Librarian - Generalist

• Library: Maine State Library
• Town: Augusta
• Library Type: Other
• Position Type: MLS Preferred
• Deadline: January 22, 2025

Description, How to Apply, and Contact:

Librarian - Generalist Augusta, Maine, United States | Professional Technical | Full-time Apply by: Jan. 22, 2025

Maine State Library Public and Outreach services, Research & Innovation Librarian - Generalist Opening Date: January 7,2025 Closing Date: January 22, 2025

Job Class Code: 3104 Grade: 17 Salary: $18.34 - $25.28/Hourly Position Number: 014700571

PURPOSE OF ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Maine State Library (MSL) is dedicated to serving the information needs of all Maine citizens and to the support of all Maine libraries, through helping people, making libraries stronger, and transforming information into knowledge. The Maine State Library fosters an environment of collaboration and teamwork, encourages innovation and ideas, and seeks individuals who enjoy working in such an environment. Providing excellence in service is at the heart of our mission.

MSL has a vacancy for a Librarian - Generalist. This is a fully onsite position which requires essential library services work to be provided primarily at the Maine State Library's current location (242 State Street -Augusta) and involves travel to its offsite storage locations (10 Water Street Hallowell) and (Carleton Mill Warehouse 1705 US 202 - Winthrop). This position may require evening and Saturday hours. The Maine State Library is seeking a candidate with proven technological skills and a passion for public service.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

This is professional work primarily in the Public and Outreach Services Division of the Maine State Library. These services include but are not limited to direct library lending, readers advisory, basic reference services, and Outreach programs (Books by Mail, and Talking Books). Responsibilities include providing service to a wide variety of patrons: families, school groups, the general public, state employees, researchers, and special needs population. Candidate must be able to assist patrons with inquiries ranging from readers advisory, public computer use (i.e. Microsoft Office) and troubleshooting (i.e. unable to print or connect to internet), to assistance with microfilm readers and locating materials. In addition, this position includes general circulation duties such as checking books in and out, shelving and answering the telephone.

The candidate must have familiarity with technologies relevant to todays library user (i.e. e-readers, computers, mobile devices, printers, scanners, and microfilm readers). Ability to work with the public, demonstrated flexibility, multitasking, and excellent oral and written communication skills are critical. In addition to working scheduled hours on the circulation desk, the candidate may be required to fill in on nights and/or Saturdays. Work is performed under general supervision.

The Librarian Generalist position reports to the Public Services and Outreach Section Supervisor and will work with the other Maine State Library Public & Outreach Services Staff to ensure public services offered through the Maine State Library are being delivered successfully.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is professional services work in the general management of the Maine State Library. Work involves the application of general library techniques and procedures to library operations. Functional direction may be exercised over clerical, volunteer, or contracted personnel. Work is performed under general supervision.

Typical duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Provides reader advisory services via phone, in-person and online.
• Troubleshoots and assists patrons in the use of computers, mobile devices, email, apps, software, printing, scanning, etc.
• Explains and demonstrates public-access technologies offered by the library, such as: desktop/laptop computing and internet searches, office software applications, online database access, printing, and copying in order to assist with use of library related technologies.
• Explains and demonstrates use of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) in order to help library users, identify resources in the collection and to demonstrate library procedures.
• Operates circulation computer printer/terminal to enter and retrieve information utilizing the Integrated Library System (ILS) to assist library users in checking out/in materials.
• Checks library materials in and out and assists patrons with general library inquiries or makes appropriate referral to other staff to ensure patron inquiries/needs are met.
• Selects, compiles, and organizes library materials to assist with maintaining library resources and responding to library users needs.
• Inventories and reviews library materials to ascertain presence and location of all materials assigned to the library, and to identify obsolescent and/or damaged materials for removal, potential digitization, or repair/preservation.
• Applies copy-cataloging techniques in order to assist with cataloging of new materials.
• Assists with presentations and programs to small and large groups, other state agencies, and community organizations in support of the librarys community outreach efforts.
• Recommends and suggests procedural changes to improve library operations and efficiency.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Knowledge of professional library techniques, systems, tools, materials, and major library classification systems.
• Knowledge of general cataloging guidelines and systems (i.e. Machine-Readable Cataloging Records (MARC) / Resource Description and Access (RDA) Cataloging / Ohio College Library Center (OCLC)).
• Knowledge of reader interest, books, and authors.
• Knowledge of Maine State Government and Maine State Library Collections and Services.
• Demonstrated ability to work with the public, including diverse populations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use and explain the use of library equipment including catalogs, guides, ILL (integrated library system) technologies, and other library tools to assist customers in their pursuit of utilizing Maine State Library resources.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret instructions, directives, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee may encounter to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Push and pull loaded book trucks weighing up to 200 pounds; bend down to floor and reach up to seven feet to retrieve and shelve books, often with the aid of a foot stool; lift and carry books weighing 20-30 pounds; sit at a keyboard display for data entry for two to three hours at a time; work at public service desk up to four hours at a time with frequent change in sitting and standing positions; cover large distances to retrieve materials for patrons including use of stairs; shift heavy equipment and furniture up to 200 pounds; crawl on hands and knees to troubleshoot equipment and retrieve materials; and carry bags of books weight up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a bachelors degree in library science or four (4) years of progressively responsible library experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated technological skills and prior work experience in a public library.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life, Fit & Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Dental Insurance The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). Retirement Plan The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If youre looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, wed love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If youre currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

Apply by: Jan. 22, 2025

Salary: $18.34 - $25.28/Hourly

Website: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0pxoq/?apply=true