FICTION LIBRARIAN

Join an award winning 5 Star Library! The Schaumburg Township District Library is looking for a Fiction Librarian to join our team.

This exciting opportunity is for 37.5 hours per week to be scheduled during library hours that will be required to work some nights and weekends as needed. The schedule is based on the needs of the library and could change if and when needed. The salary range for this position is $52,826 - $66,066 based on skills and qualifications.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Education Assistance, paid Holidays, paid Vacation, Personal, and Sick days, paid Parental Leave, 401a Retirement Plan, 457 Retirement Plan, Pet Insurance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Fiction Librarian is responsible for providing reference assistance to patrons in the Library’s Fiction area; insuring that Fiction Desk runs efficiently and represents the Library standards; and assisting with adult programs related to reader’ advisory.  The Fiction Librarian is also responsible for selecting materials in assigned areas for the fiction collection, promoting the collection through displays and bibliographies, and helping to ensure that the Fiction Desk runs efficiently.

The Librarian is responsible for assessing and fulfilling the patrons’ need for information, materials or services.  This is accomplished by (1) using the resources available in the Library; and/or (2) requesting information or materials from or referring patrons to the appropriate department, service, or outside agency.  The vital role of the Librarian is that of guidance, direction, and instruction.  The Librarian is also responsible for weeding and adding to specific areas of the circulating collection and for satisfying public service requirements.  The Librarian 2 focuses additional attention to managing a specialized area.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES:

1. Ability to be a team-player and work pleasantly and effectively with all patrons, staff, supervisors, and others
2. Ability to learn various job functions, perform them correctly, and understand the necessity in overall library operations
3. Ability to independently function efficiently in a changing and varied environment with frequent interruptions
4. Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on details
5. Ability to follow all library policies and procedures
6. Ability to demonstrate a commitment to incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into everyday work

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Public Service to include; work scheduled hours at the Fiction Desk.
• Facilitate or lead book discussion groups.
• Develop and implement programs for the Fiction Area.
• Assess patrons’ needs effectively and efficiently, either in person, over the telephone, or in writing.
• Develop strong research skills and techniques to help patrons to the fullest degree possible.
• Search for library materials by computer and on shelves.
• Assist patrons at the online catalog and in the Library stacks.
• Reserve materials for patrons when the request is in-person, over the telephone, or by email.
• Take requests for Interlibrary Loan services.
• Select materials in assigned areas for the fiction collection.
• Maintain familiarity with review sources and fiction trends.
• Refer patrons to other department, as necessary, to fulfill patrons’ inquiries.
• Work with all age groups effectively.
• Give information, based on a primary source from a reliable authority; never give personal opinion.
• Serve as “Person in Charge” of Library, in the absence of director and department heads and when he or she is the senior person in the Library.
• Manage and complete special projects, as requested.
• Internal Service to include; assist in the training of new hires at the Fiction Desk, as requested.
• Assist in the compilation of daily and monthly statistics, including:   patron interactions, in person and by telephone, and reserve questions/assistance.
• Create book displays, bibliographies, and bookmarks highlighting topics within the Library’s fiction collection.
• Create displays in the Fiction Department, as requested.
• Professional Development to include; maintain knowledge of readers; advisory issues and developments.
• Maintain membership in programming and Readers’ Advisory professional groups, i.e. Adult Reading Round Table.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Library’s reference tools and materials, the online catalog, and the Internet.
• Instruct patrons in the use of the Library’s reference tools and materials, the online catalog, and the Internet.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Library’s circulating collection.
• Community to include; stay informed about the names of officials, organizations, clubs, businesses, schools, social agencies, etc., in the greater Schaumburg area.
• Maintain working knowledge of the services and practices of other Library Systems.
• Keep apprised of the offerings of neighboring public and special libraries, their strengths and weaknesses.
• Maintain working knowledge of the SIRSI computer system, the Library’s stand-alone databases, and Worldcat.
• Maintain professional involvement in the library science industry.
• Refine or enhance reference skills by reading professional literature and attending seminars, workshops, and professional meetings.
• Present and/or troubleshoot e-media training to patrons and employees, as requested.
• Assist with the weeding and collection development of the fiction collection, as requested; including related special projects.
• Treat all patrons and employees fairly and with an open mind; maintain patron and employee confidentiality.
• Communicate problems that arise with the Executive Director or designee; address situations where patrons are not following the Patron Code of Conduct.
• Communicate clearly either in person, on the telephone and in writing; maintain the ability and patience to understand and be understood by all patrons.
• Keep apprised of Library programs, policies and procedures, and building layout to most effectively assist patrons.
• Maintain working knowledge of computer systems and technology needed in the position or as an employee.
• Cope with the stress of the job and get along with coworkers.
• Attend meetings and training as required or requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

​EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s of Library Science (MLS degree) from an accredited ALA accredited university or school. 

• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications is required.

• The Work Environment and Physical Demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands 

• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms

• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

• Ability to use workplace technology including email, internet, intranet, and Library database systems; along with industry technology including integrated library systems, research products, search technology.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions or complaints from managers, board of directors, business community members, and patrons.

• Ability to define and solve practical problems, collect data, and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. A valid Illinois Driver’s License is required for this job.

The deadline to apply for the job posting is:

February 7, 2025