Under direction of the Community Learning Supervisor or delegate, responsible for carrying out the Library’s programs of service to the public with emphasis on public instruction as well as advanced and specialized reference work, and to perform professional work requiring substantial application of professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to

Community Learning Supervisor (P4)

Supervises

As assigned, professional and support staff

• Performs difficult and involved reference service requiring a high level of professional competence and specialized knowledge in locating materials and suggesting resources within the Library and in other libraries.
• Assists patrons in the use of the library’s resources through personal consultation, instruction, programs, online guides, and other means.
• Assists Community Learning Supervisor in creating and teaching a sustainable public instruction curriculum that best meets the needs of the citizens of Boston and supports the BPL’s Compass Strategic Plan.
• Provides instruction to the public on a variety of topics, including the use of library resources, basic computer and other information technology usage, and other personal and professional skill-building programs. Works with Community Learning Supervisor to develop and implement subject-related instruction based on user need.
• Works with Community Learning Supervisor and library staff instructors to create a teaching culture at the BPL, where teaching strategies, learning goals, active teaching and learning techniques, knowledge of emerging technologies, digital and information literacies become integrated into the Library's classes and reference work.
• Assists with creation and implementation of provision of regularly scheduled public instruction classes in Spanish and other languages as demand arises.
• Participates in the creation of digital content for classes to be used by students, instructors and the public visitors to the BPL's website.
• Participates in the orientation to public instruction for new staff, both instructors and teaching assistants.
• Assists in the training of professional and support staff and in the orientation of both staff and members of the public to the services of the team.
• Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections and recommends improvements to enhance public service.
• Assists in the selection of books and other materials and in the on-going evaluation and maintenance of the Library’s collections. 
• Participates in the development of interactive relationships with local service agencies and organizations to stimulate use of library’s resources.
• Participates in recommending and/or planning changes in service or new services.
• Participates in and initiates special bibliographic projects.  Assists in the compilation of annotated online lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• Promotes use of the resources and collections provided by the Library by assisting in development of discovery tools and resource guides online, developing content for the web and bibliographies, preparing written descriptions, and organizing programs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of innovative online services that connect library users with collections, lowers hurdles to access for researchers, and facilitates the sharing of knowledge among users.
• Keeps current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training and other professional activities.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited library school.  Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. In exceptional instances specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.  Fluency in additional languages preferred.
• Two years of appropriate library professional experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.
• Proficiency with MSWord, Publisher, Power Point, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and public.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographical tools and resources.

Some evening and weekend hours.  Ability to travel to off-site locations, as assigned.

Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.

Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Hours per week: 35