The Portage County Public Library is hiring a full-time (40 hrs / wk) Library Specialist to join their team! This position is based out of the Stevens Point location, however some hours may be spent at the other branch locations. This position focuses on the circulation aspect. What are the primary job duties? Public and Patron Services (Performs a wide variety of customer service activities at the Circulation service desk). * Assists library users (both adults and children) at a service desk. Performs circulation desk procedures, such as checking out materials, checking in materials, registering new borrowers and issuing them cards according to established procedures, collecting overdue charges and other fees, and placing holds on requested library items. * Answers telephone, answers directional questions in person or by telephone, answers questions regarding status of patron and circulation records, and refers library users to appropriate personnel as necessary. * May assist both children and adults in use of the library's online catalog and other computer-based products available at the library. * May assist borrowers in selection and location of library materials. Refers library users with complex questions to appropriate personnel. * Responds to user complaints concerning problems with circulation procedures, looks into reasons for the problem described, explains policies and procedures, corrects any procedural errors made by the Library, and refers problems to Public Services Librarian as necessary. * Maintains patron confidentiality (WI Statutes Chapter 43.30). * Provides equal access to library resources regardless of personal beliefs about the material's content, creator, or context. Verbally responds to patron behavior incidents and issues bans to patrons as necessary in the absence of security staff. General oversight of the Circulation Services Work Unit (reporting to Public Services Librarian) * Prepares circulation service desk for work day. Assists in training of and directing the work of support staff positions, including Circulation Aides and Library Associates. Directs Circulation staff in registration and circulation procedures. May assist Public Services Librarian in scheduling support staff at circulation service desk (using appropriate software). * Oversees the full range of circulation desk functions and related services, such as the production and mailing of overdue notices, fines & fees notices, bill payment notices, general oversight of outgoing and incoming holds, and the charging and discharging of library materials. * Communicates with patrons regarding lost/damaged items and associated charges as well as responding to general queries and requests by e-mail or phone. * Assists the Public Services Librarian with interviewing Circulation Aide candidates. * Responsible for the integrity of patron records in the Integrated Library System. Checks all new library card registration records for accuracy, organizes signed registrations, and cleans up database records as needed. * Maintains procedure manual for circulation; assists in the updating of library procedures as necessary. * Assists in the collection and organization of statistics. * Registers patrons for Web-Use Only library cards based on e-mailed information on a daily basis. Oversight of the periodicals collection * Maintains subscriptions of periodicals; processes new subscriptions and renewals of periodicals. * Maintains list of periodicals, both in paper and digital formats, for in-house use and for the annual report to the South Central Library System. * Oversees daily check-in of all periodicals and claims process for delinquent issues. * Oversees withdrawal of outdated periodicals. * May receive and prepare periodicals and newspapers according to procedures. Clerical activities in support of the library * Resolves problems with borrowed items. Investigates transaction exceptions, including items with damage or missing parts, on daily reports; makes appropriate adjustments to patron or item records as necessary. Examines damaged items and sends to mending or withdraws as appropriate. Ensures that problem items belonging to other libraries are noted and routed properly. * Works with library Office Supervisor to balance payments entered through the library database with actual payments received, ensuring that payment for lost or damaged items is sent to the owning library. * Reviews and processes daily, weekly, and monthly Excel reports from the South Central Library System. * Prepares booklists, brochures, flyers, copy for Web publication, and spreadsheets/reports (for information or publicity purposes) using personal computer and appropriate software as assigned or needed. * May help with weeding (de-acquisition) of library materials under direction of librarian. * Ensures that library equipment in the Circulation work area is functional and has sufficient supplies (paper, toner, etc.). May assist library users with basic operation of library equipment. Public and Patron Services (Performs a wide-variety of basic customer service activities at the Reference service desk) * Assists library users (both adults and children) at a service desk. Performs reference desk procedures, such as direct and indirect reference, information, and reader's advisory services to library users (conducts reference interviews via many different methods). * Answers telephone, answers general knowledge inquiries, and answers questions regarding library holdings; explains and assists in use of in-house and online reference sources to locate information; helps library users find desired information; refers library users to other personnel as appropriate. Evaluates credibility and currency of online resources, including AI-generated data. * Independently and in coordination with other staff members plan, coordinate, and implement programming for patrons. * Assists library users in use of the Library's online catalog and other computer-based products (Libby, Badgernet, etc.) available both locally and remotely. * May assist borrowers in selection and location of library materials. Refers library users with complex questions or complex readers' advisory questions to appropriate personnel. * Provides assistance and guidance or instruction in the use of library resources; teaches the use of online public access catalog and other electronic resources; recommends the use of specific reference resources. * Monitors public Internet stations. Provides assistance to individuals using public Internet stations, public computers and peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) and other equipment. Assists with questions regarding library-installed software, and, when able, with general questions related to webservices provided by other entities. * Ability to maintain patron confidentiality (WI Statutes Chapter 43.30). * Ability to plan and carry out library programs. * May assist with library social media. What are the minimum education and experience requirements? * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (library science classes preferred), * Two years general library experience preferred. * Background in reference service in a library or comparable experience preferred. * Fluency in a non-English language of the community (such as Hmong or Spanish) is preferred. * Knowledge of computer software, including Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. * Or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Portage County offers a GREAT benefit package, which includes the following; * Vacation - available on day one! * Health insurance- your choice of two health plans- (Health Savings Account associated with a High Deductible Health Plan with a County contribution or a PPO Co-pay plan) * Wellness incentive plan offered with health insurance enrollment! Earn up to $600 per year! * Flexible spending account * Dental insurance * State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan - County contribution of 6.95%! * Paid holidays * Paid sick leave * Life insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk) * Long term disability insurance- premium paid by the County (must work a minimum of 30 hrs/wk) * EAP (Employee Assistance Plan) - paid by the County * 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan * Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer Deadline to apply is 4:30 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025