Job Description
HEAD OF INFORMATION SERVICES
(FT-35 HRS/WK)
Are you excited about library services, developing teams and helping people? Join our team at Providence Public Library and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including: fifteen paid holidays, twenty-two paid vacation days, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefit options and a matching 403(b) plan.
We are seeking a dynamic, empathetic and energetic information professional to lead our Information Services team. This position oversees all aspects of the Information Services department, including hiring, staff development, management of the general collections budget and selection activity. The Head of Information Services will also have a proven record of providing outstanding and innovative programs and services to diverse audiences, and cultivating positive and productive partnerships with community organizations. The ideal person in this position will have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community.
This position reports to the Director of Technology and Information Services and innovatively champions the Information Services team to provide responsive and effective circulation and reference support across all aspects of Information Services operations. This position is accountable for activities related to both Circulation and Reference operations including borrower services, interlibrary loan, delivery, collection development, reference, education, and outreach. The incumbent supervises the delivery of point-of-need assistance to library customers and visitors, including second tier technology troubleshooting and support.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Directs Information Services team in providing reference, readers/audiovisual/technology advisory and borrower services for library customers.
- Lead teams to create, coordinate and present library programs, special events and outreach for the community.
- Maintains schedule for Information Services team in coordination with the Senior Information Services Librarian and Senior Information Services Specialist.
- Works collaboratively with other departments to present public programs and develop complementary services.
- Designs and directs Information Services Librarian’s programming and workshops, ensuring that they are responsive to community needs. Cultivate and maintain community partnerships.
- Works with the internal Marketing team to create and coordinate publicity and marketing for library educational programs and events.
- Works collaboratively with other departments on library marketing, including book display
- Develops relationships with area libraries and organizations through presentations and collaborative projects.
- Directly supervises Senior Information Services Librarian, Senior Information Services Specialist and Technology Specialist; organizes ongoing training for all teams.
- Provides Adult reference and reader’s advisory service to library customers.
- Manages the Library's general collections budget and organizes and oversees selection activity, large scale collection projects and maintenance, weeding efforts and health of the general collections.
- Oversight of general collections, which includes developing and maintaining the library’s Collection Development Policy.
- Analyze usage trends to guide the development of adult general collections, direct information-driven and intensive collection maintenance efforts, including item database cleanups, weeding projects, quality and bibliographic control, and other activities relating to the upkeep of historic and diverse circulating materials.
- Analyze usage trends to guide borrower policies and procedures; prioritize equitable access to collections and information; direct policy- and information-driven maintenance of the Library's patron database.
- Participates in the Library's data collection and analysis efforts.
- Participates fully as a member of Library management and disaster response team; agility and capacity to respond to demands of managing public services in a busy, urban setting.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends
- Other duties as assigned.
- Stays current with library trends and emerging technologies.
- Participates in professional development activities and represent the library in committee work at local and state level as necessary.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required:
- MLS from a graduate library school accredited by ALA and 5 years of library experience required.
- Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable supervisory experience.
- A strong background in computers/technology, digital literacy and non-print materials formats.
- Empathy, patience, tact, and excellent communication skills.
- Enjoys learning as well as teaching.
- Ability to train and supervise library staff.
- Evidence of teaching/presentation experience and facility
- Strong organizational talents.
- Demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
- Poise in a busy setting serving library customers and staff with high expectations.
- Excellent reference skills and ability to relate to library customers of all ages.
- Ability to exhibit good judgment and establish effective working relationships with staff, colleagues within the library system, and local government personnel.
- Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others.
- Ability to exercise leadership and motivate others.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with community organizations.
- Warm, outgoing personality.
- Spanish speaking is very desirable
- Knowledge of automated library systems, reference and circulation service operations, databases, copyright law, and web development strongly preferred.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
- Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, intermediate word processing and spreadsheet abilities, and ease with technology and social media are imperative.
- Outstanding work ethic, strong commitment to customer-centered services and flexibility is critical.
- Candidates must possess the ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced team environment with diverse patrons and coworkers.
- Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets and other various Google applications experience required.
- Proficient using virtual meeting applications.
Additional Requirements:
Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
Position Location – Providence, RI
Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, alternating Saturdays and evening hours required
Salary: $65,000
Position open until filled.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
OR to:
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity Employer
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
The Community
Providence Public Library (PPL) is a 144-year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through its rich and historic physical and digital collections, extensive information resources, thought-provoking exhibitions, impactful educational programs, and expert staff.
PPL is continually transforming and focused on providing equally transformative experiences for all Rhode Islanders. The Library is actively expanding our reach through critical statewide collaborations and serving as an open and supportive teaching and learning place where communities can connect, experience, create and achieve, whether in our physical or virtual realms.
To achieve our mission, the Library is strategically focused on serving Rhode Island families and early care providers, teens, downcity residents, learners seeking workforce development, and those pursuing creative and scholarly endeavors.
Website
Www.provlib.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.provlib.org/about-us/job-opportunities/
HR Info
Email cover letter and resume to: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
ATTN: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903