Community Resource Specialist

LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY•Lawrence, KS

1d•$53,352•Onsite

About The Position

Come be an information champion at Lawrence Public Library! Community resource information is fragmented and ever-changing, making it difficult for both citizens and library staff to navigate the wealth of local service providers and connect a vast array of needs with available resources. We believe our role is essential: Libraries are community hubs which naturally make us the first place people come when they need help connecting the dots. We’re searching for a creative, ambitious, and enthusiastic individual who is committed to connecting community members with the information and resources they need in order to live their best lives. Your mission will be to work closely with the Adult Services Supervisors, library staff, partner organizations, and community leaders to master the network of existing resources that meet basic needs while integrating library services more widely into the Lawrence community. We recognize that there is no singular path by which everyone seeks information and strive to meet people where they’re at through in-person and digital service points, programming, and outreach. We’re seeking someone with a strategic vision and passion for reducing barriers to library services and community resources for Lawrence’s low-income and diverse populations. You’ll keep your finger on the pulse of the community by staying informed of local resources and concerns, developing relationships with partner organizations, communicating information about available library resources, planning programs to meet community needs, and exploring opportunities to further develop library services to underserved communities. Keep in mind that this is an Adult Services Specialist position with a subject specialist concentration on social services, not a direct service position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with coursework in liberal arts, social work, and/or communication, instruction, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience working with the public
Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies in Douglas County
Ability to be self-directed and to work as part of a team
Experience with program development for adult audiences
Experience working with diverse and/or low-income populations
Experience working in collaboration with partners
Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds
Available to work at least one evening a week and some weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience with teaching, training, or public speaking
Experience working in a public library
Experience with social media
Graphic design skills
Master’s degree in Library Science

Responsibilities

Be an information maven! You’ll use a wide variety of information sources, including catalogs and databases, to connect patrons to the information, books, media, or materials they seek while staffing service desks or by phone, email, or online chat
Build relationships with and promote library services to community stakeholders who work with or represent underserved populations
Gather and share information about local resources with community members and library staff
Think creatively about how information is formatted and shared to best reach the target audience
Coordinate programs, events or classes to meet the informational needs of the community
Represent the library at advisory boards and other community events or meetings relating to underserved populations
Create relevant library web pages, brochures, and other community resource-related library materials and keep them up-to-date
Curate and promote library resources through lists, reviews, displays, and subject guides
Take an active role in contributing to the department's online presence, creating content for blogs and/or other social media efforts.
Help patrons navigate library technologies, including public access computers and printing
Assist in maintaining library collections by organizing, shelving, and weeding materials