Outreach Librarian

Cape May County Library; Cape May Court House (NJ); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

New Jersey pension

Vacation & sick time

Job summary

The Cape May County Library invites an Outreach Librarian to advance services and represent the library in the community. You will work with an Outreach Library Assistant, lead the Outreach Committee, coordinate museum passes, and oversee Homebound services.

Based at the Cape May Court House Library, the role requires a 35-hour week with occasional night/weekend shifts and travel to other branches and events.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program or current enrollment in an MLS program.
• NJ Public Librarian’s Certificate eligibility per NJ statutes.
• New Jersey state residency required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with county groups, organizations and businesses.
• Arrange talks and presentations with local groups and organizations.
• Attend community events to promote library services and events.
• Train Outreach Committee members and provide event coverage.
• Promote library services with other departments and branches.
• Coordinate statewide campaigns and library-wide events.
• Distribute informational materials to high-traffic community centers.
• Identify outreach trends and bring ideas to Administration.
• Manage the Museum Pass program.
• Assist updating the library website and PR efforts.
• Manage selection, evaluation, and weeding of nonfiction materials.

Skills

Customer service

Collaboration

Verbal & written communication

Public speaking

Computer basics

MS Office & Canva

Social media

Professional demeanor

Organization & multitasking

Education

MLS or MLS-in-progress

NJ Librarian Certificate eligibility

NJ residency

Job description

The Outreach Librarian works with the Outreach Library Assistant with the general goal of promoting the Cape May County Library system and its services to the community. The Outreach Librarian coordinates with community groups and organizations to have library representatives attend community events, oversees the library's Museum Pass program, and oversees the library's Homebound service. The Outreach Librarian serves as the head of the Outreach Committee and reports to the Assistant Director.

This position works 35 hours per week, and may include working a night and weekend shifts as part of a rotating public information desk crew at the Cape May Court House Library. The schedule is highly variable with the possibility of working nights and weekends to cover community events. The Outreach Librarian is based in the Cape May Court House Library, but includes travel to other branches and community events as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with groups, organizations and businesses across the county
• Arrange talks and presentations with local groups and organizations
• Attend community events and gatherings to promote library services, including fairs, festivals, and parades
• Train members of the Outreach Committee, and work with them to provide coverage for community events
• Work closely with other departments to promote their services and events
• Coordinate library-wide campaigns and events with departments and branches, which may include National Library Week and National Library Card Sign-Up Month
• Distribute flyers, calendars, and other library informational materials to high traffic community centers
• Identify new outreach trends and brings new ideas to Administration
• Manage the Museum Pass program
• Assist in updating the library’s website
• Assist in public relations and marketing efforts to promote library events and services
• Manage the selection, evaluation, and weeding of materials for assigned nonfiction sections
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, including committees
• Drive the Bookmobile to events
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with patrons and coworkers
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Basic computer skills, with the ability to adapt to new technologies
• Experience in using Microsoft Office Suite and Canva design software
• Experience with using social media platforms
• Ability to represent the library in a professional and polite manner
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills

Abilities

• Handle physical tasks, such as: lift or push up to 40 pounds, stand for long periods of time, sit for long periods of time
• Drive a car and Bookmobile, and hold a valid driver’s license clear of violations
• Work a flexible schedule

Education/Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program required, or be currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program
• Have or be eligible for a New Jersey Public Librarian’s Certificate per N.J.S.A. 45:8A-3 and N.J.A.C 15:23-2.1(a)
• New Jersey state residency required per N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Starts at $52,000 a year, commensurate with experience
• Health benefits, including dental, prescription and optical
• New Jersey pension
• 12 vacation days per year (increasing with years worked), 15 sick days per year, 3 personal days per year