Job Opportunities
This position reports to the Head of Information Services and is responsible for providing responsive and effective circulation and research support across all aspects of Information Services operations. A key role on the library’s information services team, this position is accountable for activities related to both Circulation and Reference operations within the reorganized unit of Technology & Information Services, including borrower services, interlibrary loan, collection development, reference, instruction and outreach. The incumbent is expected to deliver point-of-need assistance to library customers and visitors, including first tier technology support and troubleshooting in the library’s new public service spaces.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Effectively assist with all Information Services operations, circulation and patron database, delivery, stacks maintenance and inventory control, information commons and study space management, technology loans, printer management and other services.
- Provide Adult reference and reader’s advisory services to library customers
- Create and present library programs in partnership with the Education department
- Provide effective face-to-face, phone, chat, text and email circulation and reference services using appropriate information resources.
- Assist library customers with accessing and using statewide online and digital resources
- Contribute to the library’s circulating collections through the selection, analysis, upkeep, and weeding of material in targeted areas.
- Work collaboratively with Information Services team members to assess department policies and procedures and assist with department documentation
- Resolve library customer problems with patience and diplomacy and ethically handle sensitive library customer and department information.
- Participate in library marketing, including book display merchandising, blog posts, digital signage, website and social media contributions.
- Participate in Library’s data collection and analysis efforts.
- Contribute to special projects, library-wide initiatives, and sponsor changes and improvements.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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:
- ALA accredited MLIS REQUIRED and 2-3 years previous library experience required.
- Knowledge of automated library systems, reference & access services operations, databases, copyright law, and web development strongly preferred.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
- Experience presenting workshops is essential.
- Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, intermediate word processing and spreadsheet abilities, and comfort 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.
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 part of the Union.
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours with weekends and nights required
Salary Range: $23 - $27
Please submit cover letter and resume by October 31, 2022.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
OR
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
OR
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
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.
Providence Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking an instructor for our Teen Squad: Introduction to Computer Hardware course. PPL’s Teen Squad programs empower teens to be content creators by exploring and learning new technology skills that are transferable to the real world. The Introduction to Computer Hardware course provides a foundation of the fundamentals of IT/Technical Support including: identifying, using, and connecting hardware components and devices, troubleshooting device and network issues, installing and configuring operating systems, and expanded security for youth with no or some previous computer hardware experience. Students learn computer hardware and networking skills using a fun and game-oriented approach. Participants in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to earn .5 high school credit through the Rhode Island Department of Education's (RIDE’s) All Course Network initiative and a stipend through the Governor’s Workforce Board.
The Instructor will teach the Introduction to Computer Hardware curriculum provided by PPL. The instructor may iterate on the curriculum with approval from PPL Teen Services staff.
The program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 5pm, January 24 - May 18, 2023 (60 instructional hours, 30 planning hours) at Providence Public Library - 150 Empire St, Providence, RI. The Instructor must be available for all dates and times listed above.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Instructor will report to the Head of Youth Services and work closely with the Teen Educator, Teen Librarian, and the Teen Teaching Assistant.
Duties will include but not be limited to; learning and teaching PPL provided curricula, iterating on the curriculum when appropriate and with approval from Teen Services staff, actively assisting a group of teens throughout the course, supporting teens while they complete their assigned tasks, and helping teens in choosing and completing their final projects.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated interest in working with youth ages 12 - 18;
- Thinks creatively and flexibly;
- Has patience, a good work ethic, and a sense of humor;
- Adapts to various situations while maintaining a calm demeanor;
- Ability to help create and maintain a positive learning environment;
- Open to giving, receiving, and implementing feedback;
- Demonstrates strength in the 21st Century skills of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Communication, Engagement in Own Learning, and Perseverance;
- Effective time management skills;
- Ability to develop and implement lesson plans and curriculum;
- Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning;
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, instructor, and teens in the class;
- Experience and cultural competence working with diverse communities;
- Presents a positive image of the library to the community;
- Other responsibilities as required for the success of the program.
EXPERIENCE & TRAINING
- Ability to use collaboration tools such as Google Drive or Slack;
- Experience installing and troubleshooting a diverse range of current and legacy computer hardware;
- Experience teaching in a formal or informal educational setting is a plus (not required);
- Experience working with teens is a plus (not required).
COMPENSATION
$30/hr (includes 60 hours class time and 30 hours preparation time)
Please submit cover letter and resume by Monday, October 31, 2022
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
Equal Opportunity
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.