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

Posted May 1, 2023

Job Description

Are you excited about library services, developing teams and helping people? Join our team at Providence Public Library and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including: thirteen paid holidays, twenty-two paid vacation days, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefit options and a matching 403(b) plan.

We are seeking a dynamic, empathetic and energetic information professional to lead our Information Services team. This position oversees all aspects of the Information Services department, including hiring, staff development, management of the general collections budget and selection activity. The Head of Information Services will also have a proven record of providing outstanding and innovative programs and services to diverse audiences, and cultivating positive and productive partnerships with community organizations. The ideal person in this position will have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community.

This 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 employee 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.

This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, alternating Saturdays and evening hours required
Starting Salary: $65,000

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

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 the community.
Maintains schedule for Information Services team in coordination with the Senior
Information Services Librarian and Senior Information Services Specialist.
Works collaboratively with other departments to present public programs and develop
complementary services).
Designs and directs Information Services Librarian’s programming and workshops,
ensuring that they are responsive to community needs. Cultivate and maintain
community partnerships.
Works with the 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.
Directly supervises Senior Information Services Librarian, Senior Information Services
Specialist and Technology Specialist; organizes ongoing training for all teams.
Provides Adult reference and reader’s advisory service to library customers.
Manages the Library’s general collections budget and organizes and oversees selection
activity, large scale collection projects and maintenance, weeding efforts and health of
the general collections.
Oversight of general collections, which includes developing and maintaining the library’s
Collection Development Policy.
Analyze usage trends to guide the development of adult general collections, direct
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; prioritize equitable
access to collections and information; direct policy- and information-driven maintenance
of the Library’s patron database.
Participates in the Library’s data collection and analysis efforts.
Participates fully as a member of Library management and disaster response team;
agility and capacity to respond to demands of managing public services in a busy, urban
setting.
Willing to work evenings and weekends; performs related duties as required.
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 and Experience Required

MLS from a graduate library school accredited by ALA and 5 years of library experience
required.
Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable supervisory experience.
A strong background in computers/technology, digital literacy and non-print materials
formats.
Empathy, 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, and 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.
Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets and other various Google applications
experience required.
Proficient using virtual meeting applications.

Additional Requirements

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

To Apply

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to: [email protected]
OR to:
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002