LIBRARY PROGRAM SPECIALIST TRAINEE
Library Program Specialist Trainee is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
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See where to apply for this title →Where this title is used
Library Program Specialist Trainee is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under close supervision in a local government agency, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to design, organize and implement various library programs and activities; supports and assists patrons at public service desks; collaborates with library staff, volunteers and community partners to enhance library services and resources; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Under close supervision, as a trainee and productive worker: Collaborates with professional librarians and library management to help set standards and establish goals for programs, events, and activities. Learns to develop and implement various programs to expand digital fluency, literacy and learning capabilities, and civic engagement of patrons. Learns to host learning and enrichment activities that represent diverse ages, abilities, and interests. Learns to design educational activities, story boards, and online content through the utilization of audio, visual, web technologies including the latest emerging tools, and devices. Learns to serve as liaison to community partners. Learns to schedule and manage onsite partner programs that bring community experts to the library, thereby enhancing access to educational and enrichment opportunities including access to community offerings. Assists in the training of patrons and staff on the use of library resources. Learns to resolve patron concerns within authority granted by the professional librarian or other supervisory official. Participates in library committees and teams. Learns to provide basic reader advisory to patrons seeking aid in the selection of reading materials. Learns to prepare reading lists and bibliographies. Answers basic reference questions. Learns to conduct or prepare the content and arrangement of library materials for displays, exhibits and library programs. Learns to prepare technical, financial, statistical, and other reports. Maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in the State of New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the techniques used to gather and analyze data. Ability to learn how to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to learn how to instruct others in the use of research methods and tools. Ability to learn how to prepare informational materials. Ability to learn how to comprehend and interpret basic laws, rules, regulations, standards, and policies and apply them to specific situations. Ability to learn how to provide reader's advisory. Ability to learn how to conduct surveys and studies and prepare reports. Ability to learn how to prepare correspondence. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to the Library Program Specialist 1 () title in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in the trainee title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Library Program Specialist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Four (4) years of professional experience in planning, coordinating, and/or implementing programs and services in a library or educational setting. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.