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Professional Librarian
Position
Professional Librarian
Nature of Work
Positions in this class perform responsible professional, supervisory, and administrative library work.
The tasks performed involve functioning independently as the supervisor of at least one of the major units of the library system.
Work is performed under the general administrative direction of the library director and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and the efficiency of services provided.
Supevision may be exercised over paraprofessional, student, volunteer and other professional personnel.
Employees in this classification have considerable contact in writing, in person, or by telephone with patrons, co-workers, community groups and leaders, and professionals in other library systems.
Work is performed at the headquarters library location and occasionally at branches and other sites, as needed.
Representative Examples of Work
(Only major tasks are identified for most positions; refer to position description for detailed listing of duties.)
Directs and coordinates the activities of at least one of the major functional units of the library; supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of staff; communicates library policy to subordinates and the public.
Participates in library planning by meeting with the library director and other library unit heads; coordinates with the various units of the library in daily operations and in long range planning for the full library program; contributes to preparation of the annual library budget in area of responsibility.
Assumes responsibility for the library, as delegated, in the absence of the director; responds to security problems in the area of responsibility and overall responsibility for building, security, as needed.
Participates in materials selection; plans and implements portions of library public relations efforts; initiates and evaluates programs.
Performs related work as assigned.
Selection Factors
(These factors will be the basis for selecting the most qualified applicants to be interviewed. Applicants selected for employment must satisfactorily demonstrate possession of these factors during and after a prescribed probationary period for continued employment.)
Knowledge Of
- current library principles, methods, and practices, including library administration.
- library reference materials, equipment, and procedures.
- reader interest levels, books, authors, and selection criteria.
- cataloging and classification plans.
- automated library procedures and applications.
Skill In
- operation of office equipment and modern library equipment including computer terminals.
Ability To
- learn and abide by Flathead County Library System policies and procedures.
- plan and direct a major unit of a county library system.
- plan and supervise the work of a group of professional, paraprofessional, and clerical employees.
- coordinate the activities of a major unit with other library units.
- establish and maintain effective working, relationships with supervisor, co-workers, library patrons, other agencies, and other employees.
- correctly lift and carry up to fifty pounds.
- work under pressure effectively.
General Recruitment Indicators
(Person applying for a position in this class should have the following experience and/or training).
Graduation from an approved college or university with a master's degree in library science, media or another related degree, and three years of experience in professional library work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed.






