Hourly Librarian

Description

Description
Join our dynamic and growing library, and be part of a team that gives our community the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. The City of Menlo Park seeks per diem librarians to contribute to operations activities, projects and programs in the Library and Community Services Department. Per diem librarians may support a combination of the activities below depending on the needs--location of service may vary. This is an outstanding opportunity to gain experience and grow with a great team of people in a dynamic and interesting work environment.

Schedules vary based on the needs of the library system. Both Menlo Park Library locations are open on Saturdays and Sundays, and until 8pm three nights per week. Regular availability for one weekend day and one evening will be expected. Selected candidates from this applicant pool may be assigned to work at either library location. Per diem librarian positions are scheduled for less than 20 hours per week and may not exceed 980 hours within a twelve (12) month period.

Job Duties/Functions

• On a continuous basis, sits at a desk and/or stands at counter for long periods of time. Intermittently bends, twists, kneels or squats while shelving books, opening boxes, or moving equipment; twists and reaches office equipment; writes and uses keyboard to communicate and enters/retrieves data; runs errands; lifts or carries weight of up to 50 pounds. Pushes loaded book carts.
• Assists users in the use of computers and/or other electronic devices
• May provide or support story time sessions (children or adult,) or the willingness to learn how to provide the service
• May host/support/coordinate programs (children, teen, adult,); willingness to learn how to provide that service
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Provide assistance to and advise patrons of all age groups in the effective use of the Library’s collection, facilities and services; demonstrate the use of library resources, tools, equipment, and electronic reference sources; assist with digital downloads and respond to difficult or technical questions as they relate to the use of electronic resources. Compile subject bibliographies
• Develop an assigned area of the Library collection; review and analyze collection use; recommend books and materials for purchase based on patron needs and according to the variety of patron ages, abilities, education, interests, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits
These are non-benefited temporary positions. A temporary employee may not work more than 1000 hours per year and will receive sick leave in accordance with State Law.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Adaptability
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of library users
• Ability to obtain information through questioning; work firmly and courteously with the public; and work effectively in a busy environment with interruptionsAbility to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action within the librarian’s scope of responsibility
• Ability and willingness to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues
• Desire to learn new skills and willingness to share knowledge in the highly collaborative library environment
• Proficiency with library search tools
• Proficiency with ILS (Integrated Library Systems)
• Understands and uses the Dewey Decimal System
• Ability to works shifts, including weekends, evenings, holidays as assigned
• Spanish bilingual skills desirable but not required. Bilingual differential offered to qualifying employees.
• Ability to drive a car desirable but not required.
   

Education and Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education

Librarian I: Equivalent to a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in library science, information science, or a related field.

Experience

Librarian I: No experience required.