Public Services Librarian

OPENING DATE:  April 21, 2025

CLOSING DATE:  May 2, 2025

REPORTS TO:   LIBRARY DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT LIBRARY DIRECTOR

DIRECT REPORTS: CLERK II

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the Assistant Library Director, coordinates and directs library involvement in community and outreach events, schedules and supervises library volunteers, manages the public calendar, organizes and supervise displays, coordinates social media, coordinates the STEAM lab, and may assist with programming.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

o   Assign, schedule, and manage library volunteers.

o   Maintain awareness of community groups and agencies; develop partnerships.

o   Collaborate with programming staff to identify, create, and deliver community event outreach.

o   Seek opportunities to promote library services in the community.  Plan, coordinate, and supervise outreach

         opportunities.

o   Collaborate with programming staff and assist at programs.

o   Assist in the review of personnel and mediation of Library personnel issues.

o   Attend board and committee meetings as necessary.

o   Create marketing materials and displays, including social media, print items, and local media; seek new marketing

         outlets.

o   Serve as coordinator and lead publisher on social media channels.

o   May purchase materials in assigned area(s).

o   Participate in associations, trainings, and meetings as directed.

o   Coordinate Clerk II schedules and assignments with the circulation lead/supervisor.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

o   Assist in the formulation of annual goals and objectives that meet the community’s needs.

o   Order supplies as needed.

o   Participate in collection maintenance.

o   Perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

o   Education – master’s degree in library science

o   Experience – Two (2) to three (3) years of related work experience in libraries

SKILLS:

o   Ability to take initiative.

o   Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.

o   Effective oral and written communication skills

o   Excellent interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to, tact, diplomacy and

         professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.

o   Problem-solving, sound judgment and decision-making abilities.

o   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

o   Ability to create and deliver public presentations.

o   Ability to maintain confidentiality.

o   Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.

o   Ability to mediate disputes between subordinates.

o   Ability to model leadership skills to promote confidence in decision-making.

o   Ability to proficiently use and troubleshoot computers.

o   Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

o   Knowledge of social media and other marketing outlets.

o   Knowledge of computerized integrated library systems.

o   Knowledge of library administration, management and operations.

o   Knowledge of current principles, laws, policies, methods, and standard practices pertaining to library management

         and administration.

o   Knowledge of the budgetary process.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

o   Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

o   Ability to push and pull twenty-five (25) to fifty (50) pounds.

o   Long periods of walking and sitting.

o   Intermittent high levels of noise, within safe margins without hearing protection.

o   Periods of high levels of distraction.

o   Typically bends, stoops and crouches on a regular basis to perform duties.

o   Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

o   Valid Iowa Driver’s license

o   Appropriate State of Iowa Library Services Certification

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time.  The list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.  Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience.  Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.