Deaf Culture Digital Library Coordinator

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) ensures all Marylanders have access to outstanding services and welcoming, innovative spaces by administering state and federal funding, empowering library professionals through certification and training programs, and facilitating collaboration across public, school and academic libraries. The Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL), a division of MSLA, is the primary information center on deaf resources for library customers and staff in the State. This professional position oversees the functions and development of the Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL) as outlined in COMAR § 23-109. Primary responsibilities include the administration and development of programs, training, resources and partnerships to increase awareness of deaf culture and services to libraries and communities throughout the state. This will be accomplished by partnering with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community and networks within the community, providing relevant and timely trainings, programs and marketing of resources. The incumbent will be the lead employee or coordinator who manages the Deaf Culture Digital Library.

Requirements

A Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate course work from an accredited college or university
Five years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program
Two years of experience in coordinating or administering an education program or service directly related to serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers
This position is only for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing per COMAR, MD Education Code § 23-109, 8(c)
The selected candidate for this position shall be a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual and knowledgeable and experienced concerning issues affecting deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals

Nice To Haves

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL)
Two years combined work experience in, or affiliated with, community organizing, librarianship or education
Experience creating professional training or public programming
Experience in promoting services and resources
Professional experience with collaboration and partnerships

Responsibilities

Conducting needs assessments, identifying and implementing responsive strategies
Developing and providing sensitivity training for State and county library staff to help them better understand deaf patrons and their needs
Developing a website that promotes information sharing and coordination between the Deaf Culture Digital Library and county library systems
Developing deaf-related programs and materials for all ages and sharing them with county library systems and other libraries in the State
Developing partnerships and strategic alliances with other entities including the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the National Association of the Deaf, and the Maryland Association of the Deaf
Encouraging partnerships and collaborations with information service providers to help provide virtual access to information and research