The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for all New Yorkers for more than 100 years. NYPL's neighborhood libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island—many of which date to Andrew Carnegie's visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century—are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service, and vital community hubs that provide far more than just free books and materials.
The Young Adult Services (YAS) Department has developed a vision for teen services called "Teens 360". The goal is to surround teens with the spaces, resources, programming, relationships, and opportunities they need to not just succeed, but to thrive.
The Library is seeking Young Adult Librarians/Specialist II's who will focus on bringing new middle and high school audiences into NYPL's branches, and on engaging youth in programming that centers teen interests and teen voice. They will empower teens 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 Library Manager, the Young Adult Librarian/Specialist II:
Creates a space, in collaboration with Library staff, that is teen-centered, welcoming, and encourages emotional, social, and intellectual growth, building a sense of teen belonging.
Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media and digital resources
Collaborates with the Youth Educational Services Department to 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 teens, parents and childcare providers, including programs, visual and performing arts programming, STEM programs, summer reading events, and a variety of other programs both in the Library and throughout the community
Develop and modify, in collaboration with Library staff, flexible programs that engage and sustain teens in content creation while developing marketable skills.
Operate and inventory a variety of site-specific equipment including but not limited to desktop and laptop computers (PC and Mac), printers, cameras, music-making tools, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and microphones.
Provide teens with regular opportunities to showcase their work digitally and in print.
Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain the Young Adult's collection ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant and meets the needs of the community
Works to engage teens 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 teens to promote the library's services (e.g., MyLibraryNYC, the Library's partnership with NYC schools), collections, specialized programs and resources to enhance the reading skills of children and teens
Encourages digital literacy and provides age-appropriate technology instruction to children and teens
Develops and maintains content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest
Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the teen's space ensuring a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources
Mentors library staff in preparing and presenting teen's programs
Assists with circulation, fines & fees management, reserves and opening/closing procedures
May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
Maintains a working knowledge of trends in young adult literature, youth services and the profession through webinars, meetings, internal training, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships
Performs related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Experience
Master's degree in Library and Information Studies, Education, or a related field
Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York will be required (within 45 days upon hire) for any candidate with a Master's in Library and Information Studies
Required Skills
Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for Young Adults
Knowledge and appreciation of Young Adult literature, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant youth collection
Experience developing, maintaining and marketing Young Adult collections
Experience building partnerships with local organizations and schools to better meet the needs of community users
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
Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for young adults in urban public libraries preferred
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
Be Resourceful in solving problems
Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
Multiple locations across NYPL branches
Physical Duties
May require lifting up to 15 lbs
Sitting and standing for periods of time
Daily use of a computer
Pre-PlacementPhysical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Libraries
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