Research Librarian, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA

Posted March 10, 2015

Department: Training and Educational Resources Program

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week

Perkins School for the Blind, located near Boston, was the first school for the blind chartered in the United States in 1829. For over 180 years, Perkins School for the Blind has provided quality educational and residential services to students who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind, empowering them to reach their maximum potential. Perkins School for the Blind embraces diversity in ability, thought, culture and belief. We provide equal education and employment opportunities and value the unique talents and contributions of all of our students and staff.

Summary

The Research Librarian is responsible for administering the Samuel P. Hayes Research Library, one of the largest collections of non-medical information related to blindness, visual impairment, deafblindness, and multiple disabilities that include visual impairment. The collection is largely in print, and represents the history of the field of education and services for people with visual impairments or deafblindness, as well as current practice. Library patrons are staff members, the public, and educators and researchers from all parts of the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Collection development: selecting books and other materials relevant to the library’s mission.
• Cataloging materials, including journal articles, in the online InMagic library catalog.
• Providing reference service to patrons, who include elementary school students, Perkins staff members, school teachers in countries with few resources, and researchers.
• Cooperate with Perkins Archivists in providing historical information.
• Administering the annual library budget.
• Supervising the activities of a part-time assistant and volunteers.
• Assuring the presence and functionality of assistive technology for the use of patrons with visual impairments.
• To perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages subordinate support staff;
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of library;
• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the school’s policies and applicable laws;
• Interviewing, hiring, and training outside consultants employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance;
• Rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Requirements:

• Masters degree in Library / Information Science from an ALA accredited program.
• Experience in providing reference service, drawing upon electronic and print resources.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in serving a widely diverse consumer group.

Benefits: We provide a complete benefits package which includes tuition reimbursement, medical and dental insurance, LTD and Life insurance, retirement programs and staff development and training.

Perkins seeks to enhance its community of intellectually, culturally, and socially diverse individuals to enrich the educational experience of our students. Applicants from a multicultural background, are bilingual, and/or who have relevant life experience are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

How to Apply:

To apply for a position at Perkins School for the Blind, please visit our website, http://www.perkins.org/careers/ and submit a resume and cover letter with your application.