• a commitment to excellent customer service and experience working with a diverse community
• the ability to effectively communicate with others
• a sincere interest in current information and communication technologies like social networking websites and making connections with our customers online
• the desire to promote the services and collections of our library to the community.

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is a library committed to doing what matters most to our community, connecting our citizens with the information they want and need to live more enriched and informed lives.

SCHEDULE: Half time position. Evening & weekend hours are required.

PAY AND BENEFITS:   $15.35 per hour.  Excellent benefits available, including BCBS health/dental, retirement plan (KPERS), sick and vacation leave, group life insurance and long-term disability coverage. Other optional benefits available at employee’s expense include life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

DUTIES:  Provide information and materials to the public including assistance in locating library materials, information, and use of equipment throughout the Public Service areas and at outreach locations throughout the community. Exhibit knowledge of the reference collections, including print and electronic resources, and keep up on the scope and trends of all library collections in order to meet the needs of customers.  Demonstrate proficiency using latest information and communication technologies. Remain aware of the needs of the public in terms of recommendations to the maintenance and development of the collections including shelf-reading and straightening collections routinely.

REQUIREMENTS/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; good organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to perform detailed work with accuracy. Prefer previous Library experience, experience with team building; knowledge of collection development principles and practices; excellent reference skills and a strong public service orientation. Excellent computer skills with software applications in use on staff and public computers, computer/printer troubleshooting, and Internet searching techniques; ability to maintain positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so one gets along with and work cooperatively with patrons, volunteers, community partners, colleagues and supervisors.  This medium work position requires bending, lifting/carrying at least 20 pounds, ability to exert 20-50 pounds of force when pushing/pulling materials, reaching, and the ability to climb stairs, talking on the telephone, basic computer knowledge and stationary work at a computer terminal.  A pre-and/or post-employment drug screen, a criminal history record check, and physical capacity testing are required as a condition of employment.

CLOSING DATE: Applications accepted through Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

To apply:  Follow the instructions in the column to the right.

Qualifications: This position requires a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited university with one year of experience working in a public library, or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years experience working in a public library.  Knowledge of reader advisory and reference techniques and collection development principles and practices is required. Excellent communication skills and strong public service orientation are required.  Competence in the use of Microsoft Office products, library ILS system software, vendor websites and products, other programs used on the library’s public computers, and online searching is required.  Also required are excellent interpersonal skills, strong analytical ability, the ability to work independently, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.  A valid driver license with insurable driving record is required.

Other requirements: The position operates in public and nonpublic areas. It requires a working knowledge of library technology. The work areas may contain book dust, molds, mildew, and insects. The position requires bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, exerting force while pushing/pulling of up to 100 lbs, reaching, the ability to climb stairs, talking on the telephone, stationary work at a computer terminal, and mobility while working at a service desk. The position works in a shared office environment with a need for cooperative interaction in many different circumstances. Prompt arrival, and regular, reliable maintenance of scheduled hours are necessary. Evening and weekend hours may be required. Some travel may be required.  A pre- or post-employment background check, physical capacity examination, and drug test are required.

Pay & Benefits:  The pay grade for this salaried position begins at $42,500.00 per year. TSCPL benefits include Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance, dental insurance, Section 125 flex spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, and KPERS retirement. Group life, disability coverage and accidental death benefits are provided Other optional benefits available at employee expense include life and cancer insurance and a deferred compensation plan.

To apply, follow the instructions in the column to the right.  First review of applications will begin May 14, 2013.