Is Your Library Valuable to You?

We have agreed to participate in a Granite State students research project. She is researching library patrons perceived value of libraries in relation to the physical space of their libraries. She is hoping to have as many people as possible fill out the following survey so if you could take a few minutes to fill it out she would very much appreciate it!

Job opening: Librarian II---Adult Services Librarian (40 hrs/week)

LIBRARIAN II – Adult Services Librarian

(40 hrs/week; $20.68--$29.28 per hour)

The Dover (NH) Public Library (http://library.dover.nh.gov) is accepting applications for an “Adult Services Librarian”. We are seeking an innovative, enthusiastic, customer-oriented professional to provide vision, leadership and expertise related to collections and services for adults.  This person will possess an exemplary knowledge of literature, popular media and culture, will oversee all aspects of the library's main circulation department, will supervise a part-time staff of seven, and will lead developments to enhance the library’s programming and outreach services.  Position requires a multi-faceted self-starter, capable of handling multiple competing priorities while working in an often fast-paced, public service desk environment. This staff member is part of the Library's administrative team and reports to the Library Director.

Dover is the fastest growing city in New Hampshire and its 5^th largest with a population of just over 30,000. Just 10 miles from the NH seacoast, Dover is about one hour away from Manchester NH, Portland ME and Boston MA. The library circulates nearly 300,000 items annually and its budget is just over $1 million.  Over 90% of Dover residents have library cards and we share an automated library system with the City’s five public school libraries.  The Dovernet Libraries have will be migrating in mid-August to a Koha-based open source ILS. We are enthusiastic proponents of social media outreach tools and currently have 1.050 followers on Facebook plus 444 on Pinterest and 488 on Twitter. Our website received over 2 million hits in 2012 and is currently undergoing a major CMS redesign. 

Responsibilities

• Position requires a multi-faceted self-starter with strong customer service skills, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Capably handles multiple competing priorities while working in an often fast-paced, public service desk environment.
• Performs circulation desk duties and handles and resolves patron concerns and complaints.
• Possesses exemplary knowledge of authors, titles, genre literature, plus popular media and culture.
• Has proficiency with automated library systems, social media and content creation tools.
• Has strong verbal and written communication skills in order to interpret library policy & procedures effectively to all users; establishes strong, friendly rapport with patrons.
• Provides Readers Advisory assistance to patrons.
• Acquires all adult DVDs and music CDs and participates in other print acquisitions for adult collections.
• Schedules, trains, supervises, coaches, communicates with, and evaluates assigned library assistants at adult circulation desk plus library pages.
• Teaches patrons how to use various library technologies such as the OPAC, subscription databases, eServices, downloadable books, Internet and PCs.
• Contributes regularly to library social media platforms & website content.
• Develops monthly newsletter, library displays, and creates signage.
• Looks for ways to further promote customer-focused services; develops novel ways of packaging, sharing, and promoting library services to the general public.
• Coordinates monthly art exhibits and takes the lead in developing adult programming schedule.
• Recommends policy and procedure changes.
• Familiar with Microsoft Publisher plus other Office products and common computer applications.
• Selects and evaluates materials for weeding, replacement, repair, or withdrawal through periodic analysis of collection management reports. Tracks missing or lost materials.
• Supervises public shelving areas, maintains “extra copies” collection and storage of basement materials.
• Analyzes space needs; maintains diverse, fresh, and attractive collections in all adult areas through creative marketing.
• Monitors various library statistics and maintains records.
• Handles all patrons' suggestions for purchase.
• Collaborates with other staff members to create a positive, welcoming environment and help maintain building discipline.
• Troubleshoots and resolves minor computer and printer issues.
• Manages Meeting Rooms' bookings and schedules, and manages museum pass bookings, schedules and renewals.
• Participates in hiring of new circulation desk staff & pages.
• Recruits and trains all circulation volunteers.
• Conducts bi-monthly circulation meetings.
• Conducts occasional library tours.
• Proctors exams for patrons.
• Leads library bookclub(s).
• Orders needed supplies.
• Attends Friends of the Library meetings in the absence of the Library Director.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant new technologies and library trends.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements

• Committed experience working with the public in a library setting.
• Experience working with an automated library system.
• Knowledge of print, database, and online information sources.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, analyze problems, and develop and implement creative solutions.
• Experience working with, and instructing, customers with all ranges of technical expertise.
• Evidence of a high degree of initiative and versatility, a committed customer-service focus, and a desire to master new technologies.
• Working knowledge of  social media and community engagement tools including Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and other content creation systems.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with department heads, employees, and the public and to deal with service problems courteously and tactfully.

Education Requirements:

Master's Degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university; at least 1 year of professional library experience with a concentration in public services is preferred, but graduate students in an accredited MLS program in their final semester are also eligible to apply. Experience with an automated integrated library system (ILS) is essential.

If you are committed to collaboration and wish to join a library that believes in continual improvement and exemplary customer service, your next job may be at the Dover Public Library. To see the complete job description and download the job application, go to: http://www.dover.nh.gov/employment.htm. Responses must be received by June 20, 2013.

Learn How to Attract Wildlife to Your Backyard!

     On Tuesday, May 21 at 7pm, naturalist Jean Eno will present “‘A Garden for Wildlife: Natural

Landscaping for a Better Backyard” at the Dover Public Library.

    Jean’s presentation will explore ideas for landscaping your yard as a habitat for wildlife and

birds, explaining what wildlife are looking for when feeding or looking for a home. Or maybe you have problems with wildlife around your home and want to know what to do.  All of these questions can be answered as you learn to alter your landscaping and gardening practices. Plant choices, gardening techniques, wildlife and habitats, use of native plants, and issues such as invasive plants will also be discussed. You’ll learn techniques for attracting songbirds, mammals, hawks and owls, and even mysterious amphibians such as red-backed salamanders to your backyard.  The slide presentation will include helpful handouts and lists of suggested plantings.

          Jean Eno is a naturalist for the Great Bay Discovery Center, the education headquarters for the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (a partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NH Fish and Game Department).  She is the director of a watershed conservation initiative for the NH Rivers Council, working to improve water quality, land use, and wildlife habitat in North Hampton, Stratham and Greenland. Jean holds a degree in Environmental Studies from UNH, and is an active board member at York’s Center for Wildlife, the Great Bay Stewards, and the historic Weeks Brick House & Gardens.  She is an active volunteer for the NH Coverts Project and “Speaking for Wildlife” programs, and enjoys birding, organic gardening, and down time with her husband and pets.

    The presentation, sponsored by the Friends of the Dover Public Library, is part of a Speaking

for Wildlife program and is free and open to the public. The Speaking for Wildlife program is a volunteer effort of UNH Cooperative Extension.  Support for the program comes from the NH Charitable Foundation, the Davis Environmental Foundation, the NH Fish and Game Department, and the NH Natural Heritage Bureau. 

Poetry Contest Winners

2013 Poetry Contest winners announced! Please follow the link for a complete listing of winners. Congratulations to all, and don't forget our Evening of Poetry is next Monday, May 20 at 6:30pm in the Library Lecture Hall.  It is always so wonderful to hear the poems read by the young poets.

Did you know the Library has a database of legal forms for you to use here at the Library, or at home, available 24 hours a day?

The Legal Forms Library provides a wide selection of legal forms specific to New Hampshire, as well as multi-state forms across the most popular legal areas. It includes real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant and many others. You will also find an attorney directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen's language. If you have ever triedto find a legal form on the Internet you know what a great resource this is. Forms are easy to find and free!Make sure to ask for the secret password the next time you are at the library.
 

If you want to try these databases out at the library, simply go to any catalog computer and click on ONLINE NOW tab. To use them from home, go to our webpage and click on ONLINE RESOURCES or simply bookmark this link.

A Monster in Paris

We have had to change the movie for this Saturday--we will now be showing A Monster in Paris--rated PG. It is an animated movie set in Paris in the year 1910, and centered on a monster who lives in a garden and his love for a beautiful, young singer, Paris. Please join us for this free screening at 2:00 pm in the Lecture Hall.

Car Troubles?

Having problems with your car?  Are you going to attempt to fix it yourself?  Do we have the database for you--The Chilton Library.  This car repair database provides exclusive photographs, diagnostics designed by instructors, step-by-step repair procedures, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) maintenance schedules, wiring diagrams, recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for automobiles and light trucks. Searching ChiltonLibrary.com is easy. Select the year, make and model of the desired car from the provided pull-down menus. From there, select from the subject/category menus until you arrive at the repair/service/maintenance procedure needed.  Come into the Library to obtain the password to use this very useful database from home or use it from one of the Library computers--your choice.