Special Collections Receptionist/Tour Support Administrator, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

Posted May 2, 2022

Description:

This position is part of the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections team and will have split responsibilities supporting two major public service areas within the department: the new Special Collections Reading Room (renovation slated to open later this year) and the library’s popular Art and Architecture tour program, which provides public tours and interpretation for the BPL’s historic Central Library in Copley Square.  

Primary areas of responsibility include staffing the reception desk in the Special Collections Lobby, greeting visitors, registering new researchers, checking in pre-registered patrons, explaining policies and procedures of the department and library, and answering questions. This role also provides ongoing support for tour program efforts, including scheduling of tours, invoicing, coordination of tour-related communications, and other clerical duties. 

Scope of Responsibility  

·        Oversees the reception desk in the Special Collections Lobby, greeting visitors and answering the telephone.  

·        Responsible for registration of new users to the Special Collections Reading Room, including verifying identification, explaining procedures and issuing cards. 

·        Answers directional and informational questions about the department, surrounding exhibitions, and/or materials. 

·        Assists in the preparation and organization of department administrative records and archival materials. 

·        Assists in the collection and preparation of statistics related to/about special collections reading room users. 

·        Assists in the ordering, receiving, stocking, tracking and distribution of office supplies. 

·        Assists in program coordination and implementation for the volunteer tour guide program, including distribution of information to tour guides, monitoring of open shifts and primary support for scheduling of guides, collection and entry of private tour information, and communicating with the staff and the public on tour-related issues. 

·        Assists in the collection and preparation of statistics for tour-related programs. 

Competencies 

·        Strong customer service skills. 

·        Ability to carry out detailed procedures with accuracy. 

·        Ability to work with minimal supervision. 

·        Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, and Excel. 

·        Ability to prepare analytical and statistical reports. 

·        Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly. 

·        Demonstrated organizational skills. Identifies, plans, and prioritizes administrative job responsibilities and tasks; assists in implementing administrative timelines. 

·        Demonstrates initiative and appropriate independent decision making skills. 

·        Ability to collaborate with library staff, partners, and the public. 

Experience: At least two (2) years administrative or customer-service related experience or equivalent education and/or experience to carry out responsibilities of the position. 

Salary: $40,717 – $53,887 

Residency: Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.  

CORI: Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston. 

How To Apply: 
To apply for this position, please visit the City of Boston employment website. Please combine your cover letter and resume in a single PDF file and attach them together in the resume upload section.