Library Para-Professional Join the vibrant, community-minded team at Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL)! We are seeking a creative, energetic, and visionary individual to become part of our team. Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.
POSITION DETAILS:
Non-exempt; part-time; 18 hours per week; scheduled to work days, evenings and weekends during FCPL operating schedule; no-benefits with exception to enrollment in the Maryland State Teacher's Pension Plan and Employee Sick and Safe Leave; subject to system-wide reassignment. Current Vacancies: C. Burr Artz Public Library: 18 hours per week assigned to this location Emmitsburg Branch Library: 18 hours per week assigned to this location(2) Substitutes: 18 hours per week. Work locations may vary from week to week in support of all Frederick County Public Library branch locations. Assignment may occasionally be at one location for an extended period of time. This para-professional position provides comprehensive library services to patrons and is involved with a wide variety of library activities and operations. Supervision is received from the Assistant Branch Administrator or Branch Administrator. Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today. Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities Provide strong and effective customer service, exhibiting patience and courtesy while staffing the desk, including check-in and check-out of FCPL materials Assist patrons of all ages with information questions or reader's advisory requests and assistance with using library technologies, downloading e-content and related assistance Assist patrons in using computerized and print information sources and/or direct them to other appropriate sources Maintain general knowledge of branch collections and resources, and current literature Present pre-planned programs for children, teen and adults, as needed Perform basic bibliographic searches related to interlibrary loan requests and reserves Explain FCPL policies and services to patrons, and refer difficult questions to the supervisor Assist with general maintenance of branch collections Prepare and maintain displays to promote reading and FCPL services, as assigned Circulate FCPL materials (check-out and return); and perform other basic clerical duties related to circulation of materials May perform duties as a Passport Acceptance Agent, to include executing passport applications May perform duties as a Notary Public, to include witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authenticity Participate in outreach events to promote library services Assist with emptying and transporting books and materials from the book drop Attend related workshops, meetings and learning opportunities Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications and Requirements:- The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- High school graduation or the equivalent
- Minimum 1 year of work experience providing customer service working directly with the public
- Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are an Associate's Degree.
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES: A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
Knowledge of public library practices and procedures Knowledge of research techniques, research materials and general readers' interest, as well as authors, books and other formats of library materials Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, and ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications, and downloadable e-format materials Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact, and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills May require the ability to become certified as a Passport Acceptance Agent from the U.S. Department of State within 180 days of hire and maintain certification May require the ability to become a certified Notary for the State of Maryland within 90 days of hire Ability to effectively access and utilize FCPL's computerized systems and the Internet, and ability to effectively provide related instruction for customers and staff in a friendly and respectful manner Ability to effectively organize work, problem solve, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and effectively manage time in a busy environment Ability to demonstrate creativity, flexibility, positive attitude and good judgment. Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, co-workers and the general publicPREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:Additional years of customer service work experience 6 months of work experience in a public, academic, or school libraryPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit, walk, lift up to 50 pounds; occasionally stoop While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work indoors and occasionally outdoors, walking on uneven ground, in hot (above 100 degrees) and cold (below 32 degrees) Additional Information / Examination Process Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination Ability to provide own transportation to meetings, workshops and various branch libraries as needed Available for varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating scheduleEXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):An evaluation of training and experience One or more interviews
