Library Specialist

Placer County is a beautiful place to live and work. Stretching from the suburban outskirts of the Sacramento Valley to the mountains of the North Lake Tahoe region, quality of life in Placer County is truly the key to its attractiveness. Recreational prospects abound in the County’s numerous rivers, lakes, state parks and ski resorts. Three vibrant suburban communities offer world-class shopping and dining, cultural activities, and the chance to tee off at one of several championship golf courses. The foothills, home to the world-famous Gold Country, offer well-stocked rivers and tree-lined lakes. This distinctive area gives residents the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of country living with big city convenience while bringing them closer to nature and surrounding them with history.

For more information about living and working in Placer County, please go to: www.visitplacer.com.

 The Placer County Library has a vacancy for a full time Library Specialist for the Bookmobile and Community Outreach.

The eligible list created from this recruitment may be used for other vacancies for Library Specialist including other functional assignments.

**Employees in this classification will receive a 2% general wage increase effective June 8, 2019 which is in addition to the above listed salary.

To perform a variety of specialized and technical paraprofessional library work in support of the County library system and provide various library services to professional library staff and the public; to assist with meeting customers’ information needs for library materials, which include identifying and locating materials and information by researching and interpreting print, on-line and other sources; to plan, manage, administer, and evaluate the Placer County Adult Literacy Program or the department’s information systems and technology based functions as assigned; and to provide support and assistance with collection development activities.

This is a full journey para-professional level classification.  Employees at this level may perform specialized and technical duties related to information technology specific to the library; coordinate the adult literacy program for the library; or provide technical library services to professional staff and the public.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the scope of duties and the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Receives general supervision from management or professional staff.

May exercise direct supervision over clerical positions and volunteers.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, train, schedule and review the work of clerical library staff and volunteers.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinates staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for circulation at main library; implement policies and procedures.
• Evaluate operations and activities for assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare reports on operations and activities.
• Use reference interview to assess library patrons’ needs and assist them in understanding and effectively utilizing library services and resources, including digital resources.
• Perform a variety of work requiring specific knowledge of library practices and procedures.
• Investigate complaints and recommend improvements and modifications; prepare and submit a variety of reports on operations and activities specific to area of assignment.
• Research and interpret print, on-line and other sources as needed; place holds as requested.
• Perform Selector duties relative to reading, researching and providing recommendations for purchase throughout the County library system; and assist with collection development by making suggestions of new library materials, creating book lists, ordering library materials, weeding, repair and replacement of library materials.
• May process, catalog, and prepare new books and other materials for circulation; establish and maintain collection files and records; conduct and oversee inventories of books and other library materials; maintain bibliographies and create reading lists.
• Check books and other materials in and out of library; shelve books and review shelves for mis-shelved materials; weed shelves for outdated or worn materials.
• Compute, collect, receipt and record monies collected for overdue, lost or damaged materials.
• Act as liaison with cooperative libraries, Friends of the Library, and community groups in absence of Librarian; process interlibrary loan requests.
• Develop, coordinate and conduct various special programs and community outreach activities such as story time, summer reading programs and library tours; provide library customers with information about community resources.
• Operate various library-related equipment, information systems, and general office equipment.
• Perform clerical duties as assigned.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• May secure library materials through inter-library loans; search appropriate databases and identify materials; request materials from appropriate sources, process materials for distribution to customers; respond to requests from other libraries for inter-library loans; may work with inter-library loan representative to obtain materials.
• Attend professional workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Functional Assignment Areas (While the majority of duties assigned to a position may typically fall within one of the following areas, incumbents may also be assigned duties that cross multiple areas)

When assigned to Library Literacy (in addition to general duties), duties may include but are not limited to:

• Recruit, enroll, and support tutors and learners of all ages.
• Conduct student intake assessments that effectively assess reading, writing, comprehension, and/or speaking skills of the learner.
• Match assessed learners with tutors.
• Establish and maintain contact with community agencies and businesses that have an interest in adult literacy programs, and respond to related routine questions and concerns of those agencies.
• Partner with agencies in providing educational services to Library patrons.
• Collect and analyze data regarding tutor/learner activity; assess effectiveness of training workshops and makes adjustments where necessary.
• Provide mentoring support to tutors addressing topics such as teaching strategies, supplemental materials, learning disabilities/differences, and behavioral issues.
• Maintain databases for tutor/learner activity and budget expenditures.
• Prepare meeting facilities; transport workshop materials and refreshments to and from meeting sites, and clean up meeting rooms; prepare workshop schedules.
• Promote the library literacy program through various media; create media campaigns/content.
• Represent the library literacy program at meetings, as requested; speak to service clubs and community groups to encourage public awareness.
• Maintain inventory of teaching/training materials; unpack, check-in, and shelve materials.
• Prepare annual program budget and grant proposal documents and administer the budget.
• Write monthly newsletter columns and tutor letters.
• Act as a liaison with cooperative libraries, the Literacy Support Council, and community groups.

When assigned to Information Systems and Technology Support (in addition to general duties), duties may include but are not limited to:

• Prepare long- and short-term technology solutions projects requiring statistical research, and organizational, technology, and systems analyses.
• Develop and maintain library websites; manage website development to incorporate new features and functionality; develop and create new website content and keep all website content current and updated regularly; develop, expand, and manage current website designs and lead appropriate redesigns when needed; copy, edit, and proofread all website content; maintain relationships with key team members and County technical support teams; track and report on all website metrics.
• Evaluate user needs; develop and present training on basic computer functions and use, application programs, internet use, and e-mail.
• Assist staff with technical computer questions; create user profiles; assist patrons with computer problems; maintain help desk support.
• Provide operational testing, troubleshooting, instruction, and training to staff using the department’s various proprietary systems, and test possible future systems.
• Use analytical techniques and information gathering processes and obtain required information and data for project analysis and reporting; prepare spreadsheets, discuss analysis and conclusions with professional and/or management staff, and draft reports of study.
• Develop training materials, including tutorials, documentation and instructional manuals for system use; create presentations, flyers, and handouts using presentation programs, desktop publishing, and word processing software.
• Interact with technology vendors regarding new library services related solutions or troubleshooting.

When assigned to Bookmobile (in addition to general duties), duties may include but are not limited to:

• Independently represent Placer County Libraries to the community through the County’s mobile outreach library (i.e., bookmobile).
• Drive the Bookmobile with library personnel as passengers to rural localities that are removed from regular libraries.
• Determine appropriate bookmobile schedules per the community’s needs, add and remove stops and communicate changes to affected patrons, and decide upon locations for the pop-up library.
• Modify and specialize programming based on system-wide needs.
• Schedule periodic servicing, washing and maintenance of vehicles; report any major mechanical malfunctions of the vehicle.
• Drive library delivery vehicles to deliver and pick up books to County Library branches.
• Keep the mobile library interior clean and orderly; prepare the operator's vehicle condition report.
• Load books, periodicals, magazines, and other materials.
• Sort and route books and other materials.
• Develop, implement, and participate in community outreach events and activities marketing bookmobile services based on services needs of various communities within the County.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of experience working in a public library, or managing a literacy program, or providing information systems support and administration to an integrated library system.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a discipline related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the position.

License or Certificate:

May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

Knowledge of:

• Standard public library practices, techniques and terminology; basic services, policies and procedures associated with a public library.
• Public library collection, including general reference sources, search techniques, and services.
• General procedures involved in receipt, circulation and storage of library materials.
• General library classification and filing systems.
• Computer applications in a library environment.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Collection Development resources.
• Basic budget monitoring methods and practices.
• Arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.
• Basic statistical analysis techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Research and organizational methods and techniques.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and policies and procedures applicable to library programs.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, and County staff.

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff and volunteers.
• Intermittently, review documents related to library operations; observe, identify and problem solve library operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain library policies and procedures.
• Perform specialized clerical and para-professional library work; interpret and apply basic library procedures and policies.
• Use a library automated system, library databases, and the internet.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer records.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Conduct effective reference interviews to ascertain library customer needs and link them to appropriate resources; understand and carry out a variety of both oral and written instructions; work fairly and courteously with the public; and work effectively with interruption.
• Learn and assist with grant writing, budgeting, administration, planning, management, public relations and report writing.
• Independently provide technical and reference assistance to subordinate library personnel and library customers.
• Independently perform specialized circulation, collection and reference duties.
• Make persuasive presentations to groups and individuals regarding all aspects of assigned program(s).
• Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports, correspondence, instructional materials, and other written material.
• Work weekend and evening shifts as assigned.
• Plan, organize and conduct programs and training sessions.
• Understand and carry out a variety of both oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work in a standard office environment, using standard office equipment and computer systems.  Sit at desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Intermittently bend, twist, reach, grasp, kneel or squat while shelving, opening boxes or moving equipment; see and read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; write and use keyboard to communicate and to enter circulation and collection data; communicate in person and by telephone; file, lift and carry weight up to 50 pounds; push handcart up to 50 pounds.

Functional Assignment Areas

When assigned to Library Literacy (in addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, and trends in library literacy programs.
• Methods and techniques utilized in publicizing the Library Literacy Program.
• Specific methods and materials used in literacy instruction.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement an active system-wide literacy program with limited guidance.
• Recruit, screen, place, direct, and evaluate program volunteers.

When assigned to Information Systems and Technology Support (in addition to general knowledge and abilities) knowledge and abilities may include, but are not limited to:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and various languages utilized in website development and design.
• Principles and practices of personal computer and network operation, configuration and function, setup, and minor maintenance of computer peripherals.
• Standard operating systems and application software.
• Computer troubleshooting and repairs.
• Initialization, operation, backup, and restore procedures.
• Terminology used in the operation of the County’s enterprise, personal computer, and network systems.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement technology plans and training materials.
• Administer smart library solutions such as PC and print payment, RFID- based self-check and Automated Materials Handling (AMH).
• Perform social media functions, website design, development, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve computer user problems.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

Week of 7/15/19    Minimum Qualifications Screening

Week of 7/22/19    Training and Experience Rating

Week of 7/22/19    Establish Eligible List