Job Description
DPL is committed to serving the evolving needs of Denverites through inspired programming, diverse collections, culturally-representative spaces and equitable policies & procedures. The library's priority populations, those which we focus our resources on, include BIPOC, vulnerable youth, people who are digitally isolated, unemployed, unhoused, immigrants, refugees, and older adults.
DPL and the Collection Development Office (CDO) are committed to providing materials to communities that speak diverse languages, focusing on those spoken most in Denver. In addition to English, the top five spoken languages are Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Somali, and Amharic. Currently, 18% of Denver’s population speaks Spanish, and 36.4% of students in Denver Public Schools speak Spanish.
What You’d Do:
The Spanish Special Collections Librarian participates in building a relevant, high interest, all-ages Spanish collection, as well as any other selection areas as determined by the needs of the department. This role exercises professional judgment and expertise in the selection of appropriate materials, utilizing an equity, diversity, and inclusion framework for decision making. Accountable for good stewardship in spending collection budget line items and must spend tax dollars responsibly, and in alignment with DPL’s mission, vision, and values. You will track assigned budgets, analyze usage reports and make necessary adjustments. Participate in determining equitable annual budget allocations for library materials. You will uphold the concept of Intellectual Freedom which affords all library users the right to seek and receive information on the subject of one’s interest without examination or scrutiny by others.
About You:
The ideal candidate for this role will be committed to their professional growth and the development of the library's collections by understanding trends, analyzing data, and identifying diverse titles. Additional qualities of the successful candidate are below:
Preferred qualifications:
Skill in writing Spanish accurately
Experience working with children’s materials/customer service
Proficiency with the library catalog and familiarity with online ordering tools
Participates in additional projects including opening day collections, collection refreshes, and renovations
Assures that items are ordered in a timely manner and in quantities that meet demand.
Working knowledge of the elements that make up a relevant, popular, high-interest public library collection for all ages, including broad-based collection development practices and current trends in selection, ordering, customer driven programs, and vendor services
Ability to be self-motivated and work effectively independently, and collaborate with CDO and other teams when necessary to complete tasks as assigned.
Participate in committees when needed to explore new products or services, improve cross-departmental communication and/or establish new procedures
Respond to collection requests from customers and staff using informed judgment, attention to equity, and good stewardship principles
Demonstrate professional, positive, cooperative, and culturally sensitive relationships with coworkers, staff, and customers
Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with vendors
Ability to utilize vendor sites, professional tools, and review resources to evaluate and select materials and resources
Previous job experience using Spanish fluency while working with Spanish speaking populations
Cultural knowledge of Spanish speaking populations, to be able to identify and address disparities in Spanish materials access and use
Fosters close ties with branch staff to analyze existing collections, community trends and use library data to promote collections and improve collection performance
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered:
Submission of a resume that lists your work experience and a cover letter that connects your experience to this position.
A Master's in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution or plans to receive one within 90 days of hire.
Spanish language reading and speaking fluency
Other things to know:
This position is based out of the Central Library but primarily works remotely during the pandemic and while the Central Library is under construction. Some on-site work at Central and in-person meetings at Central and various locations in the city will be required. There is no free parking available at the Central Library. We do offer a reduced cost RTD Ecopass with convenient access to public transportation and indoor, secure bicycle parking.
This posting is anticipated to close on March 11th. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience in order to be considered.
The Community
The Denver Public Library (DPL) is a growing urban library system that serves the City & County of Denver. DPL sees more than 4 million visitors every year across its 27 locations, serves Denver’s most vulnerable communities through outreach and mobile services, hosts thousands of programs a year and manages a collection of more than 1.4 million physical and digital materials. We believe a strong library is vital for a strong community.
Website
https://denverlibrary.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://denver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CCD-denver-denvergov-CSC_Jobs-Civil_service_jobs-Police_Jobs-Fire_Jobs