Bibliographic Team Specialist

Position Summary

The Oak Park Public Library seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative Bibliographic Team Specialist to facilitate resource sharing between Oak Park Public Library patrons and libraries throughout Illinois and across the country. The successful candidate will:

• Take initiative in their work
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Respond to direction and changing priorities
• Contribute to the broader work of Collections Services

The Bibliographic Team Specialist performs specialized technical duties related to daily Interlibrary Loan (ILL) operations, including all activities required for the borrowing and lending of materials with libraries outside the SWAN consortium. This position serves as the primary operational point of contact for patrons and interlibrary lending partners regarding resource sharing through OCLC WorldShare and SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows. This position communicates directly with patrons and library partners, troubleshoots request issues, maintains accurate ILL and library system records, and helps provide patrons with timely access to materials and information beyond the library’s collection.

Position Details

This position is full-time, with a 40-hour workweek. 

Anticipated starting hourly range: $22.00 to $24.00. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. 

As part of the comprehensive compensation package, full-time library staff members receive benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for PPO and HMO medical insurance across all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• At least 2 weeks of paid vacation annually
• 12 paid health leave days annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays annually
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Up to $5,250 per year tuition assistance for continuing education
• Paid learning opportunities, such as webinars and conferences
• Paid dues for professional association membership
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to enhance your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple requests, priorities, and workflows, and consistently follow work through to completion.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and effectively use library-specific software, resource-sharing systems, and other technology platforms.
• Ability to accurately create, update, and maintain detailed records in an integrated library system and other databases.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with patrons, coworkers, and external library partners.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and determine when an issue should be escalated.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow established procedures while seeking guidance when appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, communicate effectively with colleagues, share responsibilities, and contribute to shared service area goals.
• Commitment to providing equitable and responsive library service to a diverse community and adapting to changing priorities and workflows.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and library work experience.
• Experience providing customer or public service.

Preferred

• Library experience in resource sharing, customer service, circulation, cataloging, technical services, or a related area.
• Experience with OCLC WorldShare ILL and/or SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows.

A combination of education, professional, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to meet the position’s requirements successfully may be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Interlibrary Loan Operations

• Borrowing & Lending: 
  • Processes borrowing requests for Oak Park Public Library patrons and lending requests from libraries outside the SWAN consortium using OCLC WorldShare and SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows. 
  • Reviews requests, retrieves and checks out materials, scans and transmits articles, and communicates with patrons and partner libraries as needed.
• Receiving & Patron Fulfillment: 
  • Receives and processes incoming ILL materials
  • Creates temporary item records and holds
  • Prepares materials for pickup or routing
  • Delivers electronic articles
  • Communicates with patrons regarding request status and availability.
• Renewals, Returns & Record Maintenance: 
  • Processes renewal requests and returned materials
  • Updates transactions in OCLC WorldShare and SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows, and removes temporary records when requests are complete
  • Routes materials through the Illinois Library Delivery Service (ILDS) or USPS, including packaging and required documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provides backup support for materials processing and other Collections Services workflows.
• Assists with collection maintenance and service area projects as assigned.
• Collaborates with staff across library service areas to provide responsive and consistent patron service.
• Participates in meetings, training, and professional development as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.

Application Due Date

Please apply by Monday, October 12, to be considered for this position.