New York Public Library is hiring: Supervising Librarian - Andrew Heiskell Libra

Overview

The Andrew Heiskell Library is a branch of the New York Public Library, as well as a member of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) – serving as the Regional NLS Library for the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island. With over 16,000 individual borrowers and 600 enrolled institutions, Heiskell Library provides access to talking books, magazines and braille materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise physically unable to read standard print. The Heiskell Library collection offers instant access to 145,000 titles for all ages, including classic literature, current bestsellers, popular magazines, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. It also has a large collection of braille materials, including a special collection of braille sheet music, and a significant number of Spanish-language titles and titles in other languages.

The Heiskell Library Reader Services Team processes applications for National Library Service, provides reader advisory services at two onsite helpdesks and a 6-day-a-week reference service call center, and offers community programming with an emphasis on providing enrichment and resources to New Yorkers of all abilities. The high volume of physical and digital checkouts to NLS patrons places Heiskell Library among the top-circulating branches in the NYPL system.

In addition to providing specialized services to NLS patrons, the Heiskell Library also serves as a traditional neighborhood branch library for the Chelsea/Flatiron area. It maintains a relevant collection of circulating and reference materials for all ages, including standard print as well as braille and large print materials. It is a popular location for multiple storytimes per week, public computer terminals, quiet study and work, and holds pickup.

The Supervising Librarian at Andrew Heiskell Library is responsible for directly managing and supervising the Reader Services Team, with accountability for delivering high-quality collections and programming to people who are blind, physically disabled, and/or print disabled. The Supervising Librarian oversees programs and services that give these patrons access to materials for literacy across the lifespan.

The Supervising Librarian works alongside and collaborates with Heiskell's Assistive Technology Team, which provides group and one-on-one technology coaching to patrons, and connects with the community through frequent outreach. Heiskell Library houses a recording studio where volunteers narrate, monitor, and proof 30-35 original book recordings per year. The studio focuses on producing audiobooks of interest to diverse New York communities and highlighting local history, which become available to a national audience through the NLS collections.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates outreach initiatives, develops and maintains partnerships with public libraries (including departments within NYPL), non-profits, schools, agencies, and service providers for people with physical and/or print disabilities, including presenting at meetings and events, and coordinates Reader Services team participation in outreach efforts throughout NYC and Long Island.
• Oversees staff efforts to plan and deliver engaging public programs and special events, evaluate needs, publicize events, and spearhead the creation of innovative new projects.
• Works with the Managing Librarian to develop public service improvement initiatives including optimizing physical space usage and staff allocation, addressing staff and patron needs, and improving operational procedures and workflows.
• Serves as an administrator of the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), Heiskell Library’s patron and collection management database, and oversees maintenance of the braille and talking book collection, accuracy of bibliographic and patron data, and materials selection by Readers Services team. Collects and reports on statistics.
• Develops strategies to anticipate and address the Library’s role in shaping the digital and general future of braille and talking book service, and the needs of patrons with disabilities at NYPL service, implementing the reader advisory side of nationally coordinated initiatives from NLS, and staying in touch with other NLS Regional Libraries for best practices.
• Models customer service standards, particularly for serving patrons with specialized needs, and provides public service by phone, email, and in person.
• Oversees Library operations in the absence of other supervisors.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies.
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience in a library environment with increasing levels of responsibility, including supervisory duties.
• Excellent project management and team leadership skills.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, including the ability to work patiently, thoroughly, and accurately with patrons who may need extended assistance.
• Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver effective presentations to the public.
• Successful track record of demonstrating creativity, flexibility, and initiative in accommodating community and staff needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver a diverse program of activities and perform outreach.
• Collection development experience.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and library access for people of all abilities.
• Capacity and willingness for professional development.
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
• Strong computer and related technology skills including MS Office and Google applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of library resources.

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly manages the Reader Services team of 7 staff members (6.5 FTE) with accountability for staff hiring, staff development, team-building, coaching and performance management.

More...

Core Values All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Public service library.

Physical Duties

• Lifting up to 15 lbs.
• Remaining stationary for periods of time.
• Daily use of a computer.

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

35 hours per week to be scheduled on days of regular library hours.

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.