Job Description
Duties And Responsibilities The Outreach Librarian is a dynamic professional who expands the Queens Public Library's reach by serving as a key liaison for community engagement. This role places an individual on the front lines, taking library programs and services beyond the traditional branch setting. A primary focus is on leading and coordinating outreach activities, with a goal of identifying new partnership opportunities and strengthening existing community relationships. The Outreach Librarian would be conducting outreach in a wide variety of locations to serve diverse populations. This includes conducting outreach from Mobile Library vehicles, providing programs and outreach in locations such as correctional facilities, and spearheading grant-funded outreach and system-wide programming outreach. The position also requires a proactive approach to developing and implementing new outreach initiatives. Performs other duties as assigned.
Outreach - Provides outreach at the mobile library, branch locations and community outreach events. Answers reference questions and delivers materials.
- Provides programs outreach in locations such as correctional facilities, and spearheading grant-funded outreach and system-wide programming outreach.
- Coordinates outreach & partnership meetings.
- Represents Queens Public Library (QPL) at community events and engages with the public to promote services.
- Attends speaking engagements and external meetings as needed to promote QPL services and stay abreast of community offerings.
- Attends resource fairs and other events to promote QPL services to new patrons.
- Conducts library card registrations during outreach events and encourages new patrons to visit their local library.
Technical And Administrative Tasks - Supervises part-time outreach staff.
- Expands/enhances mobile library services through additional sites and/or service offerings.
- Provides an up-to-date and accurate accounting of supplies, such as giveaways, tents, carts, books, etc.
- Assists in the ordering of books and supplies for outreach programs.
- Coordinates the shipping of supplies from branch locations and to events.
- Ensures that the mobile vehicles are stocked with appropriate supplies and materials.
- Maintains our Outreach Toolkit and outreach community profiles.
- Assists with maintaining and evaluating programs and collection development and usage.
- Performs administrative duties such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, and conducting daily follow-up communications to patrons.
Partnerships - Develops, nurtures and maintains effective networking relationships with schools, community groups, agencies, non-profits, and businesses to collaboratively plan and deliver programs and services that meet local needs and interests.
- Conducts triage of communications from partners and potential partners.
- Attends informational meetings with external organizations interested in working with the outreach department.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date lists and databases of contacts and partners.
- Researches new partners and identifies opportunities that will increase participation.
Programs - Assists with the implementation of in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs, services, and activities.
- Helps create promotional materials and works closely with the marketing team.
- Conducts rolling cart book service at Rikers Island Jail and assists the Jail and Prison Services Librarian in providing library services to other detention centers, including youth facilities.
- Organizes and runs outreach programming at various community events.
- Coordinates with schools.
- Utilizes LAMPS to record program data and attendance and communicates program growth and successes during unit meetings.
- Communicates with internal departments (NAP, CLS, PSD, ISD, ITD, GCA, CDD, and MCD), program participants, and presenters to effectively handle basic program logistics.
- This position requires frequent travel to detention centers, community libraries, and other locations where we host activities. This position may include some evenings and weekends.
The Outreach Librarian is required to maintain volunteer status with local correctional facilities, including Rikers Island Jail and Crossroads youth facility.** Required Qualifications - Requires an ALA accredited MLS degree, a NY State Public Librarian’s Certificate and performance of standard or above in public service positions.
- Must have 1-2 years of significant experience working with outreach and community populations.
- At least two (2) years of experience coordinating events and doing outreach to vendors in the community.
- A genuine enthusiasm for working with special populations, such as incarcerated individuals, and their families with demonstrated interest in community outreach.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is required.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Supervisory/Management experience is desirable but demonstrated supervisory and managerial aptitude is required.
- Must be proficient with Word, Excel and other office software.
- Must be detailed orientated and have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Must be friendly, courteous, and professional and have strong interpersonal skills to support customer service.
- The ideal candidate is an engaging individual with a passion for community building and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of Queens residents.
- Commitment to serving all communities in the most diverse area of the country.
About Queens Public Library Queens Public Library is a national and international leader in the delivery of public library service. Our mission is to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities. Queens Public Library welcomes innovators and leaders to contribute to a long history and dynamic future of serving the most diverse county in the United States. Queens Public Library is a private, non-profit corporation serving 66 locations.
TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter to QLcareers@queenslibrary.org and reference
“Outreach Librarian - QLWEB" in the subject line. Resumes will only be accepted by email.
This is a union position, represented by District Council 37. The starting annual salary is $68,622. The Queens Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Tags
Part time, Work at office, Local area, Afternoon shift