Under the general supervision of the Director of Talking Book Services, the position provides comprehensive reader advisory/reference services to persons unable to use standard print materials.
The Reader Advisor responsibilities include:
- Assist patrons by phone or in person in ordering of materials, updating records, answering questions, and troubleshooting problems
- Advise patrons in the selection of books and magazines in special media
- Research general reference questions
- Initiate interlibrary loan requests
- Prepare special information materials (e.g., subject bibliographies)
- Provide general advice on operation of playback equipment
- Use the specialized Keystone KLAS automated system to maintain a patron master file, to keep records current (addresses, names, reading interests, etc.), to input title requests, to search title records, to issue reserves, to maintain magazine subscription records, to monitor reading records, etc.
- Circulate materials using an automated system
- Participate in collection development
- Process materials for recording in KLAS and/or the National Library Service (NLS) catalog; ensure correct accessioning and cataloging
- Plan, design, and implement outreach activities to spread awareness of Talking Book Services and reach out to potential patrons and facilities serving potential Talking Book Services patrons
- Represent the South Carolina State Library at meetings, programs, speaking engagements, fairs, and other venues
- Process braille requests and maintain a list of South Carolina braille users
- Review new reader applications and initiates contacts/service to applicants
- Create computer profiles on new patrons
- Monitor and follows up with new patrons
- Process in-state and out-of-state patron transfers
- Prepare monthly reports of individual reader services activities/statistics
- Keep abreast of services of related agencies and provides referral information
Minimum Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in library science, information science or related field and experience in library systems and operations
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited college or university
- Two (2) years of experience in library public services with special populations
- Knowledge of library organization, research procedures, and library services
- Knowledge of general collection development
- Considerable knowledge of books, authors, and genres
- Ability to analyze requests and select best options
- General knowledge of library service to the blind and print disabled as provided by the National Library Service (NLS) nationwide network
- Ability to consistently perform detailed work with high level of accuracy
- Previous cataloging experience is a plus
Additional Comments
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age (over 40), sex, including pregnancy and childbirth (or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
The State Library actively promotes professional development and learning opportunities for staff. Work takes place in an office environment. Overnight travel may be required.
- Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from consideration for employment.
- Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work/salary history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed in lieu of a completed state application to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
- Please include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Reference and background check will be conducted.
- Starting salary range $33,494 - $45,000 depending on experience.
- Benefits Include: vacation (15 days per year); sick leave (15 days per year); holidays (13 days per year), standard benefits package and South Carolina State Retirement System.
All applications must be submitted online at
If you have any questions concerning this job posting, please email Deborah Pack, Human Resources Director at dpack@statelibrary.sc.gov.
