Research Services Librarian I, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

Posted September 18, 2023

Overview:

Position Overview

Under direction of the Research Services Team Leader or delegate and within the framework of Library policies and practices, participates in reference service to the public.  The work also includes performance of various tasks requiring the successful application of the knowledge of professional literature, bibliographic sources, and principles of information delivery and services.

Reports to

Research Services Team Leader (P4)

Supervises

As assigned, professional and support staff 

Responsibilities:

Scope of Responsibility

1. Provides reference service to the public in a variety of methods (in person, telephone, online, via e-mail, etc.) by responding to requests for information and answering such requests by using informational resources in all formats.
2. Assists patrons in the use of the library’s resources through personal consultation, instruction, programs, online content and other means.
3. Assists in the selection of books and other materials and in the on-going evaluation and maintenance of the Library’s collections. 
4. Provides instruction to the public on a variety of topics, including the use of library resources, basic computer and other information technology usage, and other personal and professional skill-building programs. In consultation with Community Learning develops and implements subject-related instruction based on user need.
5. Participates in developing and presenting outreach and programming activities to promote use of the Library’s collections and services.    Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities, such as tours, and bibliographic instruction.
6. Participates in special bibliographic projects. Assists in the compilation of annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
7. Promotes use of the resources and collections provided by the Library by assisting in development of discovery tools and resource guides online, developing content for the web and bibliographies, preparing written descriptions, and organizing programs.
8. Assists in the training of professional and support staff and in the orientation of both staff and members of the public to the services of the team.
9. Assists curators to determine eligibility of collections and individual volumes for digitization.
10. Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections and recommends improvements to enhance public service.
11. Participates in the development and implementation of innovative online services that connect library users with collections, lowers hurdles to access for researchers, and facilitates the sharing of knowledge among users
12. Keeps current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities.
13. Participates in recommending and/or planning changes in service or new services.
14. Participates in system-wide committees, training and other professional activities.
15. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Proficiency with MSWord, Publisher, Power Point, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and public.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographical tools and resources.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

Qualifications

1. Education – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited library school.  In exceptional instances specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
2. Experience – Some appropriate library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.

Requirements 

1. Some evening and weekend hours.  Ability to travel to off-site locations, as assigned.
2. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P/1

Hours per week: 35

How to Apply:

Apply on the Boston Carreer Center website using the link below.

https://city-boston.icims.com/jobs/25515/research-services-librarian-i/job?hub=8&_gl=1189jljz_gaMTUyODExMDM4OS4xNjM0NTc5Mjgx_ga_5Y2BYGL910*MTY5NDk3MjgxMS40Ni4xLjE2OTQ5NzM1NDUuMC4wLjA.&mobile=false&width=1200&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240

The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.

The City of Boston has played a role in causing and perpetuating the inequities in our society. To break down these barriers, we are embedding equity and inclusion into everything we do.

We define equity as ensuring every community has the resources it needs to thrive in Boston. This requires the active process of meeting individuals where they are. Inclusion is engaging every resident to build a more welcoming and supportive city. We are building a city for everyone, where diversity makes us a more empowered collective.