37.5hrs per wk including evening and Saturday rotation hours
Position #M417-701
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master’s Degree from an ALA accredited school of library science required. A minimum of five years of successful professional work experience, at least three of which have been in a position of supervisory/managerial responsibility, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Proven organizational and managerial skills necessary to evaluate staff, to set goals with staff, to implement progressive disciplinary action when needed, to motivate staff, to maintain morale, to provide direction, and to support organizational goals. Ability to manage professional and paraprofessional staff, both full time and part time, in an active, fast-paced major service area. In-depth and broad knowledge of professional librarianship. Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once, to work independently, and to meet deadlines. Thorough knowledge of current reference and reader’s advisory services and tools. Extensive experience in the implementation and utilization of online information resources, social media, and computer technology. Collection development and merchandizing experience. Ability to analyze and creatively solve problems related to the position in a positive manner. Enthusiasm for successful and efficient change. The ability to adapt to new situations and to reinvent services, procedures, and job tasks in ways which help to further the library’s objectives and fit with its mission. Relish working in a diverse environment. Ability and willingness to work effectively and cooperatively within a large library system. Capacity to contribute positively to the culture of the Cambridge Public Library. Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, effectively, patiently and courteously with supervisors, library staff, and the public. Ability to work with enthusiasm and initiative, a cheerful disposition, and a willingness to work harmoniously with others, both library users and library staff. Necessary attributes: mental curiosity, resourcefulness, good memory, attention to detail, problem solving skills, maturity and decisiveness, commitment to outstanding customer service.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develops, implements, and evaluates adult services and policies for the Main Library Reference Department. Manages the department in a manner that supports the overall goals of the Library and that ensures staff deliver the highest quality service at three important locations: the Research Desk, the Question and Answer Desk, and the Information Commons.
Provides the highest quality information and reader’s advisory services to the public. Delivers professional, courteous, effective, calm, pleasant, and respectful service.
Provides strong leadership and vision for adult services. Delivers skilled and effective management to the Department. Sets goals, determines activities required to achieve objectives, evaluates progress, and adapts accordingly. Recommends and initiates new services and technologies and phases out obsolete ones in light of developments in the profession. Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations and streamline work processes. Ensures broad staff participation in devising and achieving departmental goals. Creates an atmosphere where initiative, personal responsibility, and team work flourish. Oversees development of relevant, interesting programs and displays for the public. Ensures staff desk coverage is adequate, efficient, equitably assigned, and that staff assignments are developed in the best interest of library service needs. Conducts regular staff meetings and ensures content is recorded and shared. Maintains accurate and current written policies and procedures for the Department. Manages the Reference Department’s budget effectively. Resolves customer complaints/issues.
Supervises and evaluates staff. Encourages staff to be forward-thinking, try new ideas, experiment and be willing to fail, and to embrace change. Models outstanding customer service. Provides regular feedback and support to individual staff members and mentors staff in their professional growth. Evaluates performance of professional and paraprofessional staff annually, sets meaningful individual goals, and helps staff members to achieve them. Addresses and documents performance issues in a timely manner. Encourages staff to take advantage of professional development opportunities and additional training as appropriate. Aids in the recruitment and participates in the interviewing of prospective staff. Creates and implements effective departmental training for new staff.
Contributes positively to the public relations efforts of the Library. Promotes the services and programs of the Reference Department effectively. Prepares or delegates the preparation of items such as booklists, web articles, and brochures of topical interest. Provides leadership in creating an exciting, meaningful library presence online and via social media. Oversees the management of the library’s website to ensure the content is timely, interesting, and relevant.
Participates in the selection of new materials for the research, online, and circulating collections. Responsible for collection development and weeding in assigned areas. Ensures professional staff contribute significantly and broadly to the Library’s collection development efforts; supports the development of paraprofessional staff as selectors. Maintains a broad knowledge of contemporary, popular literature. Models and fosters skilled merchandizing efforts.
Functions as a member of the leadership team of the Library. Serves on committees which review and develop library policies and procedures. Represents the Library at professional meetings. Keeps abreast of professional literature; is knowledgeable regarding trends and issues in public libraries.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time to use computer workstations, including keyboard and visual display terminal
· Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permit effective communication
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to permit employee to read books and patron requests
Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to type and record library files
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to person essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations as necessary, where there is normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions. Attends and participates in continuing education programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession
RATE: $65,646 to $78,775 in seven steps (3.1 % increase July 1, 2012)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please submit 2 copies of both your resume and letter of interest by 5pm on the closing date via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312
THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Deadline: July 18, 2012
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