About Our Job

Denver Public Library (DPL) is a growing urban library system that serves the residents of the City & County of Denver. DPL sees more than 4 million visitors every year across its 27 locations, serves Denver’s most vulnerable communities through outreach and mobile services, hosts thousands of programs a year and manages a collection of more than 1.4 million physical and digital materials. We believe a strong library is vital for a strong community. DPL is committed to serving the evolving needs of Denverites through inspired programming, diverse collections, culturally-representative spaces, and equitable policies & procedures.

About our Team

The Special Collections and Archives (SCA) unit at Denver Public Library comprises two repositories at the Central Library and the African American Research Library at Blair-Caldwell Library. Our team of over thirty librarians, archivists and paraprofessionals are committed to exceptional access, preservation and customer service for our world class collections.

 About the Position

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the Special Collections and Archives (SCA), at the Central Library in the Denver Public Library. You’ll staff a busy reference desk, serving a diverse clientele of all ages, and create positive experiences for library customers by performing professional library work, including reference service, tours, and classes. You would communicate effectively about issues and initiatives with customers, coworkers, and the administration. You would research, coordinate and answer written reference questions and assist with various departmental projects.  You’ll also work with fellow Special Collections Librarians in Western History, Conservation, Manuscripts, and the 10th Mountain Division.

As Special Collections Librarian you can expect to: 

• Share passion for the Denver Public Library and librarianship and foster curiosity through resources, spaces, outreach and relationships

• Staff a busy reference desk, serving a diverse population of all ages

• Create positive experiences for library customers by performing professional library work, including Western history and genealogy reference service, programming and outreach

• Be public-facing 70% of time

• Review all incoming online inquiries, delegating them to the appropriate reference staff, and contributing to answering reference questions

• Maintain the online inquiry system by following up with staff as needed, responding to time-sensitive requests, and ensuring customer satisfaction

• Supervise at least one volunteer, guiding their research projects

About You

• You have skills in providing reference and research services

• You have the ability to work well under pressure and manage deadlines

• You have the ability to manage library correspondence software and sort through incoming questions

• You have knowledge of library databases for diverse research areas

• You have skills in project management, analysis, negotiation and problem solving

• You have the ability to use workplace technology effectively including email, calendar, internet, databases, video conferencing, eMedia, social media and other software

• You are able to assist customers with using technology

• You have the ability to demonstrate initiative, innovation and flexibility

• You have the ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, positive attitude, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor in working with customers, coworkers and community members

• You enjoy working in a public library with a diverse customer base

• You can function well in sometimes high-pressure situations and maintain a professional, friendly demeanor

• You collaborate well with your colleagues and contribute to a supportive, respectful workplace

• You are highly flexible to meet the needs of public service, which includes working rotating weekends and being willing to cover desk shifts as needed

• You have skills in writing, editing, and proofreading

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education requirement: Master of Library Science from an American Library Association accredited program, or a Master of Arts in Archi