The City of Lebanon is looking for an experienced professional to join the Library Department as a Part-Time Outreach Librarian. The Outreach and Programming Public Librarian plays a crucial role in connecting the library with its community, promoting engagement, and fostering a dynamic and inclusive library experience. This position seamlessly integrates traditional librarian duties with a strong focus on outreach initiatives, diverse program development, marketing efforts, volunteer management, and the supervision of long-term programming contractors. Moreover, the Librarian assumes the critical responsibility of managing a budget, ensuring meticulous resource allocation for optimal impact and sustainability. As a key member of the management team, this role actively contributes to policy design and contributes to strategic planning for the library. This instrumental role fosters a vibrant library community by connecting with diverse populations, creating engaging programs, and ensuring the library remains a central hub for learning, creativity, and community interaction.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Community Engagement:
- a. Establish and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, schools, and local businesses to enhance the library's presence in the community.
- b. Collaborate with community leaders to identify needs and interests, ensuring library programs and services align with community priorities.
2. Program Development:
- a. Design and implement a variety of innovative, educational, and entertaining programs for all age groups, considering the diverse interests and demographics of the community.
- b. Conduct regular needs assessments to identify gaps in programming and develop strategies to address those gaps.
3. Outreach Initiatives:
- a. Actively engage in outreach efforts to promote library resources and services to underserved populations, including but not limited to schools, senior centers, public housing, and community events.
- b. Develop and implement strategies to reach non-traditional library users and increase library usage among diverse communities.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships:
- a. Collaborate with local schools, public housing organizations, community centers, and other organizations to develop joint programs and initiatives that benefit both the library and its partners.
- b. Build and maintain partnerships with local artists, authors, and experts to bring unique and enriching experiences to library patrons.
5. Management and Policy Development
- a. Directly collaborate with other library leadership to shape vital policy, hiring, and budget recommendations for the board of trustees.
- b. Drive the development of long-term strategic goals, essential programs, and structural enhancements critical for library advancement.
6. Volunteer Management:
- a. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, including a Teen Advisory Board, to assist with library programs and events.
- b. Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer environment, recognizing the contributions of volunteers to the library's success.
7. Long-term Programming Contractors:
- a. Identify and contract with external vendors or specialists for long-term programs, ensuring contractual agreements are met.
- b. Collaborate with contractors to align their services with the library's goals and the community's needs.
8. Supervise library interns:
- a. Develop and design paid and unpaid library internship programs focused on youth education and work experience for teens in the community.
- b. Providing guidance and mentorship to support their professional development and contributions to library operations.
9. Technology Integration:
- a. Utilize technology and media platforms to promote library programs, events, and resources, ensuring effective communication with the community.
- b. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends to enhance the library's digital presence and outreach efforts.
10. Data Collection and Evaluation:
- a. Collect and analyze data related to program attendance, community engagement, and outreach efforts to assess the impact of library services.
- b. Use data-driven insights to continuously improve and adapt programming to meet the evolving needs of the community.
11. Marketing and Promotion:
- a. Develop and implement marketing strategies to effectively promote library programs, services, and events.
- b. Create promotional materials, including flyers, newsletters, and media content, to attract a diverse audience.
12. Budget Management for Programs and Outreach:
- a. Responsible for managing a substantial budget dedicated to diverse and engaging programming for children, teens, and adults.
- b. Strategically allocate resources to ensure the success and sustainability of library programs, events, and outreach initiatives.
13. Professional Development:
- a. Stay informed about trends and best practices in library outreach and programming through ongoing professional development activities.
- b. Lead training initiatives for library staff, focusing on professional development in programming, outreach, and community engagement.
14. Community-Centric Space Development
- a. Collaborating with community members to create welcoming library spaces that prioritize accessibility and comfort, informed by data and community input.
- b. Ensuring library spaces reflect diverse perspectives, fostering genuine cultural exchange, and maintaining unwavering inclusivity standards.
15. Service Desk Duties:
- a. Perform general circulation program functions, such as registering new patrons; filling out patron requests and searching the database for requested materials; reserving and holding materials for patrons; receiving materials; and notifying patrons that requested materials are being held on reserve.
b. Assist patrons with computer questions or make referrals for complex requests.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s of Library and Information Science required
- Experience working in a public library is preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Remain Stationary: up to 2/3
- Move: up to 1/3
- Communicate: up to 2/3
- Operate: up to 1/3
- Ascend/Descend: rarely
- Position Self: rarely
- Reach: up to 1/3
- Distinguish: up to 2/3
- Vibration: none
- Move up to 10 pounds: frequently
- Move up to 30 pounds: occasionally
- Move up to 60 pounds: rarely
- Move up to 100 pounds: none
- Move more than 100 pounds: none
Summary of Occupational Exposures
- Outdoor weather conditions: none
- Work in high, precarious places: none
- Work with toxic or caustic chemicals: none
- Fumes or airborne particles: none
- Extremes of heat/cold (not related to weather): none
- Work near moving mechanical parts: none
- Risk of radiation: none
Hours of Work:
This position is 25 hours a week.
To apply:
If you are interested in applying, please complete an employment application on the City's website by going to https://lebanonnh.gov/1414/Employment-Opportunities.