Head of User Experience and Community Engagement, Gloversville Public Library/Gloversville, NY
Posted September 21, 2021
Description:
The Gloversville Public Library is seeking applicants for the full-time/Librarian I position of Head of User Experience and Community Engagement. Located in Fulton County, at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the library serves the residents of the Gloversville Enlarged School District (population 19, 244). The library completed a $9.2 million renovation of its Beaux Arts Carnegie building in 2018.
Responsibilities:The Head of User Experience and Community Engagement will understand and be able to articulate what a stellar library user experience should be, as well as have the ability to translate that knowledge into practice. Working both behind the scenes and on the front lines, this position bridges the gap between back-end operations and point-of-service implementation. As such, it requires a librarian who can both lead and learn, expanding our reach into the community, while strengthening our foundational core. This position plays a key role in helping the library fulfill its mission by ensuring a welcoming and equitable library experience for all and working to promote user-centered design of library tools, services, and spaces. This position will report to the Library Director and requires a leader who can exercise considerable independence of action and judgement.
Duties:
- Assess, identify, and address usability and accessibility needs of patrons, onsite, offsite, and online
- Collaborate with diverse colleagues and community members to conceive of new capabilities and potential solutions for the library to better serve residents and businesses
- Liaise with community organizations and collaborate with other libraries to share resources and coordinate services
- Collaborate with the Library Director to identify, design, and implement Outreach Services to the public
- Assist patrons, as necessary, in using the library’s materials and services
- Provide training and consultation to staff relating to user experience and usability best practices
- Oversee Circulation Services and Inter-Library Loan
- Manage and supervise Information Desk clerks
- Assist in identifying and pursuing relevant grant opportunities for the library
- Assist in the submission of the New York State Annual Report
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, or its equivalent, from and ALA-accredited program
- Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at time of application; possession of Certificate at time of appointment
- Two years of library experience
- NYS Driver’s License
- Permanent appointment requires satisfactory completion of a Fulton County Civil Service experience-driven exam, that can be taken while the candidate is working in the position provisionally
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Knowledge of user needs for library services and technology operation
- Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in liaison and team roles
- Ability to bridge differences in personal work styles among personnel
- Supervisory experience, including scheduling, training, and evaluation
- Project management and time management skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Experience writing library-related grant applications
- Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Publisher
Hours: 35 hours per week; Some evening hours; Saturdays on rotation
Benefits: Paid time off available on an annual basis; 100% medical insurance coverage after 3 months
Compensation: $38,000 – $40,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience
COVID-19 Considerations: Applicants must be able to follow the library’s COVID-19 health protocols, including being able to tolerate a face covering for the duration of time spent inside the facility.
How to apply:
Applications will be accepted through November 1, 2021. Interested individuals should email a resume and full cover letter to Library Director Valerie Acklin at [email protected].