Adult Services Librarian, Knight memorial Library, (Providence, RI)

Posted September 18, 2024

Community Libraries of Providence
Salary: $45,435 annual salary, $23.30 hourly (L1)

$52,240 annual salary, $26.79 hourly (L2)

Hours: Full-time 37.50 hours per week

Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled.

CLPVD is looking to hire an Adult Services Librarian to work at Knight Memorial Library. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional library service with a welcoming and knowledgeable approach. They will possess excellent customer service skills and must enjoy working with library visitors of different cultural and economic backgrounds.

Knight Memorial Library celebrated its 100th birthday this year! This beautiful and historic library is located on Elmwood Avenue and serves residents on the south side of Providence. Noted architect Edward L. Tilton designed this neighborhood treasure, which originally opened to the public in 1924 to house the collections and services of the Elmwood Public Library Association. Today, Knight Memorial continues to provide unique programs and essential services to its library patrons. This busy library houses CLPVD’s Entrepreneurship Center and assists library patrons in need of community support and resources. The library is home to the weekly Sankofa Farmers Market and is surrounded by neighboring businesses, churches, daycare centers, and elementary and middle schools. Knight Memorial’s spacious front courtyard is inviting and is the perfect space for outdoor concerts and library events.

Position Description:

Working under the supervision of CLPVD Library-based Supervisor or Systems Coordinator, the Adult Services Librarian provides library service to adults, including seniors, as well as older teens who may be enrolled in high school, college, or other workforce training programs. At the L-1 or entry level, the new Librarian gains experience and proficiency in providing programs and services for older teens and adults. At the L-2 level, the Adult Services Librarian contributes to system-wide or other innovative initiatives, which go beyond the delivery of expected services, as well as serving as the lead in the library when the Supervisor is off-site.

Adult Services Librarians develop and implement programs that foster literacy, academic success, use of technology, work/career advancement, health & wellness, creativity, social connection, and lifelong learning. A primary focus will be to recruit 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 Adult Services Librarian will be proficient in the basic use of all makerspace 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 Adult Services Librarian is responsible for creating and maintaining the Adult Services area and collection with an open, inviting atmosphere for library users.

Essential Job Functions:

Plans, develops and implements adult services for their library.
Delivers successful customer service by responding to the library needs of patrons promptly and attentively
Instructs older teens and adults 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 adult materials.
Collects, maintains and analyzes library statistics.
Meets with community groups and conducts outreach to promote use of the library.
Orients and trains college work-study students and volunteers in direct service to adults.
Works with other CLPVD staff and administrators to plan and develop library service for adults.
Builds a successful collaborative relationship with the Teen & Adult Services Librarian.
Is cognizant of patron needs and advocates for services that respond to their needs.
Provides adult reference; leads, coordinates, and promotes adult programs.
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 Library Safety Ambassador to promote positive behaviors, to maintain order, and to create a welcoming library environment.
Contributes to program evaluation efforts.
Assists with circulation services and children’s services as necessary.
Provides coverage in other libraries as required.

L-2:

Serve as the Lead when the Supervisor is off-site: manages patron behavior challenges; facilities needs; security; and other situations requiring immediate attention.
Coordinates and manages scheduling, outside presenters and collaborators, and volunteers/interns when the Supervisor is out for any reason.
Joins and contributes to system-wide or statewide committees and initiatives, representing CLPVD.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Clear understanding of the mission, vision, and brand promise of Community Libraries of Providence.

Knowledge of diverse 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 older 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 documented coursework in teen librarianship and/or experience working with teens.

Library students who meet the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

Must be enrolled in an ALA accredited Master’s Program in Library & Information Studies; experience working in a related field, bilingual (Spanish/English), and/or candidates who have completed some graduate credits in library school will be prioritized. Librarians in Training have the opportunity to gain real world experience in an urban library with professional librarian mentors for support. Librarians in Training are paid as specialists until the MLIS degree is completed at which time they will be promoted to Librarian L-1.

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.

To Apply:

Send resume, cover letter and three references to:

Maria Melvin, HR Manager, [email protected], (401) 467-2700 x.1606.