Maine State Library

Public and Outreach Services, Research & Innovation

Librarian – Core Services

JOB CLASS CODE: 3105 PAY GRADE: 20 - $39,395.20 - $52,894.40/Annually

OPEN FOR RECRUITMENT: May 15, 2023

CLOSES: June 2, 2023

PURPOSE OF ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Maine State Library (MSL) is dedicated to serving the information needs of all Maine citizens and to the support of all Maine libraries, through helping people, making libraries stronger, and transforming information into knowledge. The Maine State Library fosters an environment of collaboration and teamwork, encourages innovation and ideas, and seeks individuals who enjoy working in such an environment. Providing excellence in service is at the heart of our mission.

MSL has a vacancy for a Reference – Core Services Librarian located in the Augusta office. This position requires core reference services work to be provided at the Maine State Library and may require evening and Saturday hours.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Reference - Core Services Librarian position requires a knowledgeable, service-driven professional who provides general and specialized reference services at the Maine State Library.

Responsibilities include conducting complex library research and reference work in an assigned focus area; assisting library users and researchers; copy cataloging and original cataloging (including digital materials); delivering unique and leading-edge services and the promotion, delivery, development, and facilitation of library programs. Duties may involve functional direction of a specialized unit within the library. Work is performed under limited supervision.

The Reference – Core Services Librarian will report to the Director of Public and Outreach Services, Research & Innovation, and will work with the other Maine State Library Reference Staff to ensure public reference services offered through the Maine State Library are being delivered successfully. The candidate must possess a passion for service, exhibit outstanding verbal and written communication skills, be adept at using technology, and proficient in conducting online research.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Typical duties of the position may include, but are not limited to:

• Receives and reviews customer needs/inquiries in order to determine which library service, program, or materials to offer, or to make a referral to other Maine State Library staff.
• Corresponds with the public in-person, in-writing, and electronically in order to deliver direct one-on-one library services.
• Conducts thorough and detailed reference research and summarizes topics to provide information to library users to assist them in finding information and in using the library.
• Prepares bibliographies/research guides to show resources of the library in specified fields and uses this information to promote the breadth of collection resources offered at the library.
• Independently selects books and materials on various subjects in order to respond to requests and to add to the library's collection.
• Independently determines which materials have become obsolete and recommends removal from the collection in order to update and maintain collection.
• Plans, promotes, and conducts library orientation activities such as book displays, promotional materials, instructional tours, workshops, brochures, and social media in order to explain and promote library programs and services.
• Conducts presentations and programs to small and large groups, other state agencies, and community organizations in support of the library’s community programming and outreach efforts.
• Embeds reference services and other library services in external problem solving initiatives (g. other libraries, state agencies, community organizations, etc.) by researching requested topics, and then presents findings of information to external customers at meetings, workshops, or individually in order to extend core library services.
• Works with volunteers and/or interns on a variety of library projects.
• Investigates, demonstrates an awareness of, and applies emerging technologies to provide services to library users seeking to explore, learn, and independently utilize such technologies.
• Catalogs, classifies, and indexes materials (including digital) in order to properly place them in the various library collections.
• Collects, compiles, and evaluates data within assigned focused area in order to provide one-on-one library services, and promote and implement library programs.
• Utilizes Integrated Library System (ILS) in order to maximize its full use and potential beyond circulation functionalities.
• Researches procurement terms and conditions in order to purchase books, materials, or services related to assigned subject area in order to support library user needs and ensure availability of up-to-date library materials or services.
• Evaluates library materials in order to identify for digital transfer, removal, monitor availability, circulation status, to ensure collection download metadata and cataloging technology is operational.
• Develops, maintains, and troubleshoots information access aids and other library equipment in order to support library user goals.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).

• Knowledge of professional library techniques, systems, tools, materials, and major library classification systems.
• Knowledge of general cataloging guidelines and systems (i.e. Machine-Readable Cataloging Records (MARC) / Resource Description and Access (RDA) Cataloging / Ohio College Library Center (OCLC)).
• Knowledge of collection development and maintenance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of reference materials and techniques.
• Knowledge of Maine State Government and Maine State Library collections and local resources.
• Knowledge of reader interests, books, and authors.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for instructing individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods to inform and utilize written, oral, and visual media.
• Ability to ascertain reference and informational needs of patrons and to respond effectively.
• Ability to use and explain the use of catalogs, guides, indexes, bibliographies, technologies, and other library materials.
• Ability to use a variety of modern office and audio-visual equipment.
• Ability to evaluate library materials for purchase or rental and to supervise selection activities.
• Ability to perform original cataloging and classification of library materials.
• Ability to demonstrate ongoing intellectual effort required to maintain current knowledge of library resources, learning, literature, and information resources.
• Ability to understand and interpret instructions, directives, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to identify problems and review related information to develop, evaluate, and implement solutions.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to facilitate both small and large meetings as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

A minimum of a Bachelors’ Degree in Library and Information Science and two (2) years of experience in professional library work, -OR- an acceptable equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.

Preference will be given to candidates who have a passion for service and can demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience working with librarians, libraries, library technologies and the larger community providing research and educational/instructional programming. Familiarity or prior experience working with federal and state documents a plus.

You must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for an interview.

BENEFITS:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.