Placer Employment Opportunities

Librarian - II

Recruitment #2017-14771-01

Introduction

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.

POSITION INFORMATION

 A display at the Rocklin Library

The Placer County Library has a current vacancy for a permanent, full-time Librarian I/II in the Auburn or South Placer area. Librarians provide direct assistance to library patrons to enhance the user experience of the library.  Some of the duties associated with this vacancy include:

  • Serving as a professional resource to children, young adults, adults, and library staff.
  • Selecting library  materials.
  • Promoting and presenting library programming.
  • Providing outreach to the community and marketing all the library has to offer.
  • Cooperating with community groups, including the Friends of the Library, to emphasize understanding, use, and support of library services and activities.
  • Evaluating and analyzing patrons' needs and preferences and responding to changes in community needs and expectations.
  • Supervising, leading or training clerical and technical staff.
  • Instructing patrons and staff on the use of library technology including the library’s catalog and relevant e-resources.

  A display at the Granite Bay Library

The person in this position will be required to work Saturdays and some evenings.

This recruitment may be used to fill both open and promotional, as well as permanent and extra-help (temporary) vacancies in the Library Department, as they arise.

To learn more about the Library Department click HERE.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision or direction, performs routine to complex professional library work involving the collection and retrieval of information, including evaluation, selection, cataloging, and de-selection of library materials; performs reference, research, and readers’ advisory services; may direct and/or implement a major service area of the Library Services Department, or serves as a branch manager of a medium library system; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey-level class within the Librarian series.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.  This class is distinguished from the Librarian I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned.   This class is distinguished from the Senior Librarian in its responsibilities which include planning, organizing, and supervising a major function of the County library system, whereas the latter is responsible for managing a large library branch or has responsibility for a system wide program.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from supervisory or management staff.
May exercise functional and technical supervision over technical and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Performs professional system-wide library services such as archives, circulation, reference and reader's advisory, technology services, and youth, teen, or adult programming. 
  • Assists in the development and implementation of a variety of library programs, services, and outreach to a variety of customers using a systems-thinking approach, and organizes and facilitates community engagement events to meet customer needs. 
  • Assesses patron needs and advises them in making effective use of library resources and services; assists patrons of all ages by answering reference questions and selecting books, audio books, magazines, e-books, videos/DVDs, and other library materials; places holds for customers.  
  • Supervises assigned branch staff (Library Assistants and extra help) and volunteers; recruits volunteers; trains staff; arranges schedules; monitors workflow; conducts performance evaluations; models expected behaviors.  
  • Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates a variety of library services, including audio-visual, reference, and technical services; prepares and maintains records and reports related to area of assignment. 
  • Explains and offers inter-library loan services; works with library representatives to secure library materials through inter-library loans; dispenses received inter-library loan items and accepts returned inter-library loans. 
  • Develops collection by reading, reviewing, and selecting materials; reviews collection to determine additional materials needed and selects materials for repair or discard; performs Selector duties, preparing Countywide lists in identified subject area. 
  • Monitors usage of library budget in area of responsibility.
  • Performs highly responsible library services in specific area(s) of expertise, which may include children’s services, youth services, adult services, technical services, etc.
  • May manage the operations of a medium branch library, which involves, planning, organizing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operations; assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures. 
  • Identifies various user and community needs, and recommends, plans, and presents appropriate programs.   
  • Instructs customers in the use of library tools, including catalogs, computer databases, bibliographic resources, the internet, and indexes. 
  • May prepare publicity materials, coordinate the publication of brochures, and coordinate the dissemination of library program publicity.  Participates in community outreach programs and special library programs.
  • May lead or assist in the preparation of grant proposals and/or the development and management of required documentation for grant funded programs. 
  • Responds to difficult complaints and requests for information from customers. 
  • Attends professional workshops, seminars, and conferences; represents the library on outside committees. 
  • Operates various library-related equipment, information systems, and general office equipment. 
  • Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. 
  • Adheres to safety policies and procedures. 
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Librarian II

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 (2) years of responsible professional experience performing duties similar to a Librarian I with Placer County.

Training:
Master's degree in Library Science or equivalent.

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

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Librarian II

In addition to the qualifications for Librarian I:

Knowledge of:

  • General principles and procedures of professional library work in a public library setting.
  • Principles and practices of supervision, employee training, and leadership.
  • Principles of professional library work, including familiarity of current trends in library services; methods, and techniques of library classification, bibliographies, cataloging, and library programming.  Patron advisory methods and practices.
  • Reference sources and search techniques.
  • A wide variety of books, authors, and collection development resources.
  • Computer applications in a library environment.
  • Collection development, including materials selection and cataloging procedures.
  • 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 dealing with the public, vendors, and County staff.
  • Safety policies and procedures.
  •  Public library organization, information resources, information access, technology, and services.
  • Advanced library reference sources and complex search techniques.
  • Basic budgeting practices and principles.

Ability to:

  • Plan, organize, supervise, review, and evaluate library activities and programs.
  • Carryout specific functions of the County Library system.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
  • Develop and implement library services.
  • Assess and meet community needs in the area of library services.
  • Assess library patron needs and provide accurate reference information by utilizing appropriate search techniques.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and efficient manner.
  • Obtain information through interview, work fairly and courteously with the public, and work effectively with interruption.
  • Apply general departmental policies, procedures, and practices and collection development principles, including making selector lists, books and materials selection and cataloging procedures.
  • Use a library-automated system and standard office equipment.
  • Maintain confidentiality of customer records.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Work in a standard office environment, using standard office equipment and computer systems and attend off-site meetings.  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.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Maintain accurate records and files.
  • Work weekend and evening shifts as assigned.
  • Assist in developing operating policies and procedures related to the area of assignment.
  • Perform professional library duties independently.
  • Monitor budget within assigned area of responsibility.
  • Independently perform advanced collection development duties, including making selector lists, books and materials selection, and cataloging procedures.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

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.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

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 and/or be bonded.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

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.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

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 visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.

BENEFITS

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 Professional bargaining unit

Selection Plan

Tentative Recruitment Schedule

  • 9/7/2017 - Minimum Qualification Screening 
  • 9/8/2017 - Conviction Questionnaires Sent
  • 9/13/2017  - Conviction Questionnaires Due 
  • Eligible List Established Week of September 18, 2017


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