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Teen and Adult Services Manager, Washington Park Library, Providence, RI

Teen & Adult Services Librarian/Library Manager L-2

Washington Park Library

Community Libraries of Providence

Salary:  $51,539 annually/$26.43 per hour

Hours:  Full time w/Benefits

Posted: April 10, 2024

Deadline:  External applications accepted until the position is filled.

CLPVD is looking to hire a Teen & Adult Services Librarian to serve as Library Manager for the Washington Park Library. This unique library is housed in a former fire station and is located on Broad Street, just a few blocks from the Broad Street side entrance to beautiful Roger Williams Park. The library provides library services to patrons of all ages, particularly children and families. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and management skills and enjoy working with library patrons of all ages and diverse backgrounds. They will build and maintain relationships with library stakeholders and community leaders, and are expected to carry out the mission, vision, and values of CLPVD and to make professional contributions to the organization. Teen & Adult Services Librarians/Library Managers may participate on committees to develop programs, services, policies/procedures, and to plan for the future of CLPVD.

The Teen & Adult Services Librarian will develop and implement programs that foster literacy, academic success, use of technology, work/career advancement, social connection, and connected learning.  They will focus on recruiting youth and adult participants, community-based artists/educators, and volunteers to ensure the success and continuous growth of the makerspace program in collaboration with the Makerspace Program Coordinator. The Teen & Adult Services Librarian will be proficient in the basic use of all maker space equipment and may lead some programming and/or facilitate open studio time for teens and adults. 

Successful performance requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a desire to create an open and inclusive library space for diverse users. The Teen & Adult Services Librarian is responsible for creating and maintaining the Teen and Adult Services area and collection with an open, inviting atmosphere for library users.   

Essential Teen & Adult Services Librarian Functions:

  • Plans, develops and implements teen and adult services for their library.
  • Delivers successful customer service by responding to the library needs of patrons promptly and attentively.
  • Instructs teens in the use of the library, in conducting basic library research projects, and in information literacy.
  • Locates information to answer questions posed by teens and adults.  
  • Reviews, selects, and maintains the collection of teen and adult materials.  
  • Coordinates and leads out of school activities including the Summer Reading Program, homework help, PVD Young Makers, and other opportunities.
  • Collects, maintains and analyzes library statistics.
  • Meets with individuals, community groups, and schools to promote use of the library. 
  • Orients and trains college work-study students, summer helpers, and volunteers in direct service to youth and adults.
  • Works with other CLPVD staff and administrators to plan and develop library service for teens and adults.
  • Builds a successful collaborative relationship with the Youth Services Librarian.
  • Is cognizant of patron needs and advocates for services that respond to their needs. 
  • Provides adult reference and leads adult programs. 
  • Assists with circulation services and children’s services as necessary. 
  • Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations and other means to keep abreast of current and emerging trends. 
  • Collaborates with other staff and safety ambassador to promote positive behaviors, to maintain order, and to create a welcoming library environment.  
  • Contributes to program evaluation efforts.
  • Provides coverage in other libraries as required.

Essential Library Manager Job Functions:

  • Oversees the daily operations of the library:
    • Schedules regular library staff.
    • Manages vacation, personal, and sick time requests; schedule temps as needed.
    • Ensures team coordination of program scheduling and room reservations. 
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for the library, responding to questions that arise and consulting with a Supervisor/Systems Coordinator when needed for advice or intervention. 
  • Establishes a regular communication schedule and format (in person, telephone, email, etc.) with Supervisor or Systems Coordinator that works for both staff members. 
  • Records any issues/successes/questions to bring to the Library Supervisor or Systems Coordinator during the regular meeting time. Communicate all issues and successes in a timely manner. 
  • Responsible for monitoring and reporting security, maintenance, and custodial issues. Maintains close communication with the facilities department. 
  • Trains and monitors the security guard on CLPVD procedures. 
  • Participates in interviewing and hiring new staff. 
  • Supports and orients new hires.
  • Ensures accurate collection of statistics and evaluation forms (if needed), either by taking responsibility for reporting or assigning a team member to take on the task. 
  • Serves as liaison to the library’s Friends Group. 
  • Coordinates volunteers and any paid consultants or service providers, ensuring all required documents are filed with the Business Office.
  • Joins and contributes to system-wide or statewide committees and initiatives, representing CLPVD. 
  • Responsible for monitoring and recording any money brought into the library, including the petty cash and fax funds.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Clear understanding of the mission, vision, and brand promise of Community Libraries of Providence. 
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to pay attention to details.
  • Knowledge of diverse teen and adult literature; ability to develop a collection catering to community needs and interests.
  • Ability to plan, implement, and follow through on independent projects, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Community Libraries.
  • Listens to patron needs and shows flexibility and willingness to experiment with new ideas to meet the needs of the community.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public.
  • Strong desire to work in a team environment and to collaborate inside/outside the library.
  • Ability to teach design thinking and support individualized learning. 
  • Motivated to develop programs and opportunities for teens and adults of diverse educational, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills.
  • Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.

Additional Requirements:

Willing to travel between library locations, schools, and community-based organizations to provide coverage, collaborate on programming, or to do outreach.

Experience and Training:

MLS degree from an ALA accredited institution with demonstrated interest in neighborhood library services or documented coursework in teen librarianship and/or experience working with teens. A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in public library service is required. 

Submit resume, cover letter and three references to: Maria Melvin, HR Manager at [email protected]

EEOC Statement: Community Libraries of Providence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.