About this role
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. Heiskell boasts a very large browsable collection of braille materials, including a unique special collection of braille sheet music. The collection includes a significant number of Spanish-language titles, as well as titles in a number of 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 bustling Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood. Heiskell maintains a responsive collection of circulating and reference materials for all ages, with standard print as well as braille and large print materials available. Heiskell Library is a popular location for multiple storytimes per week, public computer terminals, quiet study and work, and holds pickup.
Andrew Heiskell Library is seeking a senior Librarian to empower patrons of all ages and abilities to become creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and resourceful users of information. Successful candidates will embody each of these four characteristics themselves.
Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of the Supervising Librarian, the Senior Librarian: Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources Collaborates with library staff and central programming departmentsto develop, promote and facilitate innovative programs to build literacy and a love of reading to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community’s patrons, through book clubs, visual and performing arts programming, STEM programs, summer reading events, class visits, and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community Serves as the primary contact for services and outreach focused on teen patrons, but supports patrons of all ages Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain standard print, large print, audiobook, and braille collections ensuring they are diverse, current, relevant and meet the needs of the community; works to engage patrons with the collection in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones Conducts outreach to and develops partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and community groups that target patrons of all ages throughout NYC and Long Island, to promote the library’s services, collections, specialized programs and resources to enhance the reading skills of patrons of all abilities, with a particular focus on patrons with print disabilities Encourages digital literacy and provides age-appropriate technology instruction to patrons of all ages Knows and follows customer service standards, particularly for serving patrons with specialized needs, and provides public service by phone, email, and in person Uses the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), Heiskell Library’s specialized patron and collection management database Performs related duties as required Required Education & Experience ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York Required Skills Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage that includes people of all abilities Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs Knowledge and appreciation of literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant collection Experience developing, maintaining and marketing collections.
- Experience building partnerships with local organizations to better meet the needs of community users, particularly those with print disabilities Demonstrated customer service skills, including the ability to work patiently, thoroughly, and accurately with patrons who may need extended assistance Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills 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 other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices Experience with or demonstrated interest in braille and talking books Demonstrated advanced knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases Proclivity to learn new skills and apply them to the changing work environment Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities Supervises and mentors teen volunteers and interns May temporarily oversee the library in the absence of the Managing Librarian