Adult Services Librarian, Watertown Free Public Library, Watertown, MA
Posted April 19, 2019
The Watertown Free Public Library is looking for a full time Adult Services Librarian. Our busy mid-sized library serves a diverse population of people with a broad catalog of needs. In one day visitors might ask for the telephone number of the CEO of a national company, directions to a local concert, help requesting scholarly books for a term paper, the 1852 address of their great great grandfather William, computer troubleshooting, how to learn English at the library, lessons on downloading ebooks, where they can 3D print, recommendations for the best current mystery, and how to get to the restroom. In addition to answering those questions our librarians plan and host programs, purchase new materials, maintain our collections, make recommendations to improve services, learn how to use new technology and keep updated on library trends.
This job might be for you if:
- You like people and you get satisfaction from helping them. You understand that different people have different needs and you can think on your feet to give each person the type of service that is best for them. You provide equitable service.
- You are a professional risk-taker. You’re comfortable trying new ideas. You want to succeed but aren’t afraid to fail. You find the status-quo uninspired.
- You are curious and thoroughly informed. You ask questions and remember the answers. You use all of the information you have to make good decisions. You have a breadth of knowledge that is useful in librarianship.
- You understand the value of technology and its importance to library patrons. You pay attention to tech trends and know how to talk about and instruct users.
- Your interest is piqued by local history. You enjoy researching a community’s past but are equally interested in finding ways to preserve the present for the benefit of future generations.
- You thrive in a collaborative environment. You can see your role as part of a larger organization. You are committed to excellence for the benefit of yourself and the people you work with.
- You are independent. You take responsibility for your professional development and hold yourself accountable.
- You believe in the mission of libraries. You want a job in public service.
To land this job you have to be a librarian with an MLS and you have to have strong customer service experience. Your experience can be in a library, a bookstore, or restaurant, but you have to be been dedicated to providing solid, patron-focused customer service.
While not a requirement for the job, we are interested in meeting candidates with archives experience or demonstrated interest in local history. We have an extensive local history collection housed in a dedicated local history room that we are slowly working to make more discoverable to patrons. If you have interest in this we want to talk to you!
We welcome new graduates and seasoned librarians; it’s not necessary that you’ve worked in a public library before as long as you believe in and want to be a part of the important work that public libraries do.
This is a full time (37 hours) union position. Benefits include healthcare, retirement, paid holidays, and generous sick and vacation time. The work schedule includes some nights and a weekend rotation. The hourly rate is $27.74 per hour.
To apply, please email cover letter, resume, and list of three references in one PDF file to Caitlin Browne, Assistant Director at [email protected]. Review of applicants will begin Monday, April 29. Preferred start date is June 10, 2019.