Adult Services Librarian

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington Public Library is seeking a customer-focused, enthusiastic, and innovative Adult Services Librarian to join the team at Central Library. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional public services, developing and managing adult collections, planning and coordinating engaging programs, and building collaborative partnerships with community organizations and local businesses.

The Adult Services Librarian supports circulation and service desk operations and helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment for library patrons. This position participates in a rotating schedule that includes evenings and weekends to ensure consistent public service coverage.

Specific Duties Include: 

• Responding to all patron inquiries, assessing needs and interests of patrons to determine appropriate resources, recommending materials and researching methodologies, conducting computerized information searches, and assisting patrons in finding materials;

• Providing reader’s advisory, reference and technical assistance to adults and children of diverse backgrounds, some of them with limited English skills, and ensuring the proper use and care of materials, equipment, and facilities;
• Interpreting, recommending, and applying library policy and procedures for area of specialization;
• Coordinating the activities of colleagues, paraprofessional support staff, and volunteers, either on a project assignment basis or for program and/or service management purposes;
• Monitoring and inspecting selected library materials for replacement/repair/rearrangement to include selection and weeding;
• Serving as a specialist in adult reference services, including providing expertise to patrons and other library staff;

• Coordinating and developing adult programs by planning, preparing, presenting, and evaluating library programs for adults, including book clubs, technology instruction, craft programs, lectures, etc.;

• Providing outreach by promoting library services and presenting programs off-site; may be asked to drive a County vehicle or bookmobile; and

• Participating in system-wide teams and committees as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following: 

• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced public library, with strong organizational and public service skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work successfully within a team, and communicate effectively; and 

• An awareness of current trends in public libraries, as well as technology proficiency and innovative thinking.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university; plus 

• Some public library experience.

Please Note: Employees may be hired up to the senior level which requires significant experience or may be hired at lower levels which require considerable experience at the journey level and some experience at the entry level.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Extensive experience at the Librarian level.

• Planning and implementing creative programs for adults;

• Providing customer services such as reference and reader’s advisory in a public library;

• Participating in the maintenance of library collections;

• Acting as the Person in Charge of a library building; and

• Building partnerships with community businesses and organizations.

Special Requirements

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

As part of this application, please include a cover letter or in supplemental questions section… to describe in detail how your training, education and experience have prepared you for this position and how you meet the minimum and desirable qualifications.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.  

Additional Information

Work location and hours of work: Full-time, 40 hours per week including regular evening and weekend work. Actual work schedule is determined by the needs of the work location; assignment location could change over time. 

The official title of this position is Librarian.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.   

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.