Official State of Iowa Website

Des Moines, IA Librarian

Job Title:

Librarian

Job Category:

Professional

Department:

Information Services

Job Code #:

7171

Location:

North Side Library

Travel Required:

Between buildings as needed

Salary:

$64,979

Position Type:

Full-time

HR Contact:

Jon Hobbs

Date posted:

April 19, 2024

Start Date:

TBD

Posting Expires:

May 2, 2024

External posting:

Yes

Internal posting:

Yes

Applications Accepted By:

Jon Hobbs—Deputy Director

E-Mail:                 jthobbs@dmpl.org

Fax:                        (515) 237-1654

Mail:                       Jon Hobbs, Deputy Director, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Job Description

Summary:

Under the direction of a library manager, provides excellent customer service to all customers.   Demonstrates proficiency in current and emerging library technology.  Provides excellent reference and readers’ advisory service for all customers.  Provides direction or leadership to library assistants, clerks, aides, and volunteers.  Does related work as required. This position is forty (40) hours per week with regular weekend and evening hours located at one of the six Des Moines Public Library locations.

Essential Job Functions

  • Answers reference, research, and readers' advisory questions and prepares bibliographies.
  • Develops and provides library programs for adults including book discussions or book talks, information literacy instruction, library tours, and other programs as community needs dictate.
  • Trains patrons in use of online catalog, online resources, and library technology.
  • Manages interactions with customers with tact and diplomacy.
  • Participates in and understands collection development and its budgets.
  • Directs and participates in the planning and organizing of work and projects within the department.
  • Provides direction, training, and supervision to support staff and volunteers.
  • Plans and maintains displays, exhibits, and bulletin boards.
  • Reads professional literature and participates in continuing education to keep informed of developing library practices and issues.
  • Actively participates as a member/leader of committees and other assigned branch teams.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with community business leaders, chambers of commerce, and small business support organizations.
  • Participates in outreach events to enhance the Library's relationship with and services to the community.
  • Develops and teaches classes on job search, business resources, and basic computer skills.

Essential Physical Abilities

  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to communicate effectively.
  • Sufficient vision, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to access relevant library materials and operate a keyboard.
  • Sufficient mobility, with or without reasonable accommodation, to be able to transport materials and equipment.
  • Must be able to travel between buildings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of a broad range of reference and readers' advisory materials and resources.
  • Knowledge of literature and materials, social media, and technological trends.
  • Skill in using current and emerging library technology and automated systems.
  • Skill in training customers to use library resources.
  • Ability to provide outstanding customer service through the use of excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability and interest to learn new technologies and keep current on trends.
  • Ability to instruct, train, and supervise support staff and volunteers.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Ability to keep records, files, compile reports, and analyze statistics.
  • Ability to meet assigned project deadlines.
  • Ability to serve the public in a positive manner.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced public service environment.

Education and Experience

  • Completion of a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited graduate school of library and information science is required.
  • Successful experience in public library adult services work is required, including demonstrated skill in adult programming and collection development.
  • Excellent customer service skills with all ages is required.
  • Preferred bilingual Spanish/English spoken and written language skills.

Application Information

Send resume and letter of application to Deputy Director Jon Hobbs via email (JTHobbs@dmpl.org). Applications from candidates must be received by May 2, 2024, at 5:00 pm.

Unofficial transcripts will be requested at the time of an interview.

Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, drug screen, and background check.

Current employees who have their transcript and resume on file do not need to resubmit those two items at this time.  Current employees must contact Jon Hobbs via email or hard copy of interest in this position before the closing date and time.