Generalist II

City of Boston; Seneca (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Boston’s Boston Public Library seeks a Generalist II to execute diverse library programs for a broad urban population. Under supervision, you will apply professional knowledge in reference, readers’ advisory, outreach, and programming to enhance access to library resources.

The role involves developing neighborhood relationships, planning events, training staff, and contributing to system-wide initiatives. Must have MLS and library experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university.
• Master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school preferred.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of library policies, practices, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs and services for adults, young adults, and children through consultations, reference, and outreach.
• Develop relationships within the neighborhood and promote library resources to the community and local agencies.
• Plan and conduct programming for diverse public segments in line with branch responsibilities.
• Collaborate with branch staff to deploy outreach services for all ages and identify service populations.
• Provide readers’ advisory services and reference work for the general public.
• Provide instruction to patrons on using books and electronic databases.
• Manage program funds and supporting materials budgets.
• Prepare annotated lists and bibliographies of materials.
• Support changes in service or new services; report on activities.
• Represent the library in committees and professional activities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Reference services

Program development

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's in library science

Job description

Posting number: 2026-00143

Department: Boston Public Library

Job classification: Generalist II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Library

Summary

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.

Examples of duties

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms

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