LIBRARY Community Outreach Librarian

Transcription

1 LIBRARY Community Outreach Librarian DEFINITION Position is responsible for performing administrative functions for the Library Department, including developing, planning, promoting, coordinating and directing programs and events for diverse populations. Employee functions as primary promotional agent for the library and as liaison to the Friends of the Library and external community organizations for the purpose of determining needs, building community relations and coordinating outreach projects. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Leads Library s efforts in reaching and serving diverse user population; analyzes community needs and investigates available and cost beneficial program resources; plans, develops, organizes, coordinate, promotes, directs cultural, civic, informational or recreational programs intended for adult audiences. Leads discussion groups organized around books and other media. Collaborates with and supports Children s and Young Adult Librarians and others in planning and conducting programs aimed at younger audiences. Publicizes and promotes library as intellectual center of Town through programming, research help and information literacy instruction, displays, marketing, publications and orientation. Designs and produces program and promotional materials to reach intended audience, communicates with performers and program providers; produces registration materials, schedules staff and volunteers, procures and provides required resources; maintains and reports service evaluation and statistics to Library Director. Establishes joint partnerships between Library and Town departments, surrounding communities and schools. Coordinates and supervises adult and community volunteers; supervises use of meeting room and other library facilities for library sponsored programs, community organizations and local businesses. Coordinates tours, events, presentations. Collaborates with existing partners to provide service and/or promote the library, including but not limited to schools, underrepresented communities, home delivery, senior facilities, special populations and business community. Manages traditional and social media to promote library participation in community. Prepares and disseminates brochures, news releases, bulletins, posters and other public relations materials to promote library services. Maintains calendar of meetings 1

2 and events, assists in producing newsletters and announcements in various media formats. Assists in maintenance of Community Message Board on behalf of municipal departments and non-profit community organizations. Maintains library social media presence and assists in updating information on department website. Promotes interest in library as community resource by visiting and speaking to school, civic and social organizations. Works with and supports Friends of the Library. Serves as principal contact for community groups, organizations and individuals interested in Outreach services. In collaboration with library director, develops grant and award applications to secure funding for community partnership initiatives, outreach service opportunities. Works at all public service desks. Serves as back up to other public departments as needed, responding to patron requests for reference circulation and instructional services. Performs similar or related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Under general direction, employee plans and prioritizes the majority of work independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. Employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions accordingly. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor. SUPERVISION EXERCISED The supervisor, as a regular and continuing part of the job, is accountable for the quality and quantity of work done by subordinates and assures the accomplishment of the assigned work in the prescribed manner. The incumbent gives advice and instruction on both administrative and work matters; informs subordinates of organizational policies, goals and procedures; re solves employee complaints and recommends disciplinary actions, such as oral warnings and reprimands; has substantial responsibility for technical soundness of subordinates work. ACCOUNTABILITY The nature of the professional or technical work means that errors in analysis, techniques or recommendations would probably be difficult to detect. Consequences of errors, missed 2

3 deadlines or poor judgment could result in excessive costs, delay of service delivery, or legal repercussions. JUDGMENT The work requires examining, analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems, situations or transactions, and determining actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practices. Guidelines include a large body of professional principles, policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities in conjunction with procedural concerns in decision making. Requires understanding, interpreting and applying federal, state and local regulations. COMPLEXITY The work consists of the practical application of a variety of concepts, practices and specialized techniques relating to a professional or technical field. Assignments typically involve evaluation and interpretation of factors, conditions or unusual circumstances; inspecting, testing or evaluating compliance with established standards or criteria; gathering, analyzing and evaluating facts or data using specialized fact finding techniques; or determining the methods to accomplish the work. NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation. Courtesy, tact and diplomacy may be required to resolve complains or deal with hostile, uncooperative or uniformed persons. CONFIDENTIALITY Employee has access to s ensitive and confidential and privacy information in the performance of their duties. 3

4 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Master s degree in Library and Information Science from accredited college or university and from one up to three years of library experience specializing in community services or a related area or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to obtain certification from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS Knowledge: Knowledge of library sciences and library management principles, practices and procedures; knowledge of the community, services, and department operations; knowledge of library technology and social media. Abilities: Ability to plan, organize and coordinate time sensitive events and resources; a bility to provide quality public relations and to produce effective promotional materials. Ability to foster open communication and cooperative relationships. Skills: Technology, oral and written communication and customer service skills. Must have skill in supervision, interpersonal relations and written, verbal and online communication. Presentation skills. Skill in downloading medial, blogs, social networks and website maintenance. 4

5 WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical library. Noise and disruptive behavior of patrons may be distracting. Incumbent may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to emergency situations or to attend special programs. PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS Physical Skills Physical demands are required to perform much of the work. The work involves periods of standing, with intermittent periods of reaching, stooping, and walking. May be required to lift or move objects such as book trucks, boxes of books, office supplies, and office supplies and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Motor Skills Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, using office equipment, including but not limited to telephones, personal computers, handheld technology, and other office equipment. Visual Skills Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general underst anding and analytical purposes and viewing a computer monitor. 5