Job Opportunities
This position is responsible for providing responsive and effective technology and digital resource support across all aspects of the Information Services Department. A key role on the library’s information services team, this position is accountable for activities related to the department's technical operations, including frontline support for library systems and equipment. The incumbent is expected to deliver point-of-need assistance and support to library customers and visitors, including technology support and troubleshooting as well as serving as back up on the IS desk.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Perform primary frontline support and troubleshooting of department’s technology issues including, library self-service systems, printing, public and service point computing.
- Installs, sets up and updates department hardware and/or software and provides primary support of their operation in any and all applications when necessary.
- Maintain the computing equipment within the Information Commons and will be expected to assist library patrons in the use of public computing equipment and to provide technology training to the public and staff.
- Provide one-on-one and group assistance to patrons to support and promote the use of digital library resources and services.
- Manages scheduling for IS Department’s Digital literacy programming.
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with the Technology Support Coordinator to escalate and resolve department technology issues.
- May act as a point of contact for vendors, obtaining service estimates as needed and/or resolving troubleshooting tickets.
- Successful performance demands intermediate knowledge of the operation and applications of personal computing devices and systems; initiative, analytical skills, patience, a pleasant disposition and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Work collaboratively with Information Services team members to assess department policies and procedures and assist with department documentation or develop technical documentation as needed.
- Maintain the IS Landing page and make IS related changes to the provlib.org site.
- As needed, will also perform core operational activities related to public borrower services including loaning and requesting library items, circulation and patron database management, holds, delivery, stacks maintenance, inventory control, information commons and study and meeting space management, technology loans, printer management, and a wide range of other library services.
- Recommend technology improvements and solutions to the team.
- Resolve library customer problems with patience and diplomacy and ethically handle sensitive library customer and department information.
- Contribute to special projects, library-wide initiatives, and sponsor changes and improvements.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
- Participate as a co-selector to contribute to the general collection, pending the approval of both the Head of Information Services and the employee's supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
- Ability to work productively under pressure and deal with a variety of problems and ambiguities which arise.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public and with other staff.
Education & Experience Required:
- Spanish/English bilingual a plus.
- Requires a flexible schedule which includes morning, evening, and weekend hours.
- The position is best filled by an energetic, innovative individual with previous library experience.
- Knowledge of automated library systems, circulation, and reference services operations, and web technology skills strongly preferred.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
- Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, basic word processing and spreadsheet abilities, and comfort with technology and social media are imperative.
- Outstanding work ethic, strong customer service skills, commitment to customer-centered services and flexibility are critical.
- Candidates must possess the ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced team environment with diverse patrons and coworkers.
- Candidates must also be able to exercise tact and good judgment in a variety of situations by following established policies and procedures.
- Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Non-exempt and is part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, nights (typically 1 night per week) and alternating Saturdays are required
Starting Rate: $20 per hour
Please submit cover letter and resume by November 12, 2024.
Posting Date: October 30, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
This position is responsible for providing responsive and effective support across all aspects of the Information Services Department. This position is accountable for activities related to both circulation and reference operations, including borrower services, interlibrary loan, ready reference, and outreach. The incumbent is expected to deliver point-of-need assistance and support to library customers and visitors, including technology support and troubleshooting.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Perform core operational activities related to borrower services including loaning and requesting library items, circulation and patron database management, holds, delivery, stacks maintenance, inventory control, information commons and study and meeting space management, technology loans, printer management, and a wide range of other library services.
- In partnership with librarians, effectively assist with reference and reader’s advisory services to library customers as needed.
- Work collaboratively with Information Services team members to assess department policies and procedures and assist with department documentation.
- Resolve library customer problems with patience and diplomacy and ethically handle sensitive library customer and department information.
- Participate in library marketing, including book display merchandising, blog posts, digital signage, website and social media contributions.
- Contribute to special projects, library-wide initiatives, and sponsor changes and improvements.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
- Participate as a co-selector to contribute to the general collection, pending the approval of both the Head of Information Services and the employee's supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required:
- Spanish/English bilingual a plus.
- Requires a flexible schedule which includes morning, evening, and weekend hours.
- Energetic, innovative individual with previous library experience.
- Knowledge of automated library systems, circulation and reference services operations, and web technology skills strongly preferred.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
- Interest in library trends and emerging technologies, basic word processing and spreadsheet abilities, and comfort with technology and social media are imperative.
- Outstanding work ethic, strong customer service skills, commitment to customer-centered services and flexibility are critical.
- Possess the ability to work both independently and in a fast-paced team environment with diverse patrons and coworkers.
- Exercise tact and good judgment in a variety of situations by following established policies and procedures.
- Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Non-exempt and is part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, nights (typically 1 night per week) and alternating Saturdays are required
Starting Rate: $18 per hour
Please submit cover letter and resume by November 12, 2024.
Posting Date: October 30, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
The Rhode Island Collection houses primary and secondary source materials in varying formats including photographs, postcards, books, microfilms, newspapers, maps, ephemera, other printed materials, digital images, and some audio/video. This employee must be committed to improving access to and visibility of the RI Collections and the library through reference, programming, exhibits, digitization, bibliographic means, and general outreach.
This position plays a central role in helping to move the institution forward towards achieving its overall goals. As part of the Special Collections Department, the Rhode Island Collections are considered at the forefront of our services and collections.
Maintain and operate the Library’s Rhode Island Collections including the management of reference services, collection development (acquisition, cataloging and processing), community outreach, public programming, and digitization projects. This will include building and sustaining these unique collections as a cornerstone in the library’s overall Special Collections Department.
This position also has responsibility for ensuring that the RI Collection materials are appropriately and properly preserved, organized, cataloged, and highly accessible. In addition, the employee will have responsibility for overseeing the accessioning of archival collections as well as the processing and arrangement of all Special Collections archival materials, including but not limited to manuscripts, visual materials, and ephemera.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develop departmental goals and objectives with the Director of Special Collections and Administration
- Provide research service to users in person, by phone, mail, or online.
- Acquire new materials as appropriate, through purchase and donation.
- May curate exhibitions in cooperation with the Programs & Exhibitions department.
- Keep collection materials organized and housed appropriately, encouraging accessibility.
- Recommend and implement appropriate conservation/preservation materials and measures to protect original source materials.
- Participate in Digitization Working Group to recommend and/or create content for digitization projects. Work collaboratively with the Digital Projects staff to oversee and implement those projects.
- Establish partnerships and networks to achieve the department and the library’s goals. This position oversees the department’s Community Archives initiative by building and maintaining relationships with partners and offering guidance to individuals and institutions who ultimately may not donate collections to the library.
- This position also works closely with the Library Administration as well as the Marketing, Development, Education and IT departments.
- Responsibility for overseeing the accessioning of archival collections as well as the processing and arrangement of all Special Collections archival materials, including manuscript, visual materials and ephemera. This includes the supervision of archival staff.
- In participation with the Programs & Exhibitions department may curate exhibitions and create opportunities for dynamic engagement with community partners and patrons.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Assists the Development Department in grants relating to the collection. Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
- Participate as a co-selector to contribute to the general collection, pending the approval of both the Head of Information Services and the employee's supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned.
Additional Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Google applications (Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and other various Google applications experience required.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
- Cataloging and archival standards (MARC, RDA, DACS, Dublin Core) as well as appropriate software applications (ArchiveSpace, Koha)
- Comfort with basic digitization and image capture standards, equipment and editing software.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Independent judgment and decisions are often required.
- High functioning technology skills and the ability to envision and help build the library of the future in today’s ever changing and ever growing digital world.
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and networks with colleagues, potential and active donors, general public, vendors, and media.
- Good understanding of the demands and requirements of public services in public libraries.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required:
- MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA accredited institution required.
- Areas of special expertise should include archives, local and state history, genealogy, conservation, digitization, collection-building, bibliographic control, public programming, and outreach.
- Three to five years experience as a special collections librarian or archivist in a large public library, academic institution, or similar institution with responsibility for local history or otherwise unique collections.
- Extensive experience processing physical archival collections, including in-depth familiarity with DACS, EAD, and other archival standards and technologies.
- Experience with ArchivesSpace highly preferred.
- Experience working with collection donors, processing small and large collections, rehousing and organizing collections.
- Knowledge of rare book and manuscript librarianship best practices.
- Documented experience in digital projects, preferably with demonstrable work product.
- Successful performance requires well developed interpersonal skills, a comprehensive knowledge of library reference procedures, and the ability to attain an in-depth knowledge of the collection. The highest priorities are placed on professional responsibilities, including making the connections necessary to help further the library’s overall goals.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Exempt and is part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on the library’s open hours. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc.
Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by October 15, 2024.
Posting Date: September 27, 2024 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
This position, under general direction of the Director of External Relations, facilitates research, development & writing of institutional grant proposals and writing/reviewing/editing of departmental proposals; conducts research for potential funding sources, and maintains databases, spreadsheets, reporting, and various systems of the organization to ensure the success of PPL’s $2-3 million annual grants program, which comprises a spectrum of small, discrete departmental program proposals to national foundations involving multiple partners. Part of the library’s strategy is to focus resources on grants having close connections to our target audiences: art and design community, high school students, very young children/caregivers, DownCity residents, and workforce development for immigrants, English language learners, and other job seekers.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Persuasively communicate PPL’s mission and programs to potential funders orally and in writing.
- Conducts a full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals to foundation, corporate, state, federal, and other identified sources.
- work closely with program staff to help align current and new programming to funder priorities and opportunities as they arise
- develop in-depth narrative content, budgets, evaluation systems, outcomes/metrics, publicity and outreach strategies, and more as required.
- develop/update supplementary information, financial attachments, etc. and coordinate the submission of follow-up materials such as award agreements and contracts, revised budgets, press releases, and more as needed.
- Develops and maintains various processes and procedures to facilitate key grant program functions.
- maintain a database and/or calendar of all proposal and report deadlines, maintaining Grants.gov and SAM.gov accounts and related information,
- create and maintain electronic and hard copy filing/organizational systems to ensure ready access to crucial records.
- Performs prospect research on foundations and corporations to evaluate new potential sources of funding.
- Remains up-to-date and informed about award requirements, processes, and procedures for a wide range of state, federal, private, and corporate funders:
- Works with the Finance Office and program staff to ensure and address questions surrounding grant compliance and procedures.
- Works with the Finance Office and appropriate managers to gather information necessary to report to corporate/foundation funders on current grant programs:
- Comply with all grant reporting as required by grant makers.
- Create impactful reports on program achievements and expenditures.
- Provides stewardship to current grant makers by working with Director of External Relations to provide regular written updates to corporate and foundation funders.
- Understands institutional history and programs.
- Plays a crucial supporting role in the development of new initiatives and their alignment to the strategic plan and current funding trends and requirements.
- Assists Director of External Relations with appointments for foundation officers and other prospects, including arranging onsite tours.
- Tracks statistics relevant to Development Office and provides departments with necessary written materials related to grant programs.
- Works with Director of External Relations to provide input for written institutional development materials.
- Assists with department-wide fundraising efforts - including individual giving and special events - as assigned.
- Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
- Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
- Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
- Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
Necessary Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, funders, and community partners.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Education & Experience Required:
- BA with 3-5 years of relevant experience, and a PROVEN TRACK RECORD
- Specific knowledge of federal grant guidelines and grants.gov submission process
- Familiarity with Raisers Edge and Foundation Center database(s)
- Experience using online databases and other sources to locate financial and philanthropic information
- A solid understanding of budgets as related to proposals and grants, and/or the ability to deepen knowledge of budgets and broader financial components and processes related to grant seeking and management
- Knowledge of general fundraising techniques and strategies
- Experience working with Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms and other various Google applications.
- Knowledge of Zoom, Google Meet or other web-conferencing software or applications.
Additional Requirements:
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
This position is:
Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc.
Salary Range: $68,000 - $72,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by September 16, 2024. COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED AND WRITING SAMPLES MAY BE ASKED FOR.
Posting Date: August 21, 2024 – OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.