Supervising Librarian, Ives Squared, New Haven Free Public Library (New Haven, CT)

Posted May 15, 2026

Job Description:

The New Haven Free Public Library is seeking a Supervising Librarian to lead the Ives Squared service area at the Ives Main Library, which includes a team of 3 full-time and 2 part-timer staff members. This role requires a Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, 3-5 years of library experience, and at least 1 year of supervisory experience in any field.

Ives Squared is a center for innovation and collaboration at the Ives Main Library that opened summer 2018. The space is designed to inspire and augment the vibrant civic and entrepreneurial culture of the New Haven community with the Tinker Lab makerspace featuring our digital preservation station, the New Haven Memory Lab; the Exchange, for co-working, entrepreneurship, and small business development; the Switchboard, for in-person questions and information; and a Café overlooking the historic New Haven Green.

Position Duties:

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

Develops goals, plans, programs, and services for a service area.
Manages, supervises, and participates in all daily service and support operations of the service area.
Oversees management and selection of print and non-print materials for a specified service area.
Prepares, monitors, and maintains programming budget for a service area.
Collaborates and engages with citizens and community agencies to maintain awareness of community needs.
Develops outreach and advertising materials within criteria set by communication department to create outreach opportunities and partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
Develops and delivers programs that promote use of the Library such as: book discussion clubs, author talks, writing groups, computer classes, tours, and community outreach like a read aloud class visit, attending a community management team meeting or other event created by or for the community.
Coaches, mentors, manages performance, and addresses service area staff concerns in a timely manner; guides and directs department staff on library services.
Represents the Library in community organizations relevant to the specialized area of service.
Works closely with other Supervising Librarians and Library management to assure services are responsive to patron and community needs.
Encourage ongoing professional development for staff training sessions and mentoring.
Ensures and enforces Library and City policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff and the public while ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations with appropriate guidance from library and city administrations.
Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in Library Science
A minimum of three to five years’ experience in professional library work.
At least one year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of integrated Library Science.
Considerable knowledge of the objectives of Library service to the community.
Considerable knowledge in the required area of expertise, such as reference and bibliographic research, , emerging technologies, youth services for ages 0-18, and/or business information service.
Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in Library and Information Science.
Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in order to efficiently plan, organize, supervise, and manage the staff of a service area.
Ability to schedule and supervise the work of professional and support staff.
Ability to problem-solve issues related to patron concerns and library services.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff, other City departments, external partners, and the general public.
Ability to monitor progress and manage resources to accomplish objectives with strong organizational, research, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Ability to demonstrate strong public relations and customer service skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures.
Proficiency with library related professional tools and software applications (MS Office, library catalog and digital databases).
Ability to understand and interpret library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, business and education leaders, the staff and to the public.
Willingness to engage in regular technical training and the ability to remain current with emerging technologies.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural and socio-economic differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Hours & Compensation:

This is a full-time position.

Salary: Within Local 3144 Range 9: $70,596 – $78,018 annualized

How To Apply:

To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit the official job posting, linked here.