Assistant Branch Manager - Brooklyn Public Library

Overview

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions.We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book.

The Assistant Branch Manager works as part of the Regional team to provide quality public library service to the community. The Assistant Branch Manager collaborates with the Circulation Manager, Branch Manager and branch staff to identify community needs and develop services accordingly. The Assistant Branch Manager is responsible for the professional operations of a designated branch within a region: reference and reader’s advisory services, programming, outreach, and collection development.

Responsibilities

Branch duties:

• Work collaboratively with the Circulation Manager; joint supervision of branch staff, volunteers, and activities
• Coordinate librarian schedules; work collaboratively with Circulation Manager  to prepare daily, weekly and annual leave schedules
• Assign and rotate librarian duties
• Manage the performance and development plans of all direct reports
• Work with Branch Manager, Regional Director & HR to resolve staffing concerns including progressive discipline issues
• Coach, train and mentor staff
• Provide customer service at all service points
• Interview staff and applicants as assigned
• Interpret BPL policy; communicate appropriate information to branch staff via staff meetings and email
• Provide branch orientation for all new employees assigned to location
• Refer customer complaints to appropriate supervisors/departments
• First rater for librarian titles
• Report potentially unsafe conditions and submit Incident Reports
• Other duties as assigned

Professional duties:

• Perform general and age level specific library work, including, but not limited to reference and reader’s advisory services to customers of all ages
• Train and develop librarian staff at local level in non-age specific routines (i.e., reference desk, holds, bulletin boards, displays, etc)
• Collection development & maintenance i.e. weeding, Better World Books, identifying gaps and relaying information to Collection Development
• Merchandise and display of materials
• Participate in system-wide committee work, projects and initiatives
• Provide outreach to schools, community centers, etc.
• Attend community functions and meetings
• Instruct customers in the use of OPAC, Internet, computer software and databases
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the ABC PC reservation and print functions
• Develop, coordinate and implement public programs and workshops

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA accredited library school
• Minimum of one year experience as a librarian in a public library setting
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York
• Provide excellent customer service at all service points
• Model proper team behavior in all areas; help establish a positive team climate
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to supervise and manage staff
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to perform well
• Ability to plan, assign & monitor delegated activities
• Good interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate work efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to train staff at local level
• Working knowledge of the library’s electronic reference databases, reference sources on the web, Sierra and OPAC, and Microsoft Office Applications
• Basic knowledge of current and emerging library trends
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity with respects to programming and outreach
• Participation in system initiatives, committees and/or involvement in professional organizations is a plus
• Required to work evenings and weekends

 The candidate selected for the position will receive:

• Starting salary of $68,176.84 plus an automatic increase of $2,830 
• An additional $2,076 after 6 months in title
• This position is in the bargaining unit