Librarian - Generalist

Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

Maine State Library

Public and Outreach services, Research & Innovation

Librarian - Generalist

Opening Date: January 7,2025 

Closing Date:  January 22, 2025

Job Class Code: 3104
Grade: 17
Salary: $18.34 – $25.28/Hourly 
Position Number: 014700571

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 Librarian - Generalist. This is a fully onsite position which requires essential library services work to be provided primarily at the Maine State Library’s current location (242 State Street -Augusta) and involves travel using state vehicle(s) to its offsite storage locations (10 Water Street – Hallowell) and (Carleton Mill Warehouse 1705 US 202 - Winthrop) for which a valid driver’s license is required. This position may require evening and Saturday hours. The Maine State Library is seeking a candidate with proven technological skills and a passion for public service.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

This is professional work primarily in the Public and Outreach Services Division of the Maine State Library. These services include but are not limited to direct library lending, readers advisory, basic reference services, and Outreach programs (Books by Mail, and Talking Books). 

Responsibilities include providing service to a wide variety of patrons: families, school groups, the general public, state employees, researchers, and special needs population.

Candidate must be able to assist patrons with inquiries ranging from readers advisory, public computer use (i.e. Microsoft Office) and troubleshooting (i.e. unable to print or connect to internet), to assistance with microfilm readers and locating materials.  In addition, this position includes general circulation duties such as checking books in and out, shelving and answering the telephone. 

The candidate must have familiarity with technologies relevant to today’s library user (i.e. e-readers, computers, mobile devices, printers, scanners, and microfilm readers).  Ability to work with the public, demonstrated flexibility, multitasking, and excellent oral and written communication skills are critical.  In addition to working scheduled hours on the circulation desk, the candidate may be required to fill in on nights and/or Saturdays.  Work is performed under general supervision.

The Librarian – Generalist position reports to the Public Services and Outreach Section Supervisor and will work with the other Maine State Library Public & Outreach Services Staff to ensure public services offered through the Maine State Library are being delivered successfully.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is professional services work in the general management of the Maine State Library. Work involves the application of general library techniques and procedures to library operations. Functional direction may be exercised over clerical, volunteer, or contracted personnel. Work is performed under general supervision.

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

• Provides reader advisory services via phone, in-person and online.
• Troubleshoots and assists patrons in the use of computers, mobile devices, email, apps, software, printing, scanning, etc.
• Explains and demonstrates public-access technologies offered by the library, such as: desktop/laptop computing and internet searches, office software applications, online database access, printing, and copying in order to assist with use of library related technologies.
• Explains and demonstrates use of the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) in order to help library users, identify resources in the collection and to demonstrate library procedures.
• Operates circulation computer printer/terminal to enter and retrieve information utilizing the Integrated Library System (ILS) to assist library users in