Library Specialist

Position Summary
- The Library Specialist is a skilled professional with expertise in the provision of accredited excellence in library services and programs. This front-line staff is responsible for customer service, supervision of the facilities, and training needs of the public using industry standards including the Ontario Library Services (OLS) competencies and the Ontario Public Library Guidelines (OPLG).
- The Library Specialist ensures high-quality library services while supervising youth workers supporting in these tasks.

Key

**Responsibilities**:

- Responsible for primary customer service to the public; handling all complaints; and ensuring the public and visitors uphold policy; and safety in and of the building.
- Instruct and train patrons in operating equipment including special collections, public computers, and accessibility software. Instruct and train patrons in the advanced search functions of the ILS and various library software and databases (e.g. Libby, Novelist, Ancestry, LinkedIn Learning, BMPL website, etc). Complete research requests and reference interviews, providing answers and where appropriate, provide training on how and where the research can be found.
- Provide ongoing and immediate technical support and training to patrons; provide research and Reader’s Advisory based on detailed patron interviews and Ontario Library Service Competencies; survey and gather information on interests and needs of patrons for inclusion in the consultation process and updating of Plans.
- Responsible for fielding and resolving complaints and requests for enhanced service; ensuring a safe work environment for junior staff; and ensuring a safe environment for patrons and vulnerable sector visitors.
- Market services through social media and onsite displays; develop literacy aids for print and video tutorials on the various circulation and access points of the GLAM.
- Determine what materials would be of interest to the community and would enhance the collection in the program-specific designation (e.g. Youth, Arts, YA).
- Maintain the Integrated Library System (ILS) patron records and modify collection records as needed; collect requests of the Inter-Library Loan Ontario (ILLO) provincial system and submit them to designated staff.
- Receive payments at the counter and by phone for processing rentals, fees/fines, and art sale transactions; dealing with the CEO, Board, Arts & Culture Council, and Council concerning payments; waiving fees/fines or providing discounts; making refunds; verify, reconcile and prepare receipts for deposits; record receipts through a financial software system and provide receipt; accept donations, provide receipt, and complete tax donation request; Ensure proper cash handling procedures are followed. Maintain cash float.
- Reconcile and replenish petty cash accounts as required.
- Responsible for billing patrons, removing or restricting patrons, and submitting overdue invoices to collections.
- Answer phone calls and front counter inquiries. Deal with aggressive and difficult patrons independently and with de-escalation techniques.
- Prepare statistical reports for submission to the CEO, Board, province, and funders as required.
- Communicate with the ratepayers and the public effectively and courteously regarding the library's programs, policies, and procedures, via social media and in person.
- Comply with all BMPL health and safety practices as it relates to the work, standard operating guidelines, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Perform programs, services, ad hoc reports, or other duties as may be assigned in accordance with the organizational objectives and Strategic Plan.

**EDUCATION, SPECIFIC TRAINING, and RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE**:

- Requires a postsecondary two-year diploma or degree in library sciences or equivalent; or Ontario Library Service Excel Certificate in Managing a Small Public Library.
- Minimum of 2 years experience in a public library, museum, or fast-paced customer service field.
- Industry standard software such as Integrated Library Systems, OLS database searches, ILLO VDX, PastPerfect.

**COMMITMENT TO HEALTH & SAFETY**:
All employees must personally comply with, and assume appropriate Internal Responsibility Systems, and comply with all health and safety practices, standard operating procedures, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. This includes completion of designated Health and Safety training.
**JOB DETAILS**:
**Hours of Work**: This is a permanent part-time position and shifts will vary; Weekend and evening work required.
**Reports**: Direct Report: 0
**Indirect Supervision**: average 3 per shift
- On-shift Student Pages
- On-shift Clerk
- On-shift Students (paid, intern, co-op)
- On-shift Volunteers

**Overtime**: Applies
**Driver’s License**: Class G2 or higher required