Generalist II

City of Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston seeks a Branch Librarian or senior library professional to oversee and implement programming and services for adults, young adults, and children in an urban setting. Responsibilities include reference work, readers’ advisory, and outreach to community organizations.

The role emphasizes developing partnerships, managing budgets, coordinating staff, and reporting on activities. A MLS and relevant experience are required, with Boston residency and CORI/SORI checks, and 35 hours per

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university.
• Master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school.
• Two (2) years of professional library experience or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service.
• Provides readers’ advisory services and reference work for the public.
• Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for assigned segments of the public.
• Assists in training staff and may manage day-to-day operations in absence of Branch Librarian.
• Participates in system-wide committees and city/state committees.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Community outreach

Reference services

Internet searching

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s in Library Science

Tools

Bibliographic tools

Electronic databases

Job description

Under supervision and within the framework of the Library policies and practices, assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library’s programs of service to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting and to perform professional work requiring the application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to:

Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises:

As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service to adults, young adults, and children as assigned through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach, and programs.
• Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources by the community and local service agencies and organizations.
• Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for assigned segments of the general public in keeping with the programming responsibilities found in other P2 branch positions.
• Works with administrators and staff at the branch to develop, deploy, and support outreach services for all ages and to identify service populations in the neighborhood.
• Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.
• Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
• Manages program funds as assigned.
• Responsible for the development of assigned book collections and managing the appropriate materials budget.
• Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services.
• Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities within the branch library.
• Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.
• May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.
• Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.
• Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of popular book and non-book materials, including bibliographic tools and sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the techniques of programming.
• Demonstrated interest in community and library work.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently.
• Proven oral and written communication skills as well as Internet and other electronic database searching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with staff and the public;initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI & SORI CHECK REQUIRED - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2
Hours per week: 35