LibraryJobline

Job Description

OVERALL JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Branch Librarian plays a dynamic support role to the branch manager, provides professional operational support, expertise in youth and teen programming and services, and outreach to the community within a collaborative work environment.

Under the general supervision of the Branch Services Manager, the Branch Librarian will provide management and backup support to the Branch Services Manager by serving as Manager on Duty (MOD) when necessary, and serving at branch public service desks as needed.  

The Librarian will work to create and facilitate programs with a focus on youth and teen programming;  Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programming; and general programming for patrons of all ages. The librarian will connect and coordinate programs at the branch library in alignment with the library master plan, the library's customer service and leadership philosophies, and in accordance with the City of Boulder's vision and values.  

The librarian will work to ensure consistent, high-quality programs and events by working collaboratively with program presenters and organizations, branch library staff, other library workgroups and city departments, specifically Boulder Public Library’s Programming, Events and Outreach work group, the City’s Facilities and Asset Management division and the Parks and Recreation Department. The librarian will build a highly collaborative working relationship with the library's Programs, Events, and Outreach (PEO) workgroup to coordinate branch and systemwide programs, and to strategize on themes and program schedules.  The librarian will develop sustained and collaborative partnerships to increase the appeal, attendance and overall patron satisfaction of library programs and events. 

The Librarian will support strategic oversight and assist with directional planning, administrative support and evaluation of branch staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general supervision:

1.  Provides staffing support in the branch libraries by acting as manager-on-duty (MOD) when the branch manager schedules or requests backup, or is absent. This includes but is not limited to:

• Providing desk coverage and backup desk coverage when scheduled or requested by manager.
• Performing Person-In-Charge responsibilities at the branch libraries which may include the following: 
  • Resolving customer concerns, incidents, and program issues as they occur.
  • Contacting and communicating with security/emergency personnel as needed.
  • Processing incident and accident reports as necessary.
  • Arranging for the appropriate contact to address unplanned or emergency facility problems.
  • Submitting facility or technology service request tickets as needed.

2.  Works as a part of the branch library team to assist in developing, planning, and evaluating all services to the community including but not limited to:

• Collection maintenance and development 
• Technological needs
• Space design and organization
• Outreach activities

3. Youth & Family, Teen and STEAM Programming: Researches, develops, plans, coordinates, schedules, promotes, implements, produces, facilitates, observes/attends, and evaluates engaging youth, teen and STEAM programs for patrons of all ages in the branch setting. 

• Administers youth and family focused story times, programs, and plans and conducts library toursas assigned or when requested by the manager.
• Prepares for and delivers STEAM programs in conjunction with BPL’s Programming, Events and Outreach workgroup, by careful selection of themes, outside presenters, and community partners.  Collaborates extensively with other branch library staff to ensure consistency and continuity of branch library programs. Adheres to Boulder Public Library (BPL) Early Literacy, Family, Teen and STEAM program Guidelines: 
  • Provides a teaching and learning environment in which content, skills and application of STEAM are integrated with literacy, discovery, and real-world learning.
  • Offers hands-on programs and pathways for preparing learners for, and exposing to, current and future STEAM careers and fields of study.
  • Incorporates the design thinking process, a strategy for integrating problem solving with lifelong applications.
  • Provides learners with problem solving skills through the engineering design process, the set of steps that a designer takes to go from first, identifying a problem or need, to ultimately creating and developing a solution that solves the problem or meets the need.
  • Provides STEAM programs in a variety of settings, along with extended learning opportunities.

Prepares and delivers teen programs by providing creative programs that will be of interest to teens by:

• Advocating for teens within the branch libraries and in the community.
• Defining, strengthening, and clarifying the role of Branch Teen Advisory Boards
• Developing and administering outreach activities focused on teens at middle schools, high schools and other community organizations in which teens are involved.
• Eliciting feedback from teens about library services.
• Recruiting teens for volunteer opportunities in the library.
• Participating in community organizations involved with teen services.
• Communicating frequently with the Teen Librarian and Branch Specialists who may be skilled in teen services and programs.
• Compiling and preparing reports of all teen program statistics.

4.  Communicates consistently with branch manager and staff about all programs planned and offered at the branch and other BPL locations.  

• Elicits feedback from program participants about library services and programs.  
• Maintains accurate records, collects statistics, tracks performance measures and prepares reports related to programs and events to include attendance, evaluations, costs, etc.  
• Assists the branch manager with the development of Boulder Library Foundation funding requests by preparing assigned written requests and reports.  
• Develops budget estimates for assigned programs and monitors program budgets.  
• Under the guidance of the branch manager, prepares and shares information to promote upcoming library programs for use in publications such as the library newsletter, program booklets, marketing materials, and social media posts.  
• Creates written promotional materials following BPL's style guide. 
• Represents branch library interests, and the interests of the branch library communities as a working member of the BPL Summer of Discovery (SOD) Committee. Assists with Summer of Discovery outreach activities. In coordination with the volunteer coordinator, recruits and trains tween and teen volunteers who assist with SOD registration and other duties at the branch libraries.  

5.  Attends workgroup and other library meetings to communicate branch library program initiatives and outcomes. Participates in assigned committee work.

6.  Observes programs at other library and community locations to keep abreast of trends, cutting edge and dynamic program offerings in the field, and audience engagement.  Attends conferences and networks with other industry program professionals.

7. Shares input and observation for purpose of staff evaluation.

8. Scheduling library substitutes at the branch libraries as needed.

OTHER:

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the library and city.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents.
• Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.
• Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.
• Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies
• Participates in professional trainings and development
• Adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.

The above responsibilities and descriptions are illustrative only. They are not meant to be all inclusive.

CITY VISION AND VALUES:

The City of Boulder is committed to service excellence for an inspired future and the following values:

• Customer service - We are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our community and our co-workers by demonstrating consistent and professional service with a solution-oriented approach
• Respect - We champion diversity and welcome individual perspectives, backgrounds and opinions. We are open-minded and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
• Integrity - We are stewards of the public’s trust and are committed to service that is transparent and consistent with city regulations and policies. We are honorable, follow through on our commitments and accept responsibility.
• Collaboration - We are committed to organizational success and celebrate our shared dedication to public service. We believe community collaboration and the sum of our individual contributions leads to great results.
• Innovation - We promote a forward-thinking environment that supports creativity, calculated risks and continuous improvement. We embrace change and learn from others in order to deliver leading edge service.

The City of Boulder is a smoke and tobacco-free workplace.

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE:

(1) TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Branch Services Manager

(2) TITLE (S) OF POSITIONS OVER WHICH THIS POSITION HAS DIRECT SUPERVISION: N/A

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an accredited program. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Demonstrated an ability to work independently, under minimum supervision, and show an increase in responsibility, and learn a variety of tasks and resources quickly.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly energetic and dynamic setting. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively handle difficult patron interactions and account issues. 
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to take direction.
• Demonstrated experience with program planning, implementation, marketing and evaluation for teen, youth and family and adult programming, preferably in a public library setting.  

Well-developed keyboard skills, and proficiency with computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, web-based calendars, email and database software in performing work assignments. 

Interest, desire and ability to communicate courteously and effectively with, and provide services to, others including the public in person, via telephone and online.  

Willingness and flexibility to work a schedule that may include evenings and weekends.  

Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

As a leadership position within the City's Management Team, the Branch Librarian is expected to have and utilize the following competencies:

• Customer Focus: The ideal candidate demonstrates a dedication to internal and external customer service and demonstrates the ability to relate to children and teens and understand their developmental, social, cognitive and emotional needs.
• Creativity: Comes up with many new and unique ideas; easily makes connections among previously unrelated notions; tend to be seen as original and value-added in brainstorming sessions.
• Organizing:  Can marshal resources (people, funding, materials, support) to get things done; can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal; uses resources effectively and efficiently; and arranges information and files in a useful manner.
• Planning: Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into the process steps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks; measures performance against goals; evaluates results.
• Priority Setting: The idea candidate possesses excellent planning skills and the ability to prioritize work independently; eliminating obstacles or unproductive practices and utilizing his/her time on important tasks. 
• Spanish language fluency is highly desired.  
• Experience promoting programs for all ages using social medial strategies, preferably in a public library setting.
• Experience with Sierra/Innovative Interfaces, Inc. automated library system.
• Experience with Prospector or similar InnReach borrowing system.
• Experience working with Latino community groups.

Supplemental Information

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: Articulates the library's vision and mission, embodies the library's customer service and leadership philosophies, brings creativity, energy and detail orientation to the planning process, thereby ensuring that the highest quality programs and events are offered by the library; is ever on the lookout for opportunities to partner with other community organizations to develop programs that will interest and educate the community; delivers excellent customer service and maximizes the use of the library's services and resources; is a team player; is skilled at, and dedicated to, communicating positively and effectively with coworkers, community members and other department and city staff; brings a body of experience for STEAM and teen programs; has evidential experience in management support; demonstrates the desire to work collaboratively with other city departments to coordinate and facilitate programs and events; demonstrates a desire for continuous learning.  

WORKING CONDITIONS - Required Physical and Mental Effort, and Environmental Conditions:

Physical and Mental Effort:  Partially sedentary and partially standing physical work in an indoor setting, requiring the ability to lift and push 40 pounds; occasional repetitive work, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing and walking. 

Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. 

Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written and electronic documents and materials. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone, via email, and in person.

Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to move throughout the work environment and work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard. 

Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. 

Work Environment:  Works primarily in clean, comfortable environment that can be occasionally noisy.  Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.   

Machines and equipment used include but are not limited to the following: Frequently uses standard office equipment and other library-specific equipment including personal computers, tablets, cell phones, calculators, label makers, VCR/DVD player, video projector, telephone, copy machines, barcode and computer printers, eBook readers, digital cameras, automated materials handlers, self-check machines, and various audio-visual equipment.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The City of Boulder provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

At the City of Boulder, we provide competitive salaries and valuable benefits to our employees. Eligibility for benefits is determined by the employee’s position.

• Retirement: One of the region’s best defined-benefit plans through Colorado PERA, more information at copera.org. Optional retirement plans include 401(k) and 457 plans
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: Up to 1.5 times annual salary, depending on the employee group
• Medical Insurance: Two medical options available through Cigna Healthcare
• Dental Insurance: Two dental options available through Delta Dental of Colorado
• Vision Insurance: Two vision options available through VSP
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits:
  • Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
  • Legal assistance
  • Identity theft protection available through LegalShield
  • Pet insurance available through PetsBest
  • Additional life Insurance for yourself and dependents available through The Standard
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential resources and secure tools to help employees or guide them through difficult times
• Leave Programs: Vacation leave, paid parental leave, sick leave, emergency leave and more
• Holidays: Nine full-day and two half-day paid holidays
• Well-Being Program: Recreation center passes, wellness education, training classes, wellness challenges, insurance premium discounts, and more!
• Other Benefits: Short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending plan choices, health savings accounts, free transportation passes and more!
• Discounts: Special savings on various purchasing or services such as childcare, fitness facilities, computers, phone plans, home and auto insurance, financial services and more!
• More information can be found here

The Community

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play.

With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks and a green belt around the city.  With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture. 

Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability, and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization.

Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.

This job posting is "continuous" or "open until filled” and will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

HR Info

Tim McClelland, Patron Services Manager mcclellandt@boulderlibrary.org