The Adult Services Librarian provides professional, patron-focused public services to adult library users at the Rawlings Library. This position recommends, interprets, evaluates, and uses information resources to help public library patrons with specific information needs. The Adult Services Librarian delivers reference and reader’s advisory services, develops and implements adult programming, and supports community engagement and outreach. This is accomplished by providing professional expertise that is grounded in library science principles and a commitment to literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information.
The Adult Services Librarian reports to the Adult Services Manager at the Rawlings Library. This position works as a member of the Adult Services team to provide exemplary customer service to patrons and collaborates with colleagues across the library district. This position also serves as internal resource for reference services and adult programming best practices.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Public Services & Reference
Functions listed are intended as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Provides a wide variety of public services for patrons who visit the library, call by telephone, or communicate in a virtual environment, email, and telephone reference.
- Staffs public service desks and provides proactive, patron-focused assistance; proactively approaches patrons to offer help.
- Conducts complex reference interviews; analyzes patron requests and applies research skills to locate specialized information or identify alternative sources.
- Determines the most authoritative and appropriate information source for each patron based on the question, information required, and most effective format (print or non-print).
- Provides individual readers’ advisory assistance, recommending materials in requested formats that engage, enrich, and inform adult patrons.
- Assists patrons with complex searches for materials, online information, technology support, and community resources.
- Responds to Ask Us and research requests; provides answers directly or refers to appropriate staff or department in a timely manner.
Programming & Outreach
- Develops and implements adult programs and services; trains program volunteers; promotes programs through established community contacts and internal departments.
- Performs community outreach activities that extend library services beyond the physical building.
- Promotes library services through tours, demonstrations, talks, displays, and classes on technology or other department-specific topics.
- Develops reading aids for adult patrons, including reading lists, pathfinders, book talks, and book discussions.
- Oversees district-wide events and services with manager or service direction.
Collections & Resources
- Reviews PCCLD standards for reference service; teaches staff best practices and helps ensure principles of reference service are upheld throughout the district.
- Works with the Collection Development department to facilitate selection and purchase of reference and general nonfiction materials, electronic resources, and database subscriptions.
- Creates and maintains online research guides (e.g., LibGuides) and other research support tools; collaborates with librarians and other information providers to support research and reference.
- Trains patrons in the use of electronic reference resources, authoritative internet search strategies, e-books, and digital downloads.
- Prepares library guides, handouts, bibliographies, and other research tools.
- Identifies, evaluates, and stays current with emerging trends and practices in electronic resource management, data management, access, and discovery to enhance library services.
Administration Support
- Leads system-wide tracking and reporting of reference transaction statistics and reference data collection.
- Provides training in library reference resources, reference desk procedures, and keeps procedural documents updated.
- Assists with programming selection in collaboration with the Adult Services Manager and other departments.
- Acts as Person in Charge (PIC) at the Rawlings Library on a regular basis; responds to escalated customer service, emergency, or security issues and works closely with the security officer on duty.
- Supports team efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for customers and staff; maintains awareness of surroundings and works in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
- Compiles data or research for service or library reports as assigned.
- Participates in regularly scheduled department meetings; attends All-Staff Development Days and other training to stay current on PCCLD information and best practices.
- Reads daily organizational communications from the intranet, email, newsletters, and print announcements; stays current on all library services, programs, and events district-wide.
- Regularly accesses electronic timekeeping, payroll, and personnel employee access systems
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides support for specialized projects, services, programs, and activities related to strategic goals and objectives; serves on project teams or committees.
- Serves as adult team lead and may lead or coordinate district-wide events or projects.
- Completes other designated or special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. One year of library experience required, Public library experience strongly preferred. Bilingual ability is a plus in serving Pueblo’s diverse Community.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to conduct complex reference interviews, to analyze requests and to apply research skills to locate specialized information or provide customers with alternative information sources.
- Passionately committed to literacy and lifelong learning, and intellectual freedom.
- Demonstrates knowledge of library trends, processes, and best practices.
- Strong reference skills and interest in serving as a reference librarian in addressing the complex needs of a diverse population.
- Experience with information technologies and automated library systems, and knowledge of emerging standards and practices.
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills; builds and maintains effective relationships with patrons, coworkers, and staff at all levels.
- Demonstrated service orientation and proven ability to promote libraries' role in the teaching/learning process.
- Ability to work independently and effectively organize daily work under general supervision.
- Ability to work as part of a team and effectively train others.
- Demonstrates ability to exhibit professional judgment and demeanor in public interactions; thinks and acts appropriately under pressure.
- Demonstrates commitment to principles of intellectual freedom and patron privacy.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.
- Demonstrates commitment to principles of intellectual freedom and patron privacy.
- Punctuality and regular attendance.
Physical Requirements:
- Moves throughout library facilities, makerspaces, and public areas for extended periods during programs, trainings, and customer assistance.
- Regularly lifts, carries, and positions materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
- Sets up and breaks down program spaces, including moving tables, chairs, tools and technology.
- Uses computers, design software, and digital devices for extended periods.
- Communicates effectively in person, by phone and in group settings; must be able to hear, speak, and exchange information with customers and staff.
- Performs repetitive work that may require standing, bending, kneeling, shelving, lifting, pushing and pulling.
- Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds and push/pull a fully loaded book cart weighing up to 200 pounds.
Environmental Requirements:
- Works in public services areas with frequent interruptions, varying noise levels, and continuous interaction with customers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Follows all safety protocols, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
- Travels between library locations and community sites for programs, outreach, and training.
- Works a flexible schedule that may include days, evenings, weekends, and occasional off-site events.
Other Requirements:
Must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings and weekends. Must submit to and successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
Hiring Range: $50,000 - $56,000 annual; $1,923 - $2,153 bi-weekly.
Benefits: PCCLD offers health insurance including a tele-health service, dental and vision insurance, HSA and FSA plans, employer paid life insurance, and 401(k) and Colorado PERA retirement plans. The library district provides paid leave in the form of 10 paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off. Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Closing Date to Apply: Thursday, April 2, 2026
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Pueblo City-County Library District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. The library district reserves the right to hire more than one person per advertised vacancy.
