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SalaryESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general supervision of the Manager of Branch Services, the Senior Librarian delivers outstanding customer service to diverse patrons of all ages and directs the day-to-day Youth Services activities of the branch. The Senior Librarian develops collections, programs, and services to respond to community needs, emphasizing youth and family services. They also perform leadership and administrative tasks as assigned by the manager and work in the adult areas of the branch and elsewhere as needed.
General Responsibilities:
Works collaboratively to develop and execute effective, relevant Youth Services programming for the community, taking into consideration principles of youth development; equity of access; library initiatives; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local youth and families. Operate audiovisual and STEAM equipment in the presentation of library programs. May assist with oversight of allocated budgets as assigned.
Works with the Manager of Branch Services to carry out a program of collection development and maintenance of the youth collection. Select, evaluate, and maintain collections in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets.
Deliver exceptional and engaging service to the public including reader’s advisory and reference services.
Perform functions related to circulation, including checkouts, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and compilation of statistics. May process deliveries and shelve materials.
Offer instruction and assistance to patrons for a wide range of technologies, including troubleshooting and maintenance. Develop and maintain expertise in a wide range of resources, especially literature and media for youth and new and emerging technology.
Actively promote library resources through programming, merchandising, and creating book lists, resource guides, and displays.
Raise awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Assist the Manager of Branch Services in coordinating branch relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving youth and families. Conduct regular outreach to outside groups and host library visits and tours for student and community groups.
May contribute to and participate in the development of the library’s online presence.
Perform all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities:
Support unit operations in a manner that embraces the Library’s mission and strategic framework and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users. Responsible for oversight of the branch in the absence of the manager or as assigned.
At the manager's request, may take responsibility for areas such as scheduling, training, coaching and contributing to staff performance evaluations.
Provide leadership and expertise in the areas of research, readers’ advisory, digital media and emerging technology, intellectual freedom, services for youth, and/or assigned subject matter; act as a resource to other library staff.
Communicate and apply library policies and procedures. Work with the Manager of Branch Services to lead staff in addressing, resolving, and documenting violations of the library patron behavior policy.
Provide active frontline leadership. Champion library initiatives, work alongside staff, inspire investment, act as a mentor, and provide daily guidance, expertise, and direction.
Play a leadership role in fostering a culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Assist with facilitating meetings and ensuring content is shared.
Other Responsibilities:
Execute administrative and organizational responsibilities, including but not limited to gathering and analyzing data, managing special projects, and generating reports.
Keep informed of professional developments and attend professional meetings and trainings; may represent the Library in professional venues or working groups as appropriate.
Attend meetings and trainings. Participate in and may lead workgroups for planning and implementing programs, projects and initiatives.
Any other duties as required for the good of the Library.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program and experience working with youth and with diverse populations is required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Exceptional customer service skills and commitment to public service.
Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse community and with individuals who may be experiencing hardships that impact their behavior.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
Sound judgment and strong problem-solving skills; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media for youth, digital resources, and new and emerging technology; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.
Knowledge of developmental principles, materials, intellectual freedom issues, and equity of access issues related to serving youth; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to establish positive relationships with patrons.
Demonstrated reference, readers’ advisory, programming, outreach, collection development, and project management knowledge and ability.
Knowledge of supervisory, leadership, change management, and process improvement principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and dependability in an environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: A minimum of 3 years of successful professional work experience strongly preferred. Previous public library experience, supervisory/managerial responsibility, and fluency in a language in addition to English are desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms and library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City's Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.
SCHEDULE: The work week is 37.5 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule requires a five-day work week and includes evenings and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.
- Monday 9:30am – 6:00pm (or off for Saturday)
- Tuesday 12:30am – 9:00pm
- Wednesday 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Thursday 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Friday 9:30am – 6:00pm
- Saturday #1 9:00am -2:30pm (of a 3-week rotation)
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
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ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve - one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@cambridgema.gov.
