Career Opportunities

Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
617 / 859 – 2356

This vacancy announcement is for continuing recruitment.

Position Title: Floater Librarian I

The Boston Public Library is seeking a Floater librarian available to work days, nights and/or weekends to staff public service desks at the various locations in Central or branch libraries as assigned.

This is a full time position. Floaters must serve in the position for a full year before being considered for other positions. Floaters are exempt from scheduling restrictions contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Basic Function: Under supervision, and within the framework of Library policies and practices, participates in reference services to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting. Also includes the performance of various tasks requiring broad knowledge of professional literature, bibliographic sources and principles of information delivery and services.

Reports to: Manager of Reference and Information Services or other designated Public Service Manager.

Supervises: As assigned, pre-professional and/or support staff

Home location: Public Services Office

Assigned location: To be determined by the Manager of Reference and Information Services in consultation with other public services managers.

Typical duties and responsibilities:
1. Provides reference service to the public by responding to requests for information made in person, by telephone, by fax, email, mail, or over the Internet and answering such requests by using informational resources in all formats, including print, electronic, microform and others.

2. Assists patrons by instructing them in the use of information resources and by identifying appropriate resources, whether owned by the Library or elsewhere.

3. Assists in the selection of materials.

4. Promotes the use of Library resources by developing bibliographies, preparing written descriptions, organizing programs, mounting exhibits, and conducting instructional sessions.

5. Actively participates in system-wide committees; recommends and/or plans improvements in library services.

6. Continuously expands professional knowledge of the Library's resources and other relevant sources in order to assist library patrons efficiently and effectively.

7. Commits to keeping current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities.

8. Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a master's degree in library science from an accredited library school. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.

Specialized subject knowledge and competency in world languages desirable; knowledge of basic bibliographic tools and sources; knowledge of excellent reference techniques; strong commitment to public services; willingness to assume responsibility and carry out assignments independently; good oral and written communication skills; ability to work well with staff and public; initiative; dependability; good professional judgment; tact; flexibility; courtesy.

Requirements:

• Must be a Resident of the City of Boston upon First Day of Hire.
• Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information (CORI) check with the City of Boston.

Click Here to Return to the Job Opportunities Page