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