Senior Librarian

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Andrew Heiskell Library, a branch of the New York Public Library and a Regional National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled library, serves New York City and Long Island. It provides talking books, magazines, braille materials, and other library services to people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise unable to read standard print. It also serves as a neighborhood branch for Chelsea and Flatiron, offering circulating and reference collections, storytimes, public computers, quiet study and work areas, and holds pickup. The Senior Librarian empowers patrons of all ages and abilities to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Under the supervision of the Supervising Librarian, the role provides reference and reader advisory services, develops and facilitates programs, supports teen services, helps maintain collections, builds community partnerships, encourages digital literacy, and provides customer service in person, by phone, and by email. The position also uses the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), supervises and mentors teen volunteers and interns, and may temporarily oversee the library when the Managing Librarian is absent.

Requirements

ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies.
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.
Strong commitment to public service and ability to work well with a diverse patronage that includes people of all abilities.
Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs.
Knowledge and appreciation of literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant collection.
Experience developing, maintaining, and marketing collections.
Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users, particularly those with print disabilities.
Demonstrated customer service skills, including patience, thoroughness, and accuracy when assisting patrons who may need extended help.
Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to work successfully as part of a team.
Strong organization and planning skills, including ability to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
Strong computer and related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs, and e-reader devices.
Experience with or demonstrated interest in braille and talking books.
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of computer services, including online searching, social media, reference resources, and databases.
Willingness to learn new skills and apply them in a changing work environment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of emerging library technologies and service and programming trends for adults in urban public libraries.
Spanish fluency.

Responsibilities

Provide reference services and resource recommendations using print, media, and digital resources.
Collaborate with library staff and the central programming department to develop, promote, and facilitate programs that build literacy and a love of reading, including book clubs, arts programming, STEM programs, summer reading events, and class visits.
Serve as the primary contact for services and outreach focused on teen patrons while supporting patrons of all ages.
Partner with the collection development team to shape and maintain standard print, large print, audiobook, and braille collections.
Engage patrons with the collection to support their interests and help them discover new ones.
Conduct outreach and develop partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and community groups across New York City and Long Island.
Promote library services, collections, specialized programs, and resources, with particular attention to patrons with print disabilities.
Encourage digital literacy and provide age-appropriate technology instruction to patrons of all ages.
Follow customer service standards and provide public service by phone, email, and in person, including assistance to patrons with specialized needs.
Use the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) for patron and collection management.
Supervise and mentor teen volunteers and interns.
May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Managing Librarian.
Perform related duties as required.