Reader Advisor

Job Summary:

This position is a part of the Arizona Talking Book Library (ATBL) within the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, reporting to the ATBL Assistant Administrator. This position works collaboratively with the public services staff and all others at the Arizona Talking Book Library, as well as other agency staff.

The Librarian II/Reader Advisor interviews new patrons and establishes a record of patron preference over the phone and through electronic means. Introduces new patrons to downloadable opportunities, in addition to all formats for library materials.

• Responds to reader requests for books, magazines, videos and playback equipment.
• Conducts reference interviews in order to select materials to meet the specific needs of patrons.
• Corresponds with patrons by phone, email, fax, or in person.
• Assists by selecting books in multiple subject areas for patrons who may have trouble deciding on a particular book.
• Monitors and updates electronic records.
• Responsible for approximately 25% of the library's adult readership.
• Communicates with other branches of LAPR, libraries and organizations serving the areas covered by the talking book library network.
• Serves on agency committees as needed.
• Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Job Duties:

• Provide reference assistance to patrons directly over the phone and electronically. Work with patrons to determine what they would like to read, including subjects, authors, and series preferences. Instruct patrons in procedures for using the Talking Book Library catalog and BARD to make these selections.
• Support the work of the Talking Book Library through building expertise in effective ways of serving NLS-eligible clientele. Develop specialized knowledge in tasks that may include collection development, outreach to schools and institutions, services to children and young adults, planning and promoting services for reading disabled, planning and facilitating library programming and book discussion groups, and other focus areas. Write articles for the Talking Book Library's newsletter.
• Provide outreach and collaborate with other staff and organizations through participation in professional groups and conferences, meetings/training, and reading professional journals.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of books, authors, subjects, series, and genres.
• Knowledge of library policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of attributes and appropriate service models for use with Talking Book Library patrons.
• -Technical knowledge of computers and computer programs including KLAS (Keystone Library Automation System), Word, Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.
• Knowledge of patron interview techniques, and ability to accommodate individual patron's needs and preferences.
• Knowledge of community resources and library reference materials.
• Knowledge of search strategies to use online and print sources to obtain needed information.
• -Excellent oral and written communication skills with both individuals and groups.
• Customer service skills
• Reference interviewing
• Computer, personal devices, telephone, and interpersonal skills
• Online research
• Organization and record keeping skills
• Ability to serve people losing their sight and certain physical abilities to qualify for the service.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patrons who may not communicate clearly or effectively due to loss of hearing, physical disabilities, reading disabilities, or reduced mental abilities, i.e. memory problems, dementia, Alzheimer's.
• Ability to work well with others, i.e. staff and volunteers.
• Ability to move between tasks quickly as priorities change.

Selective Preference(s):

• The ideal candidate will have a good knowledge of general and popular literature and experience in using online resources.
• Master's degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university with two to five years of experience as a professional librarian preferred.
• Other experience and/or other advanced degrees may be considered.
• Bilingual in Spanish verbally and in written form is preferred but not required.