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Form of workCoordinator-Reader Services
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter with application by March 10, 2024
Job Summary: The Coordinator of Reader Services (CRS) works to create opportunities and experiences to actively connect individuals and audiences of all ages to the joy of books and reading through readers’ advisory services, connections with authors, reader-focused programs and events, and other active engagement opportunities. They utilize knowledge of community interests to lead the development of reader services that capture and spark the individual and collective imagination around reading.
The CRS provides strategic vision in identifying and implementing ways reader services can positively impact the social, emotional, and intellectual lives of library users. They ensure CLP is a leader and essential partner in the reading ecosystem of Pittsburgh and the region. They connect users with collections, resources, experiences, information, and learning opportunities that support their reading interests within the context of the Library’s mission, strategic plan, and service standards.
The CRS works as a member of the Public Service and Collection Services teams, under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Collection Services. They will collaborate closely with the Collection Services and Office of Programmatic Services staff, location and departmental staff across the system, and support departments to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to the support of readers and reading throughout the community; design systems that encourage socialization around reading; and build connections, collaborations, and partnerships with community organizations, institutions, and peer libraries that promote reading.
The CRS develops organizational capacity around readers’ services by leading onboarding and continuous learning opportunities for library staff in conjunction with the Coordinator of Staff Training and Development. They motivate, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff and guide and manage the work of other staff across the system to achieve systemwide goals.
Location: CLP-Library Support Center
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $60,000-65,000/year
Number of Vacancies: 1
Hiring Supervisor: Sarah Beasley-Assistant Director-Collection Services
Essential Functions:
- Coordinate the development and management of readers’ advisory services and reader-focused programs and events to actively engage and involve the community in the joy of reading;
- Lead and collaborate on the development and delivery of events involving authors, publishers, and book sellers;
- Serve as the primary point of contact for author and publisher inquiries related to programs and events;
- Connect with partners, community organizations, and businesses that promote reading and authors;
- Lead CLP’s participation in community events that cultivate a love of reading;
- Develop services, including programs, that support, encourage and uplift local authors;
- Foster communication and engagement with colleagues across the system and throughout the county;
- Develop readers’ advisory skills of staff through ongoing learning opportunities and support;
- Play a leadership role via the appropriate committees, teams, and groups of staff in the organization’s active engagement of readers, both virtually and in person, including direct oversight of reader-focused projects across the system;
- Establish consistent expectations around programming, service, instruction, community engagement and outreach delivery for reader’s services in collaboration with the Office of Programmatic Services, while developing support systems for smaller locations and less experienced staff;
- Serve as a member of the Collection Services team supporting the day-to-day operations as needed;
- Model behaviors in patron-focused service, self-directed learning, strategic thinking and planning, and personal accountability;
- Engage and collaborate effectively with a diverse public, peers, and staff;
- Engage in relevant service discussions and professional groups and engage in leadership and professional development opportunities to influence innovation and service design;
- Analyze, interpret, and act upon data and trends in library collections, programs, and services, both locally and nationally;
- Create and manage budgets for reader services and related activities, including grant and other special funds;
- Work in conjunction with the grant manager and development department to create and manage grant or donor-supported reader-related events and services;
- Support Cooperative Allegheny Library Support (CALS), including existing services and developing and implementing new services to support and engage with libraries in our consortium
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies and Qualifications:
- Deep background in reader services, including programming, events, and services, experience in promotion, familiarity with publishers and publishing trends;
- Ability to use metrics and statistics to assess the effectiveness of services and programs and to determine and measure outcomes and impact;
- Knowledge of current trends and issues in and beyond the library arena and the ability to provide a rich and creative understanding of their implications for effective library services to readers;
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership skills; an experienced manager and collaborative management team player; and a willingness to embrace and guide change;
- Excellent communication skills including diplomacy, tact, negotiation, active listening skills, and strong group facilitation skills;
- Ability to articulate a vision and strategic direction to a wide variety of audiences; strategic thinking;
- Flexibility and adaptability;
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to develop and present training and skill building materials to library staff;
- Capacity to collaborate across departments and locations, building consensus among staff and stakeholders;
- Competency in project management practices and related tools;
- Understanding of CLP’s organization, services, locations and policies;
- Ability to establish an environment of open, honest communication and rational decision-making, and the ability to navigate work assignments among all levels of staff to accomplish the mission and goals of the Library;
- Experience managing a budget, including grant and special funds;
- Ability to work interdepartmentally and achieve consensus, coordinate with internal and external constituencies.
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA (American Library Association) accredited university, or equivalent experience in the book industry;
- Five years of progressive experience and increasing responsibility in a public library or similar environment, including demonstrated project management, leadership and supervision;
- Experience with virtual programs and events and hybrid presentation technologies;
- Experience in reader-focused programs and services;
- Experience in planning and managing events; experience with organizing author events preferred;
- Experience in marketing and promoting events and services.
Clearance Requirements:
- PA State Criminal Record Check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) Fingerprint Criminal Record Check
