Senior Librarian II

Brooklyn Public Library; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Brooklyn Public Library is seeking an Assistant Branch Manager to oversee professional operations at a designated Brooklyn branch. You will lead reference services, programming, outreach, and collection development in collaboration with the Branch Manager and Regional Director.

The role demands MLS, NY State Librarian certification, and proven public library experience. You’ll supervise staff, manage performance, and coordinate services to meet community needs, with evening/weekend requirements.

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Minimum of one year experience as a librarian in a public library setting.
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York.
• Provide excellent customer service at all service points.
• Model proper team behavior in all areas; help establish a positive team climate.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Circulation Manager to supervise branch staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate librarian schedules and leave plans; assign duties.
• Provide reference and reader’s advisory services to patrons of all ages.
• Develop, coordinate and implement public programs and workshops.
• Manage collection development and display; participate in weeding and procurement.
• Coach, train and mentor staff; address staffing concerns with HR.

Skills

Public library experience

Customer service

Team supervision

Programming

Outreach

Reference services

Collection development

Education

MLS from an ALA accredited library school

Tools

Sierra ILS

OPAC

Microsoft Office

Job description

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!

The Assistant Branch Manager works as part of the Regional team to provide quality public library service to the community. The Assistant Branch Manager collaborates with the Circulation Manager, Branch Manager and branch staff to identify community needs and develop services accordingly. The Assistant Branch Manager is responsible for the professional operations of a designated branch within a region: reference and reader’s advisory services, programming, outreach, and collection development. This is a full-time, union, non-exempt position. The hiring salary for this position is $70,397.60 or an advancement increase of $1,490, (whichever is greater) plus an automatic increase of $2,830 and an additional $2,076 after 6 months in title. This is a promotional opportunity for Senior Libarian I's.

Branch duties:

• Work collaboratively with the Circulation Manager;
• joint supervision of branch staff, volunteers, and activities
• Coordinate librarian schedules; work collaboratively with Circulation Manager to prepare daily, weekly and annual leave schedules
• Assign and rotate librarian duties
• Manage the performance and development plans of all direct reports
• Work with Branch Manager, Regional Director & HR to resolve staffing concerns including progressive discipline issues
• Coach, train and mentor staff
• Provide customer service at all service points
• Interview staff and applicants as assigned
• Interpret BPL policy; communicate appropriate information to branch staff via staff meetings and email
• Provide branch orientation for all new employees assigned to location
• Refer customer complaints to appropriate supervisors/departments
• First rater for librarian titles
• Report potentially unsafe conditions and submit Incident Reports
• Other duties as assigned

Professional duties:

• Perform general and age level specific library work, including, but not limited to reference and reader’s advisory services to customers of all ages
• Train and develop librarian staff at local level in non-age specific routines (i.e., reference desk, holds, bulletin boards, displays, etc)
• Collection development & maintenance i.e. weeding, Better World Books, identifying gaps and relaying information to Collection Development
• Merchandise and display of materials
• Participate in system-wide committee work, projects and initiatives
• Provide outreach to schools, community centers, etc.
• Attend community functions and meetings
• Instruct customers in the use of OPAC, Internet, computer software and databases
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the ABC PC reservation and print functions
• Develop, coordinate and implement public programs and workshops

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA accredited library school
• Minimum of one year experience as a librarian in a public library setting
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York
• Provide excellent customer service at all service points
• Model proper team behavior in all areas; help establish a positive team climate
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to supervise and manage staff
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to perform well
• Ability to plan, assign & monitor delegated activities
• Good interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate work efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to train staff at local level
• Working knowledge of the library’s electronic reference databases, reference sources on the web, Sierra and OPAC, and Microsoft Office Applications
• Basic knowledge of current and emerging library trends
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity with respects to programming and outreach
• Participation in system initiatives, committees and/or involvement in professional organizations is a plus

Required to work evenings and weekends

We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. You will be immersed in a motivating and challenging environment where innovation is key to the organization. If you are looking to be a part of a stimulating workplace that is highly regarded by its culturally diverse community, BPL is the place to be.

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions.

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!