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Staff Librarian for Older Adults, Adult Services

City of Cambridge, MA
Email

Posting Date:

 

6/2/23

Civil Service Type:

 

None

Number of Hours Per Week:

 

37.5

Additional Work Hours Information:

 

Hours are assigned and may be changed to meet the needs of the Department and the Library. Flexibility is required. Initial hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The position also works every third Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with Friday off that week.

Job Code:

 

L412 (Req ID# 389)

Sequence #:

 

715

Union Affiliation:

 

CPLSA, MSLA, Local 4928

REPORTS TO:         Manager of Adult Services

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Deliver outstanding library services in a diverse community to patrons of all ages, especially adults and older adults. Coordinate delivery of library materials to residents who are unable to visit the library. Perform reference, readers’ advisory, collection development, programming, and outreach activities.

  • Home Delivery: Coordinate monthly home delivery of library materials to residents who are unable to visit the library, perform ongoing communication with patrons to assess their library needs and preferences and work closely with Library’s Support Services for delivery arrangements.
  • Programs and Services: Develop, present, and evaluate engaging library programs and services for older adults, both independently and collaboratively, taking into consideration principles of aging and issues relating to older adults; accessibility; digital equity; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local older adults.
  • Outreach and Community Engagement: Raise awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Create and maintain effective relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving adults and older adults. Conduct regular outreach to outside groups and host library visits and tours for older adult community groups.
  • Direct Patron Service: Provide professional readers’ advisory, reference services, technology instruction and assistance, and circulation services to the public. Develop and maintain expertise in a wide range of resources, especially literature and media for adults and new and emerging technology. Communicate and apply library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron issues.
  • Collections: Select, evaluate, and maintain collections in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets. Actively promote library resources through programming, merchandizing, and creating book lists, resource guides, and displays.
  • L eadership and Project Management: Champion library initiatives and strategic priorities and foster a culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement. Work effectively with the Adult Services team and with colleagues in other departments. Participate in and may lead trainings and workgroups to develop library projects, plans, and initiatives. May oversee the unit in the absence of senior staff, mentor and train other staff.
  • Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion: Perform all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
  • Other duties as required for the good of the Library.

MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program and experience working with older adults and diverse populations is required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.  

PREFERRED: Experience working in public libraries or other community settings is highly desirable. Professional librarian experience and fluency in a language in addition to English are desirable. Personal vehicle and valid driver's license are strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.
  • Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
  • Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community and with individuals who may be experiencing hardships that impact their behavior.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
  • Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
  • Broad knowledge and appreciation of literature and media for adults, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.
  • Knowledge of principles, materials, and equity of access issues related to serving adults and older adults; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to establish positive relationships with adults.
  • Reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, and project management knowledge and ability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, and community partner locations as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter