Job Information
The New York Public Library Managing Librarian - Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library in New York, New York
Managing Librarian - Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library
Department: Branch Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Andrew Heiskell Library
Reporting To: Marie Coughlin
Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 / year
Description
Overview
The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, part of The New York Public Library, opened in its current location on West 20th Street in 1991. Formerly the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the facility was renamed in honor of the former chairman of The New York Public Library's Board of Trustees who served from 1981 to 1990.
The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library serves patrons who are eligible to borrow materials from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Downstate New York Region, which consists of the five boroughs of New York City, plus Long Island. In addition to NLS services, the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library also offers a variety of books and programs to everyone who lives, works, or studies in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood.
We are looking for someone we can count on to:
Own :
- The day-to-day operations of the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library
Teach :
Fellow colleagues across The New York Public Library about services provided to Andrew Heiskell patrons
Community members and institutions about eligibility for Andrew Heiskell services
Learn:
Standards and best practices of service from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
Evolving technologies and services for patrons with disabilities
Improve :
Promotion of services to all potential patrons
Opportunities for collaboration between Andrew Heiskell service departments
Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month , this person will:
Meet all Andrew Heiskell staff and observe their daily duties
Meet partners at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)
Practice using Sierra and the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS)
Orient themselves with NLS equipment used by patrons
3 months , this person will:
Understand the Andrew Heiskell budget and funding sources
Conduct outreach to local partner institutions
Develop a regular cadence of team and individual direct report meetings
6 months and beyond , this person will:
Work with the Library’s Development team on grant proposals
Make improvements where needed to service models and delivery
Responsibilities
Provide leadership on behalf of The New York Public Library with the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped both locally and on a state and national level
Develop and direct the delivery of services for readers who are blind or print impaired and who are eligible for services from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Interact with community leaders to promote the services of the Library as well as working with advocacy
Act as a resource and advocate for serving people with disabilities in the community and at The New York Public Library
Collaborate with the Library’s Development team to create grant proposals and planned giving activities and to procure state funding
Direct management and development of the staff of the Andrew Heiskell Library including overall responsibility for all services to the public, materials delivery, outreach and programming
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Provide reader advisory services to the public, both on and offsite
Oversee the administration of the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS)
Create and manage the departmental budget
Track and report on the metrics of the Library
Participate in broader NYPL projects
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
Required Experience
5+ years of public library experience, including 3+ years of successfully demonstrated experience supervising, training and mentoring staff
Successfully demonstrated commitment to providing consistent, high-quality public services, with experience serving a patron base with specialized needs strongly preferred
Experience working with elected officials and advocacy preferred
Experience leading teams through organizational change preferred
Required Skills
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills including the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Library
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
Ability to work well independently and collaboratively across the Library to get things accomplished
Creativity, flexibility, and initiative in accommodating community and staff needs
Knowledge and understanding of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends for people of all ages in urban public libraries
Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e-reader devices
Experience implementing or enforcing library policies and procedures
Knowledge of the operations of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, services and resources for print impaired patrons, and technical aspects of accessibility preferred
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
Day-to-day oversight of Andrew Heiskell's team of departmental supervisors
Responsible for performance management of the Andrew Heiskell team
Responsible for the coordination and/or facilitation of staff training in all Andrew Heiskell services
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
- Public service library
Physical Duties
Lifting up to 15 lbs.
Remaining stationary for periods of time
Daily use of a computer
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week to be scheduled during regular branch hours
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 Statement
At 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).