Head of Information Services, Providence Public Library, Providence, RI

Posted June 9, 2021

Description:

This key librarian position reports to the Director of Technology and Information Services and innovatively champions the Information Services team to provide responsive and effective circulation and reference support across all aspects of Information Services operations. The incumbent is accountable for activities related to both Circulation and Reference operations including borrower services, interlibrary loan, delivery, collection development, reference, education and outreach. The incumbent supervises the delivery of point-of-need assistance to library customers and visitors, including second tier technology troubleshooting and support.

Principal Accountabilities:

Directs Information Services team in providing reference, readers/audiovisual/technology advisory and borrower services for library customers.
Lead teams to create, coordinate and present library programs, special events and outreach for community and to provide high quality borrower services.
Maintains weekly and daily schedule for Information Services team in coordination with the Senior Information Specialist.
Works collaboratively with other departments to present public programs and develop complementary services.
Coordinate department’s educational efforts including leading and/or developing workshops, series, etc.
Works with internal Marketing team to create and coordinate publicity and marketing for library educational programs and events.
Works collaboratively with other departments on library marketing, including book display, merchandising, blog posts, digital signage, website, and social media contributions, etc.
Develops relationships with area libraries and organizations through presentations and collaborative projects.
Supervises Information Services team and volunteers; organizes ongoing training for both teams;
Provides Adult reference and reader’s advisory service to library customers.
Manages the Library’s general collections budget and oversee the selection activity of Information Services librarians; act as a selector for the library’s circulating collections.
Analyze usage trends to guide the development of adult general collections, directs information-driven and intensive collection maintenance efforts, including item database cleanups, weeding projects, quality and bibliographic control, and other activities relating to the upkeep of historic and diverse circulating materials.
Analyze usage trends to guide borrower policies and procedures; direct policy- and information-driven maintenance of the Library’s patron database.
Participates fully as member of Library’s Collections Committee.
Participates in Library’s data collection and analysis efforts.
Participates fully as a member of Library management team
Willing to work evenings and weekends.
Stays current with library trends and emerging technologies.
Participates in professional development activities and represent the library in committee work at local and state level as necessary.

Additional Skills:

Excellent verbal and written skills.
Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Education & Experience Required:

MLS from a graduate library school accredited by ALA and 5 years progressively more responsible professional library experience required.
Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable supervisory experience.
A strong background in computers/technology, digital literacy and non-print materials formats.
Patience, tact, and excellent communication skills.
Enjoys learning as well as teaching.
Ability to train and supervise library staff.
Evidence of teaching/presentation experience and facility
Strong organizational talents.
Demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
Poise in a busy setting serving library customers and staff with high expectations.
Excellent reference skills and ability to relate to library customers of all ages.
Ability to exhibit good judgment and establish effective working relationships with staff, colleagues within the library system, local government personnel.
Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others.
Ability to exercise leadership and motivate others.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with community organizations.
Warm, outgoing personality.
Spanish speaking is very desirable
Knowledge of automated library systems, reference and circulation service operations, databases, copyright law, and web development strongly preferred.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, intermediate word
processing and spreadsheet abilities, and ease with technology and social media
are imperative.
Outstanding work ethic, strong commitment to customer-centered services and
flexibility is critical.
Candidates must possess the ability to work both independently and in a fast-
paced team environment with diverse patrons and coworkers.

Additional Requirements:

Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
Position Location – Providence, RI
Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

This position is also:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, weekends and nights are required
Salary Range: $55,000 – $65,000

How to Apply:

Please submit cover letter and resume by June 14, 2021.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: [email protected]
OR via regular mail to:
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
OR by fax to:
Fax: 401-455-8004