Library Specialist

WHO WE ARE:

The Marathon County Public Library consists of nine locations throughout Marathon County, Wisconsin, including our Wausau Headquarters, plus branches in Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, and Stratford.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position with the Library Services Team of the Headquarters Library in Wausau.

Serving as a point of contact at one of our reference desks, this position delivers exceptional customer service and reference assistance to patrons and staff. Beyond ensuring the smooth operation of reference desk services, the Library Specialist will also spearhead the library’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy. This includes the management of social media, public relations, and promotional materials across various media channels. Working under the direction of the Library Services Manager, this role will contribute innovative solutions to enhance patron experience, support staff, and promote the library's services, collections, and programs to the community.

Hours can include days, evenings, and Saturdays. Additional hours to attend meetings, workshops or to fill in for other staff may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, plus two years of experience in a public library. Equivalent combinations of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Anticipate and understand patron information needs and preferences, driving the selection of relevant resources and services.
• Assist patrons in identifying and locating materials tailored to their requirements and abilities.
• Receive, research, and respond to patron inquiries, analyzing needs, identifying appropriate resources, and providing information for all ages.
• Offer guidance and support to patrons in the use of library resources, including books, online catalogs, databases, personal electronic devices, and library computers/software.
• Develop and implement comprehensive social media strategies to drive brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation.
• Create and curate engaging content for various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and others.
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices to ensure social media strategies are competitive and effective.
• Seek opportunities to promote the library and evaluate program outcomes.
• Participate in customer service planning and promotion, clearly articulating goals and fostering collaborative efforts.
• Assist in developing and implementing services, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret and enforce library policies and procedures consistently.
• Recommend improvements to processes and procedures to enhance library efficiency.
• Oversee patron use of the library, maintaining an appropriate atmosphere and ensuring proper conduct.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with library staff and patrons.
• Answer and direct telephone calls, taking and relaying messages.
• Act as a resource for the Library Services Manager.
• Participate in special projects or on short term committees.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through workshops, meetings, and relevant literature.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to become in utilizing library software, electronic resources, and standard office technology, including Microsoft, Google Suite applications and social medial management tools and platforms.
• Ability to accurately interpret, explain, and apply library policies, procedures, and standards to various situations, providing clear guidance to patrons and colleagues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with patrons, staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to follow established procedures in an orderly and logical manner and adhere to prescribed routines.
• Ability to process, calculate, and sum numerical data, and apply the results to practical library-related tasks, such as financial transactions.
• Capacity to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and handle a high volume of work effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate passion for working with the public and commitment to providing exceptional customer service with empathy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to perform physical tasks requiring kneeling, crouching, bending, reaching, standing, and walking for extended periods.
• Capability to perform repetitive motions, including but not limited to, shelving, material processing, and keyboard use.
• Ability to use aids to climb and reach materials on high and low shelves.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and maneuver book carts weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to coordinate eye-hand-foot movements for tasks requiring moderate skill, such as typing and material handling.
• Ability to recognize and differentiate colors, shapes, and sounds relevant to library materials and equipment.

COMPENSATION: Starting Salary: $20.12 per hour

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025