Library Information Assistant - Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library seeks a Library Information Assistant to support patrons with information queries, reference services, and outreach.

You will work at a bustling branch serving children, families and older adults, assisting with digital resources, Braille and large print materials, and community programming across two onsite helpdesks and a six-day-a-week reference service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background.
• Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print, media and digital resources
• Answers questions from the public in person, over the telephone and electronically
• Performs community outreach to promote and increase public participation and use of library services
• Assists in planning and delivering library programs for children, teens and/or adults
• Instructs patrons on the use of the Internet, computer applications and other Library services
• Assists with fines & fees management, collection development/weeding, reserves and opening/closing procedures
• Ensures patrons follow library policies and procedures
• May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
• Performs other related duties as required

Skills

Public service

Interpersonal communication

Oral communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Literature appreciation

Organizational skills

Technology proficiency

Reference resources knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Google applications

PCs

Macs

e-reader devices

Job description

Library Information Assistant - Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

Department: Branch Libraries

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Andrew Heiskell Library

Reporting To: Ivy Kuhrman

Compensation: $50,427 / year

Description

Overview
The Andrew Heiskell Library is a branch of the New York Public Library, as well as a member of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) – serving as the Regional NLS Library for the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island. With over 16,000 individual borrowers and 600 enrolled institutions, Heiskell Library provides access to talking books, magazines and braille materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise physically unable to read standard print. The Heiskell Library collection offers instant access to 145,000 titles for all ages, including classic literature, current bestsellers, popular magazines, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Heiskell boasts a very large browsable collection of braille materials, including a unique special collection of braille sheet music. The collection includes a significant number of Spanish-language titles, as well as titles in a number of other languages.

The Heiskell Library Reader Services Team processes applications for National Library Service, provides reader advisory services at two onsite helpdesks and a 6-day-a-week reference service call center, and offers community programming with an emphasis on providing enrichment and resources to New Yorkers of all abilities. The high volume of physical and digital checkouts to NLS patrons places Heiskell Library among the top-circulating branches in the NYPL system.

In addition to providing specialized services to NLS patrons, the Heiskell Library also serves as a traditional neighborhood branch library for the bustling Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood. Heiskell maintains a responsive collection of circulating and reference materials for all ages, with standard print as well as braille and large print materials available. Heiskell Library is a popular location for multiple storytimes per week, public computer terminals, quiet study and work, and holds pickup.

The Library is seeking a Library Information Assistant to provide service to patrons of all ages, but especially to children and families and to older adults. Information Assistants are responsible for assisting with information queries, providing reference services, and supporting the outreach and programming activities of the Library. They should be a creative customer service expert with a passion for helping people explore resources in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones.

Key Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Library Manager, a Library Information Assistant:

• Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print, media and digital resources
• Answers questions from the public in person, over the telephone and electronically
• Performs community outreach to promote and increase public participation and use of library services
• Assists in planning and delivering library programs for children, teens and/or adults
• Instructs patrons on the use of the Internet, computer applications and other Library services
• Assists with fines & fees management, collection development/weeding, reserves and opening/closing procedures
• Ensures patrons follow library policies and procedures
• May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
• Performs other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background

Required Experience

• Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred

Required Skills

• Successfully demonstrated public service experience with the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Appreciation of literature and desire to encourage reading in others
• Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including on-line searching, social media and reference resources and databases

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Library Manager

More

Our Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Public service library

Physical Duties:

• Lifting up to 15 lbs.
• Sitting and standing for periods of time
• Daily use of a computer

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA StatusNon-Exempt

Schedule
35 hours per week to be scheduled during branch hours

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library

Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).