LIBRARIAN I and II - Children's Services

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a 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 Milwaukee Public Library is seeking Librarians who have a passion for children’s services and for helping kids throughout our community be inspired to read, learn, and connect!

LIBRARIAN I: Librarian Is perform basic bibliographic, reference, readers’ advisory, and programming work and participate in a full range of activities, including community service, outreach, and basic collection development. Emphasis is on developing a comprehensive background in all phases of librarianship throughout the system.

LIBRARIAN II: In addition to the functions above, Librarian IIs assume higher-level responsibilities, such as assisting in training and supervising Librarian Is and other employees and developing ways to extend the services of the MPL to the community.

• The MPL’s promotional program provides qualified individuals with opportunities to continue their development by assuming higher-level responsibilities commensurate with their abilities and the needs of the system.
• This position will be filled at the level of Librarian I (PR2GN) or Librarian II (PR 2HN), depending upon the qualifications of the candidate and the needs of MPL. Eligible candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the highest-level eligible list for which they qualify. The eligible lists resulting from this selection process may be used to fill similar City of Milwaukee positions.

The Milwaukee Public Library has vacancies throughout its system, at both the Central Library and its branch libraries.

REFERENCE/READERS’ ADVISORY SERVICES

• Conduct reference interviews to facilitate appropriate recommendations.
• Assist patrons in using the online catalog, electronic databases, the internet, microforms, bibliographies, and reference tools.
• Refer patrons to community resources and organizations that may be of assistance to them.  
• Locate library print and non-print materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, and other media.
• Proactively assist patrons with self-service resources. including checkouts, photocopiers, printers, computers, software applications, online registration, and holds pickup.
• Provide readers’ advisory services using reference tools and professional knowledge of readers, collections, genres, popular and newsworthy titles; locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
• Explain the use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

• Assist in developing the MPL’s collection; review and evaluate resource material, such as book reviews and catalogs, to recommend print, audiovisual, and electronic resources to departmental selectors.
• Use collection development data, tools, and resources to select and deselect items for the collection.
• Develop and demonstrate knowledge of collection-related trends, new developments, and best practices, including intellectual freedom and technological innovation.

PROGRAMMING

• Plan, develop and implement programs appealing to children and youth of various cultures and interests to inform, educate, entertain and promote library materials and services.
• Implement programming based on community resources, demographics, and the communities being served.
• Set up displays and regular exhibits.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Promote library services through outreach to schools, community organizations, and individuals.
• Develop ways to extend the services of the MPL to the community through programs, information gathering, and understanding of community needs. As assigned, participate in maintaining the library’s presence on social media platforms.

PROFESSIONAL

• Actively promote the library's vision, mission, and goals by participating in staff meetings and serving on committees.
• Stay current with the latest news and advances in library and information science through workshops and reading.
• Participate in local, state and/or national library associations and conferences.
• Serve in an active capacity on designated library committees.

SUPERVISORY (Librarian II)

• Maintain the security of library facilities, equipment, and people.
• Assist in training librarians, paraprofessionals, and support personnel.
• As assigned, act as librarian-in-charge of a branch library, with overall responsibility for the branch’s operations, including staff, performance, customer service, and security.

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.

Librarian Is and IIs must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work day, evening, and weekend hours, including Saturdays & Sundays as assigned.
• Provide emergency assistance at locations through the MPL system as needed.
• Lift and move items weighing up to 10 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 
• Stand, walk, climb stepstools, crouch, and reach.

Librarian I:

1. Master's degree in library and information studies or equivalent from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program.

NOTE: An applicant having current academic status as a graduate student in an ALA-accredited program will be allowed to participate in this selection process if they possess at least 24 credits in the MLIS program. A candidate may not be appointed to this level until proof of graduation is shown to the Department of Employee Relations. Appointment to a lower position is possible based on qualifications and experience.

Librarian II:

1. Master's degree in library and information studies or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program.

2. Two years of successful post-Masters in Library Science (MLS) librarian experience in a public library.

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 before extending any job offers.

TECHNICAL

• Knowledge of library science, including a thorough understanding of the reference interview, public relations and marketing techniques, library programming, collection development, library media learning principles, and instructional methods.
• Knowledge of modern library organization, procedures, policies, mission, goals, and services.
• Ability to learn the fundamentals of library materials acquisition, budget management, and grant processes.
• Skill in using online library catalogs, electronic databases, the Internet, microform, indexes, bibliographies, and reference tools.
• Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.
• Ability to learn to use and troubleshoot library equipment such as self-checkout stations, automated book sorters, cash registers, audiovisual equipment, and security systems.
• Ability to read and interpret a wide array of materials, from printed books and periodicals to electronic resources.
• Ability to interpret and satisfy various reading and informational needs.
• Wide range of reading interests with a developing, in-depth knowledge of a particular subject or subjects.

COMMUNICATION, INTERPERSONAL, AND SUPERVISORY

• Excellent customer service skills; ability to de-escalate and resolve patron challenges tactfully and satisfactorily.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse coworkers and library users of various cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, ages, and literacy levels, with an understanding of the social responsibilities of an urban public library in an era of information access and technological change.
• Ability to foster and contribute to an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to train and oversee the work of others engaged in daily library operations.
• Ability to provide practical training to librarians, paraprofessionals, and support staff. 
• Written communication skills to prepare correspondence, reports, book reviews, and marketing materials. 
• Verbal communication skills to share information with a wide range of patrons. 
• Presentation skills to perform library outreach, participate in media programs, and conduct formal programs to carry out the mission of the library.    
• Ability to represent the library, its policies, and programs before a variety of community groups and agencies.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and to adjust to changing priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function effectively when working independently.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make effective decisions and sound judgment.
• Ability to learn new information quickly and conduct research.
• Ability to exemplify professionalism, honesty, integrity, and proper stewardship of library resources.

Librarian I

The current salary range (Pay Range 2GN) is $63,503 - $76,474 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $65,408 - $78,767 annually. 

Librarian II  

The current salary range (Pay Range 2HN) is $67,949 to $81,507 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $69,988 to $83,952 annually. 

Benefits: 

• The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefits 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. The component weights for the selection process will be determined through further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

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

EEO Code 204

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