LIBRARIAN ASSOCIATE

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) offers a dynamic, innovative work environment where each employee contributes to making the Library the best Third Place possible. Inspiration starts here – we help people read, learn, and connect!

The Librarian Associate position offers a promotional path to a rewarding library career within MPL! Based on the needs of the library and other factors, upon completion of the MLIS and successful performance in the role, a Librarian Associate may be promoted to Librarian I.

Performing basic bibliographic, reference, readers’ advisory and programmatic work, the Librarian Associate gains practical experience working in a public library while independently earning a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies.

Reference/Readers’ Advisory Services

• Provide reference and readers’ advisory services to adults, young adults, and children in the selection and location of print and non-print information and materials.
• Provide assistance and technical support to the public in the use of self-service resources, including the online catalog, electronic databases, the Internet, e-commerce, software applications, online registration, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers, as well as microform and other indexes, bibliographies, reference tools, checkout, and holds-pickup.
• Search indexes, bibliographies, and other reference sources in response to patrons’ requests.
• Determine availability of materials by using the library online catalog, databases, and print indexes.

Collection and Program Support

• Assist librarians with collection development and hands-on maintenance of materials.
• Provide programmatic support for the librarian staff, including planning, scheduling, and delivery of programs.
• Under the guidance of MLIS Staff, use collection development data, tools, and resources to make selection and deselection recommendations in alignment with Collection Management Policy and MPL policies and procedures. Assist with standing order and serials review, creation and maintenance of files and indexes for special collections, and support resource access in alignment with MPL collection standards.
• Develops increasing knowledge of collection related trends, new developments and best practices, including intellectual freedom and technological innovation.

Program Support and Outreach

• Represent the library through community outreach opportunities and alert library users to community organizations and functions as appropriate.
• Provide programmatic support for the librarian staff, including planning, scheduling, and delivery of programs.

Administrative Support

• Perform various administrative tasks, including preparing bibliographies, maintaining files, tracking statistical information, provide scheduling assistance, and replenishing materials for public distribution.
• Post bulletin boards and develop library displays.
• Provide emergency assistance at locations throughout the system
• Serve on library committees as assigned.
• Serve as staff person in charge of opening or closing branch as needed.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Full-time position; must be willing and able to work flexible schedules that includes evenings on Mondays and Tuesdays and weekend hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The Library will make every effort to work around an Associate’s school schedule, although such accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
• Must be physically able to stand and walk at length; to stoop, kneel, and reach; and to move and lift up to 10 pounds frequently and exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.

1. Current enrollment (or acceptance for enrollment) in a graduate library school accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Only individuals working toward a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies are eligible for this position. 
2. A Librarian Associate may serve in the title for a maximum of five years from the appointment date while completing the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree and must verify enrollment each semester.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Technical

• Familiarity with library science, including an understanding of the reference interview, library programming, and collection development.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of job-related documents.
• Skill in using a computer and other reference tools to search for information, such as an online catalog, electronic databases, the Internet, microform and other indexes, and bibliographies; skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. 
• Knowledge of collection related trends and best practices, including intellectual freedom and technological innovation.

Communication, Interpersonal, Training and Presentation

• Knowledge of the principles and processes of providing excellent customer service and a strong desire to serve the public.
• Verbal communication and training skills to clearly explain information to patrons and library staff, both face-to-face and via telephone.
• Written communication skills to write reports, procedures, and correspondence.
• Presentation and community outreach skills to represent the library positively.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively, and fairly with multi-level staff and patrons from all socioeconomic, educational, literacy, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Judgment and Critical Thinking

• Organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain patron confidentiality, responsible stewardship of library resources, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2EN) is $57,730-$67,309 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $59,462-$69,328 annually. Appointment will be made in accordance with the provisions of the salary ordinance.  Appointment to the Librarian Associate title is normally at the beginning of the pay range.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

• Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

EEO = 204

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.