technology, including computers/software, office equipment, and systems
• Enjoys working/interacting with adults
Benefits of working at Skidompha
Skidompha values the individual and their humanity, and offers a flexible, child-friendly, and progressive work environment. We enjoy a kind, collaborative, supportive, and creative culture of curious and passionate librarians. We offer continuing education support. We are earnest in our work and take our responsibility to the community, our patrons, and our volunteers very seriously, but we encourage laughter and joy in the workplace. And we have an indoor library beehive and a whale hanging in the Atrium!
Skidompha Library is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexuality, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Skidompha is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff and community. We require all employees to provide proof of full vaccination for the prevention of Covid-19 at the time of hiring.
To Apply, email a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to director@skidompha.org. .pdf format is preferred. Please put “ASL application” in the subject line. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is hired.