Children's Librarian Trainee - Morrisania LibraryDepartment: Branch LibrariesEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Morrisania LibraryReporting To: Colbert NembhardCompensation: $52,559 - $55,102 / yearDescriptionOverviewAre you an MLS student who is committed to changing lives and strengthening communities through the power of learning and reading?This position involves responsibility for learning library procedures, techniques, and skills under professional guidance of the manager and other experienced library staff. As the Trainee progresses through MLS coursework and in professional ability, he/she will be assigned increased responsibilities related to library operations.Candidates for the Library Trainee program are selected on the basis of interest in library work and relevant experience. If selected, a Trainee is required to obtain the Master's degree in librarianship from a school accredited by the American Library Association.The appointment may be terminated if the Trainee fails to complete the program within 3.5 years or does not show ability to develop skills in the performance of professional library tasks. Upon graduation, the Trainee must obtain a Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.Key ResponsibilitiesUnder the mentorship of the Library Manager and experienced library staff, the Library Trainee learns to perform the duties of a public librarian while pursuing a Master’s degree in librarianship. Over time, the Trainee performance increasingly difficult public service functions and engages children through collections, services, and programs in ways that allow them to follow their interests and discover new ones.Responsibilities include:
Assists with outreach to and developing partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, local businesses, and community groups that to promote the Library’s services, collections, specialized programs, and resources
Co-facilitates group and family visits to the Library to enhance the reading skills of children, young adults and adults
Promotes our collections and reading through readers advisory, staff picks, recommendation lists, blog entries, author talks, book discussions, and other innovative ways, both on site and online
Provides reference services and resource recommendations using print, media, and digital resources
Collaborates with the Educational Services Department and Library Manager to develop skills in creating, promoting and facilitating innovative programs to build literacy and a love of reading to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of the community, including early literacy programs, visual and performing arts programming, STEM programs, homework help, gaming events, book discussions, author talks, technology classes, and more
Partners with the collection development team to shape and maintain the collection, ensuring it is diverse, current, relevant, and meets the needs of the community
Learns to foster digital literacy and provide age-appropriate technology instruction to children, young adults, and adults
Assists with development and maintenance of content for social media platforms such as Library blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest
Develops and maintains the layout and appearance of the space to ensure a safe and inviting area filled with relevant resources
Assists with branch operations, including circulation, fines & fees management, reserves, and opening/closing procedures
In the absence of the Library Manager, may take responsibility for the facility, staff, and operations
Performs related duties as required
Library Trainee salaries are based on completed credits in an ALA-approved MLIS program and range from $52,559.00 to $55,102.00 prior to graduation. Upon graduation, Trainees will automatically become Librarians at NYPL.Required Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Education & Experience
Enrollment in an ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies program
Bachelor’s Degree, preferably with a strong, well-rounded liberal arts background
Required Skills
Enthusiasm for public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage, including children and their parents/caregivers, young adults, adults, and seniors
Knowledge and appreciation of literature for all ages, audiovisual materials, computer resources, and other materials that constitute a balanced, relevant collection, as well as a love of reading
Experience building partnerships with local organizations and schools to better meet the needs of community users
Demonstrated successful 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, and reference resources and databases
Preferred QualificationsPreferred Qualifications
Basic understanding of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for all ages, and urban public library issues
Working knowledge of trends in literature, youth and adult services, and the profession through webinars, meetings, internal training, conferences, professional literature, and organizational memberships
Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs for people of all ages
Experience developing, maintaining, and promoting collections
Bilingual preferred not required
MoreCore ValuesAll 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
Public service library
Physical Duties
Lifting up to 15 lbs.
Sitting and standing for periods of time
Daily use of a computer
Physical Required?NoUnion/Non UnionLocal 1930FLSA StatusNon-ExemptSchedule35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours (https://www.nypl.org/locations/map)This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.The New York Public Library Salary StatementAt the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
