Library Patron Services Specialist

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Library is a 14-branch suburban library system with a long history in our community.  A suburb of the Kansas City metro area, our county is growing and diversifying. We serve neighborhoods ranging from urban to suburban to on-the-edge-of rural.  We prize innovation and commitment to learning.  We are a fun, forward-thinking organization with a mission to enrich people's lives.

Johnson County Library is seeking applicants for the role of Patron Services Specialist.  The Patron Services Specialist plays an integral role in a patron’s experience at the Library. As a front-line resource, this individual is responsible for facilitating the patron experience in a Johnson County Library branch location and through its related patron services (in branch, online or via community outreach) and service platforms (e.g., phone, email, web). This job reports to a Branch Operations Manager and works alongside other Patron Services Specialists and Materials Handling Clerks. They will also engage with Regional Librarians who are responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of library science and intellectual freedom practices, principles, and standards through all service channels.

We are always looking for great people and may have more than one opening for this job in different branch locations.  You may be required to work at any library location, if needed.  Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on June 11, 2025.  Qualified applicants will remain as an active candidate for a period of up to 90 days.

Other job duties include the following:

• Provides patron service; greets all patrons and inquires about their needs and interests; promotes programs and services inside the branch, online and via community outreach; understands and promotes County resources and services (e.g., job boards, health resources); directs patrons to relevant spaces and/or materials inside the facility and instructs them on appropriate use; offers basic technology support; completes site checklist for opening and closing procedures; stocks supplies at patron service points; supports the Regional Librarian in hosting non-library related community events (e.g., blood drives, election-related events) and/or local group visits or tours, when needed.
• Provides librarianship; exhibits patron advisory and patron reference interview best practices; escalates patron questions to the Regional Librarian when additional support is needed to address patron inquiries, research, and reference needs; supports patron account management needs, such as obtaining or replacing a Library card, placing a hold, and managing fees, as well as relevant circulation needs or issues (checking out books, inquiring about hold status); supports patron engagement with Library catalog by offering access support and basic training.
• Maintains a general knowledge of intellectual freedom principles, Patron Advisory Services (for all ages), current JCL promotions, events, and programs, and related information that supports a patron’s ability to maximize JCL resources available to them; engages in all relevant training and collaborative opportunities designed for these purposes; monitors themes or trends in patron questions or requests, elevating those to the Branch Operations Manager and/or Regional Librarian, as appropriate; conducts initial issue assessment and/or troubleshooting of patron issues; adheres to all relevant guidelines (e.g., Guidelines for Enforcing Patron Code of Behavior).
• Supports and delivers community outreach including but not limited to, Development Department efforts, local group or school tours and visits, and non-library related community events; supports program delivery, as needed.
• Proactively and regularly monitors basic safety, security, and cleanliness protocols across all Library spaces; engages in all required workplace safety and security training, adhering to relevant guidelines.
• Collaborates and communicates with internal stakeholders as well as County and community partners to expand the impact of each branch location; attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

Minimum Job Requirements:

60 hours of college credit in any field of study and and two (2) years of customer service experience is required.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.  

Preferred Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in any field of study is preferred.

Education/Experience Substitutions:

Experience may be substituted for degree. Education may be substituted for experience.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

Excessive standing and/or walking: 30% of the time

Shift Work: mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends

Employees will be expected to work at any of the branches within their region, as needed.

All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments/agencies in a declared emergency situation.