Senior Librarian – Adult Services, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA

Posted March 6, 2020

Under minimal supervision, delivers outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages, especially adults and seniors. Provides information, readers’ advisory, collection development, programming, outreach and circulation services in all areas of unit. Additionally, performs leadership and administrative duties as assigned by manager.

 

General Responsibilities

• Delivers exceptional and engaging service to the public.

• Provides professional readers’ advisory, library instruction and orientation, and reference services to the public in person, on the telephone, and by electronic means  (e.g., conducts reference interviews; analyzes needs; identifies information sources; assists patrons in using library resources, services and technology).

• Creates book lists and other resource guides for the public. 

• Offers a high level of instruction and assistance to patrons in using a wide range of technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, emerging STEAM technologies), including troubleshooting and maintenance.

• Assists in implementing the library collection development policy in accordance with allocated departmental budgets. Selects, evaluates, maintains and weeds materials within designated collection areas.

• Actively develops displays and merchandizes the collections, anticipates special events and anniversaries as well as responding quickly to breaking news events.

• Plans, conducts and evaluates library programming, both independently and collaboratively. Uses developmental principles to best serve target audiences.

• Operates audiovisual and STEAM equipment in the presentation of library programs.

• Promotes library services.

• Presents library instruction and orientation tours for student and community groups.

• Conducts outreach to outside groups and maintains good public relations with outside groups and agencies. 

• Represents the Library at community meetings and participates in community events.

• Communicates and applies library policies and procedures. Provides leadership in addressing and resolving patron issues.

• Contributes to and participates in the development of the library’s online presence.

• Performs circulation and patron account management duties (e.g., checkouts, check-ins, account inquiries, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, patron registration).

• Maintains orderliness and neatness in the library. May process deliveries, shelve materials, and read shelves. 

 

Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities

• Responsible for oversight of the unit in the absence of the manager and assistant manager or as assigned.

• At the manager’s request, may take responsibility for areas such as training, coaching and contributing to staff performance evaluations.

• Provides leadership and expertise in the areas of research, readers’ advisory, digital media and emerging technology; and/or assigned subject matter and acts as a resource to other library staff.

• Provides active frontline leadership. Promotes library initiatives, works alongside staff, inspires investment, acts as a mentor, and provides daily guidance, expertise and direction.

• Champions, participates in developing, and implements system and department initiatives and plans to address present and future community needs.

• Ensures that STEAM and other important library initiatives are represented in programs, services and collections.

• Plays a leadership role in fostering a culture that embraces change, innovation and continuous improvement.  

 

Other Responsibilities

• Executes administrative and organizational responsibilities, including but not limited to gathering and analyzing data, managing special projects, and generating reports. 

• Keeps informed of professional developments and attends professional meetings and trainings; may represent the Library in professional venues or working groups as appropriate.

• Attends meetings and trainings. Participates in and may lead workgroups for planning and implementing programs, projects and initiatives.

• Any other duties as required for the good of the Library.

 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 

• A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program is required. 

• Two years of post-MLS experience in direct patron service is required. 

• Public library experience in adult services or reference services is strongly preferred. 

• Advanced ILS experience is preferred. 

• Supervisory experience is preferred. 

• Fluency in a language in addition to English is preferred. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values and strategic priorities.

• Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service.

• Ability to work with a diverse population in an urban setting.

• In-depth knowledge of professional librarianship and public library resources, services and techniques.

• In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media; knowledge of reader’s advisory principles and practices; demonstrated ability to apply to programs and services.

• Expert knowledge of and ability to use digital and electronic materials and resources, including but not limited to research databases, digital content platforms and social media.

• Knowledge of developmental principles, materials and current issues related to serving target audiences; demonstrated ability to apply developmental principles to programs and services.

• Knowledge of current technology and technological trends; demonstrated ability to instruct and assist others in their use.

• Demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library computers, equipment, software and systems.

• Demonstrated program planning and evaluation knowledge and ability.

• Demonstrated community outreach knowledge and ability.

• Effective communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated project management knowledge and ability.

• Knowledge of change management and process improvement principles and practices.

• Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.

• Strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude.

• Strong teamwork skills, including flexibility to fill in during scheduling emergencies and vacation periods.

• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills, including ability to work independently and to handle unexpected situations.

 

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Education: MLS/Masters

Salary: $33.14 per hour to $38.00 per hour in five steps

 

Closing Date: 03/19/2020

 

How to Apply

Submit both your resume and letter of interest by 5pm on the closing date via email to: [email protected] or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312.