Position Overview 

Under the direction of the Research Services Team Leader or delegate and within the framework of Library policies and practices, participates in reference service to the public. The work also includes the performance of various tasks requiring the successful application of the knowledge of professional literature, bibliographic sources, and principles of information delivery and services.

Reports to

Research Services Team Leader or delegate (P4)

Supervises

As assigned, professional and support staff

Scope of Responsibility

• Provides reference service to the public in a variety of methods (in person, telephone, online, via e-mail, etc.) by responding to requests for information and answering such requests by using informational resources in all formats.                                       
• Assists patrons in the use of the Library’s resources through personal consultation, instruction, programs, online content, and other means.
• Assists in the selection of books and other materials and in the ongoing evaluation and maintenance of the Library’s collections.   
• 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. In consultation with Community Learning, develops and implements subject-related instruction based on user need. 
• Participates in developing and presenting outreach and programming activities to promote the use of the Library’s collections and services. Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities, such as tours, and bibliographic instruction. 
• Participates in special bibliographic projects. Assists in the compilation of annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials. 
• Promotes use of the resources and collections provided by the Library by assisting in the development of discovery tools and resource guides online, developing content for the web and bibliographies, preparing written descriptions, and organizing programs.
• 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 curators in determining the eligibility of collections and individual volumes for digitization. 
• Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections and recommends improvements to enhance public service. 
• 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, reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities. 
• Participates in recommending and/or planning changes in service or new services.
• Participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education – 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. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Experience – Some appropriate library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.

Competencies

• Proficiency with MS Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, 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 the public.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographical tools and resources.

Requirements

• Some evening and weekend hours. Ability to travel to off-site locations as assigned.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA / P-1

Hours per week: 35