JOB TITLE: CORRECTIONS LIBRARIAN

JOB CODE: 25355

DEFINITION: This is professional library work planning and directing the operations of a library in a state correctional facility.

An employee in this job is responsible for independently implementing library policy, developing library procedures, supervising Corrections Library Assistant work, maintaining general and law libraries, managing the library collection, and preparing justifications for utilization of funds from the Inmate General Welfare Fund to purchase library materials and equipment. Work involves monitoring inmate workers and patrons to ensure they are adhering to agency, facility, and library policies; and assisting inmate workers and patrons in locating, acquiring, and using library resources such as recreational, legal, and reentry materials. This work includes providing educational professionals with advice and assistance related to library materials to supplement educational or vocational instruction. Work also involves developing special reading programs and exhibits to coincide with religious, ethnic, or national holidays, remembrances, or celebrations to meet the needs of specific interest groups and support rehabilitation programs. An employee in this job assumes responsibility for the therapeutic care, custody, and control of assigned inmate workers and patrons. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of a Corrections School Principal. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports for adherence to departmental policies and library standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Organizes and coordinates the activities of a library program in a state correctional facility.

• Develops procedures for the operation of the library program at a state correctional facility.

• Manages the library collection through selection, maintenance, development, and evaluation of library materials to meet the needs and interests of inmate patrons.

• Purchases new books and periodicals and participates in the budgeting process by preparing library requests and justifications for expenditures from the Inmate General Welfare Fund.

• Maintains law library collection and reentry materials in compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

• Interviews, hires, trains, dismisses, and evaluates the performance of inmate workers.

• Assists in representing the institution in proceedings challenging the legality and adequacy of the library program.

• Oversees Inmate Legal Reference Aides providing law library services to the inmate population, which includes accessing legal statutes and cases, identifying and locating legal forms which aid inmates in approaching the courts, and providing the processes and addresses for filing forms with the appropriate courts.

• Monitors the legal law library to ensure inmate patrons are performing appropriate legal work and working within department policies.

• Instructs inmate workers and patrons on the use of library computers.

• Schedules salaried and inmate staff to ensure adequate coverage of the library during hours of operation.

• Visits various inmate housing units to deliver and inventory library materials.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of library science.

• Knowledge of methods and procedures used in the maintenance of a library collection.

• Knowledge of the operational requirements of a library.

• Knowledge of the sources and procedures used in reference and bibliographic research.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Five years as a Corrections Library Assistant;

or

• One year of corrections library experience, and a bachelor’s degree in library science;

or

• One year of professional library experience, and a bachelor’s degree in library science;

or

• A master’s degree in library science;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.