Community Engagement Librarian 1 – Sequoya Library (Madison WI)

SALARY:     $2,002.66 /BiWeekly
COMP. GROUP/RANGE: 33/01
JOB TYPE: PERMANENT FULL TIME
DEPARTMENT: Library
OPENING DATE: 05/11/17
CLOSING DATE: 06/11/17 11:59 PM

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Important:
• There are two (2) supplemental essay questions on the job posting.
• Applications received without attached essay responses will immediately be eliminated from consideration.
• Attach your written response in the attachment section of your application.
• To view the questions, click on the Supplemental Question tab OR view the bottom section of the job bulletin

Women and people of color are encouraged to apply

Madison Public Library (MPL) is a dynamic organization that actively embraces the changing role of libraries, and was awarded the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Our new Central Library opened in 2013, featuring a fully equipped media lab, gigabit connectivity, ample meeting rooms, and our critically acclaimed Bubbler program which has since been able to expand through major grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Our eight neighborhood libraries have similarly embraced new services and technology, such as our Meadowridge Library’s community kitchen that supports youth nutrition and food preparation programs. Employment at MPL means working alongside talented people who are deeply committed to service and making a difference in people’s lives. Our outstanding and collegial workforce is highly valued by the community, and includes staff members who have received national recognition or awards for their work. We value and support diverse perspectives, intellectual freedom, learning in all forms, collaboration, and innovation.

This position is responsible professional library work, based at the Sequoya Library in the heart of Madison’s west side. Madison’s largest Neighborhood Library, Sequoya averages more than 32,000 visitors per month. Your role will be to develop and implement library programs and services both within and outside the library that celebrate ideas, promote creativity, connect people and enrich lives. You’ll provide leadership and coordination in neighborhood library operations, including work activities of staff, facilities and technology needs, assisting in the hiring of staff, and recruiting and coordinating adult volunteers.

You’ll engage deeply with the community, and provide reference service, reader’s advisory, and basic technology assistance to diverse customers of all ages. You’ll promote literacy, reading and awareness of library resources, fostering a positive image for the library as you work to identify and meet the needs of the community. You’ll be a community leader, working cooperatively with residents, community organizations, and other City of Madison employees to ensure that Madison is a safe and healthy place to live, work, learn and play.

You may be assigned to a variety of library programs, services and functions at locations throughout the community necessitating judgment and discretion in their development and implementation. You may lead and/or coordinate staff as assigned. You will actively participate in the development and maintenance of library collections, by evaluating collections and exercising professional judgment in recommending and/or purchasing library materials; and/or in removing outdated or unwanted materials.  Work is performed under the general supervision of a Librarian 3 or Library Supervisor.

Librarian 1
This is the entry level of the professional librarian career progression series. This work is initially characterized by more structured assignments, and/or is more closely reviewed, until the employee gains requisite operational skills and program familiarity.  Work is performed under the general supervision of a Library Supervisor. This series is structured to provide advancement from Librarian 1 to Librarian 2 (consistent with City policy).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop, promote and implement programs to a broad range of community members in support of the library’s mission, vision, and objectives;
• Facilitate partnerships with the community that will promote racial equity and social justice;
• Provide professional library reference and reader’s advisory service;
• Provide for the safe and efficient operation of the library facility;
• Ensure a functional and attractive in-library customer experience;
• Provide direct services to customers at an all-ages Ask Desk;
• Prioritize and monitor staff and volunteer activities consistent with established objectives and changing operational needs;
• Develop and maintain the library collection in accordance with professional library best practices;
• Monitor trends and best practices in community engagement;
• Understand and advocate for broader community needs;
• Perform related work as assigned.

For a complete list of the duties and responsibilities, please reference the Librarian 1 classification specification.

For more information about the Madison Public Library and its programs, please visit: http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited library school with a master’s degree in library or information science.
OR
A master’s degree in education, human development, or public health AND two years of experience applying Library science theories, principles, practices, and terminology applicable to a public library and community engagement.

If an applicant does not possess the specific requirements outlined above, Human Resources will review the application materials to determine if the applicant possesses the following equivalent experience:

Four years experience in applying the following:
• Library science theories, principles, practices, and terminology applicable to a public library and community engagement.

Two years experience in applying the following:
• Automated and manual library systems.
• Library reference and/or collection development strategies and resources.
• Computer software applicable to the duties of the position.

Familiarity with the following:
• Project management principles and practices.
• Community engagement within library systems.
• Child development and education.
• Cultural and economic issues involved in serving traditionally underserved populations.

Ability to:
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Perform as a leader and as a collaborative team member.
• Apply research and professional reading to practice.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in making choices on the spot.
• Maintain a flexible approach to assignments and schedules.
• Multi-task while remaining accessible and helpful.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its citizens and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please reference the Librarian 1 classification specification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:
Employees in this position must be able to lift/carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds (equivalent to a bucket of books) and must be capable of pushing wheeled carts of books and other materials weighing up to 200 pounds onto and off elevators, and across carpeted areas. In addition, they must be able to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, reach overhead, and repeatedly lift books weighing as much as three pounds.

*The salary for this position will receive a 2% pay increase as of July 2, 2017.

*The payroll title is Librarian 1.

Online posting and application information