Head of Information Services, Providence Public Library, (Providence, RI)
Posted September 10, 2024
Summary: 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: fifteen 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. This position 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.
Principal Accountabilities:
– 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 weekly schedules for Information Services team in coordination with the Senior team member(s).
– Works collaboratively with other departments to present public programs and develop complementary services.
– Designs and directs 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, social media contributions, etc.
– Develops relationships with area libraries and organizations through presentations and collaborative projects.
– Directly supervises a team of librarians and specialists as well as the Technology Specialist position.
– 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
– 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 & 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 applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications
experience required.
– Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday – Saturday
Salary Range: $65,000 – $74,000
How To Apply
Please submit cover letter and resume by September 23, 2024.
Posting Date: September 9, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: [email protected]
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903