Library Specialist - Talking Book & Braille Service - Outreach

Springfield, IL
Full Time
IL State Library
Experienced
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Alexi Giannoulias

Job Title:       Library Specialist - Outreach
Division:        Blind/ Physically Handicapped
Union:            IFT
Location:       300 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL – Sangamon County
Salary:           Range $4,695 to $8,304 monthly – commensurate with experience
Benefits:        https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

Overview:

Performs routine to complex professional library work specializing in Readers Advisory, outreach, and customer service to assist patrons of the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS).

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Represent the TBBS department at in-person and virtual at public events, conferences, and outreach opportunities to increase awareness, recruit new patrons and institutions, foster partnerships, and market and promote TBBS resources and services. Assist with TBBS mailings, emails, calls, and outreach efforts to individual patrons and institutions. Represent TBBS in ISL outreach meetings and plans and organizes TBBS outreach efforts.
  • Work independently and in collaboration with Reader Advisors and TBBS staff to provide customer service for TBBS. Conduct patron interviews to assess reading and information needs; add patrons to customer database; conduct searches for materials in library catalog, databases, and online; customize mail-order service for individual and institutional patrons. Answer questions by phone, email, mail, and in-person. Check library catalog records and patron records for accuracy, correct or enhance records as needed. Refer patrons to other agencies and assistive technology resources and services upon request.    
  • Maintain and enhance catalog records and subject codes for NLS and locally produced TBBS materials. Code patron records to customize personal preferences. Assist with filing and organizing TBBS physical and digital files.
  • Develop communication materials in support of the TBBS services including articles, newsletters, handouts, flyers, and subject-specific bibliographies. Draft publicity information and assist in developing user guides and support materials. Track and orders outreach materials from NLS. Collaborate and participate in State Library outreach projects, programs, and activities. 
  • Assist patrons and staff with the use of TBBS, NLS, and KLAS resources and services. Attend meetings, webinars, and conferences to enhance Reader Advisory and library professional skills and stay current on the latest technology updates with NLS, KLAS, and the equipment sent to patrons in TBBS.
  • Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Education and Experience:

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to a master's degree in library science, preferably from an institution accredited by the American Library Association and one year of professional library experience involving the application of library science techniques or completion of approved training such as could be gained as a Library Intern.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of professional library science techniques, systems and procedures.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of research and reference techniques.
  • Requires extensive knowledge of acquisition, classification, cataloguing and indexing principles, methods and techniques.
  • Requires ability to adapt library science theory to a variety of subjects.
  • Requires ability to determine and satisfy the requirements of scholars, government representatives, professional staff, historians, authors and other library patrons.
  • Requires ability to instruct new or inexperienced employees in methods, techniques and procedures utilized.
  • Requires ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
  • Requires ability to effectively use library tools.
  • Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license as required by individual positions within the class.
  • Travel may be required, including some nights and weekends. 
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, push/pull up to 0-25 lbs.
Application Process: 
  • Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume or other attachments as needed.
  • Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
  • Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).    
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.
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