CAMPBELL COUNTY
GILLETTE, WYOMING

Reference Services Specialist

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and/or department.

DEFINITION

To perform independent research in locating requested information; guide and instruct patrons in locating requested information so that they become informed and independent users of the library's printed and electronic resources.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Exercise technical and functional supervision over Library Generalists, Library Pages, and volunteers.

Receive direction from Librarian (Reference).

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Ask carefully formulated and open-ended questions that focus on the patron's specific wants or problems to elicit pertinent information to begin the research process.
2. Guide, and/or instruct patrons to locate requested information through consultation of diverse print and electronic reference resources; demonstrate the use of reference materials, so patrons can actively locate  information; when in-house resources are exhausted, refer patrons to additional database resources, other outside agencies or organizations, or other libraries via the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) process.
3. Receive telephone inquiries; ascertain patrons' needs and provide library services as needed.
4. Perform independent research to locate requested information using the library's print and electronic reference resources.
5. Contact individuals and/or outside agencies to gather information, resolve problems, and/or request data.
6. Guide and instruct patrons in the use of the Internet and public computers.
7. Guide patrons in making effective use of library facilities and materials; advise on library regulations and procedures.
8. Operate and provide assistance to patrons in the operation of modern office machines and equipment including computers, typewriters, printers, copiers, and fax machines; routinely use a full range of word processing,   database, and spreadsheet software applications.
9. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives for assigned department;  interpret library-wide policies, procedures, and resources.
10. Respond to patron/staff inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
11. Maintain an extensive knowledge of the Wyoming Libraries Database Catalog (WYLDCAT), numerous reference databases, and all other reference sources in order to research, guide, instruct, and assist patrons.
12. Maintain an extensive knowledge of the nonfiction, reference, government documents, and periodical collections to assist patrons in their selections; keep abreast of new additions to the nonfiction, reference,  government  documents, and periodical collections; maintain a familiarity with other library collections; remain highly knowledgeable of traditional reference sources encompassing government documents, almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, newspapers, magazines, and other nonfiction materials.
13. Understand and utilize the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, Library of Congress (LC) Subject Headings, Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC), and Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) systems.
14. Actively review new nonfiction and reference materials and services in both print and electronic format.
15. Read at least one current news source per day in order to remain up-to-date in the areas of international, national, state, and local events.
16. Recommend acquisition of materials  for collection development and service enhancements; weed the collection as assigned; recommend and prepare items for discard.
17. Extract, index, and input vital statistical information from the local newspaper in preparation for publishing on the library's web page.
18. Create and distribute bibliographies and booklists to promote nonfiction and reference collections.
19. Present tours and provide instruction as requested to include bibliographic instruction and compilation of specialized bibliographies.
20. Work closely with the Reference Librarian in working with various community organizations to provide bibliographic instruction and to promote reference resources.
21. Create attractive, seasonal, and/or informational displays and bulletin boards.
22. Work evening and weekend hours as assigned.
23. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures; participate in maintaining library security.
24. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge; serve on committees as assigned.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Notarize documents as requested.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Automated library systems, bibliographic utilities, on-line services, computer technologies, database management and maintenance, and MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) formats.
• Automation techniques applicable to library operations including WYLDCAT, print, non-print, and electronic reference resources.
• Advanced methods and techniques of research.
• Operation of electronic reference tools including on-line databases.
• Informational materials and services.
• Wide variety of computer software programs.
• Practices and procedures for weeding reference and adult nonfiction materials.
• The DDC, LC Subject Headings, and SuDocs Classification Systems.
• Principles and practices used in interacting with the public.
• Proper compliance of the notarization process.
• Current practices and procedures of modern library operations including cataloging and indexing.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Principles and practices of working safely.

Skill to:

• Operate modern office equipment.

Ability to:

• Search a variety of print and non-print sources to locate information.
• Effectively use automated catalog system.
• Use reference materials.
• Adhere to procedures for weeding reference and adult nonfiction materials.
• Search a wide variety of databases to locate information for patrons.
• Instruct the public in the use of reference tools in both print and non-print format.
• Speak to and instruct groups of  people.
• Recommend fiction and nonfiction authors and titles.
• Establish rapport and interact professionally and sensitively with library patrons of all ages and abilities.
• Prepare book lists and bibliographies.
• Plan and organize work to meet schedules and time lines.
• Convey department information to library staff, patrons, and management personnel.
• Maintain accurate statistics.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work effectively as part of a group.
• Work evening and weekend hours as assigned.
• Meet bonding requirements to serve as a Notary Public.
• Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Two years experience at a public, academic, or special library reference desk.

Education/Training:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in library science, natural/physical science, or social science.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE OR REGISTRATIONS:
Must be current or obtained within a specified time frame as defined upon employment.

• Notary Public

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Essential duties require the following:

Working Environment:

• Minimal exposure to undesirable working conditions.  Ability to regularly work evening and weekend hours.

Physical Activities:

• Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate physical activity such as sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching/stooping/squatting, twisting upper body, and lifting an average  of 25 lbs.; pushing and pulling loaded book carts; carrying library materials. Position requires continuous movement and walking from such areas as information desk to bookshelves to computers while assisting patrons.