Overview

Position Title: Library Public Service Specialist

Company: City Of Dallas

Location: Dallas, Texas, US

Job Description:

The Library Public Service Specialist in the Dallas History & Archives Division performs customer service, in-depth reference assistance and technical help for the library and its customers. This position involves in-depth research and archival work, as well as elements of public service, including providing frontline customer service, programming and community engagement. The ideal candidate has an interest in and knowledge of local history, a desire to work with special collections and an interest in sharing collections with the public.

Responsibilities:

  • Works at the reference desk and answers customer questions and requests. Researches in-depth reference requests – in-person and by phone and email
  • Multitasks to handle urgent project requests, while staying on task with multiple short- and long-term projects.
  • Engages, communicates, and fosters trust with the community by sharing library programs and information and researching items in the collection to determine relevance and importance.
  • Maintains collection of items, books, and materials through organization, preservation, and digitization. Performs special collection projects and participates in the effective setup and management of collections.
  • Assists, supports and helps patrons in the use of computers and archival equipment.
  • Performs all other work as needed or assigned.

Requirements:

  • Must have a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree/60 hours college credits with two years full-time experience in libraries, preferably a public library.
  • Experience in museums or special collections can be substituted for library experience for this position.
  • Enthusiasm for public engagement and customer service
  • Interest and knowledge of local history
  • Ability to present information to coworkers and customers in way that is understood by each person
  • Knowledge of digitization and/or special collections, including collection processing, finding guides and collection maintenance and assessment
  • Ability to be methodical, precise and careful while working with special collections
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and willing to ask for help
  • Proficient with technology, especially Microsoft Office and Internet.  Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Ability to listen and determine needs of patrons
  • Ability to work with and relate to a multicultural community and with customers of all ages
  • Knowledge of research techniques
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to organize and follow through on priorities and meet deadlines