Lead Mobile Outreach Librarian
Kalamazoo Public Library
Full-time
On-site
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
Lead Mobile Outreach Librarian
KPLA Lead Librarian
Branch & Community Services
Position Summary: Responsible for duties which supports mobile library and outreach services in alignment with the library’s strategic plan under the supervision of the Head of Branch & Community Services. Duties include planning, coordinating and delivering programs and services of interest to the community with an emphasis on underserved populations.
Duties and Responsibilities: The following reflects management’s definition of essential\functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
- Represents KPL at community and outreach activities and events; collaborates with partners and organizations to determine common areas of interest and promote library services, programs and events.
- Works with staff, community partners and vendors to design, implement and evaluate high-interest outreach programs and events; partners with Youth Services department for all outreach activities involving youth.
- Provides direct patron service; assists in the location of materials, registers patrons, responses to reference and reader advisory questions; instructs patrons in the use of all library resources.
- Creates and supports an inclusive work environment that focuses on the personal and professional development of staff. Supervises salaried employees assigned to the mobile library; engages in selecting, scheduling, delegating, training and coaching; maintains systems of accountability; conducts regular 1:1 meetings and performance evaluation of staff.
- Maintains outreach and event statistics as part of ongoing evaluation of library outreach and provides regular reporting to Administration and Board of Trustees.
- Manages the selection and maintenance of collections for the mobile library vehicle. Works with Collection Development Specialist in the selection of specific materials.
- Develops preliminary budget for mobile outreach activities; monitors budget and expenditures.
- Operates the mobile vehicle in a legal and safe manner; monitors vehicle conditions and works with Facilities Management to ensure timely vehicle maintenance and repair.
- Contributes to KPL’s online presence as assigned.
- Participates in departmental meetings, library-wide committees, and library-related events.
- Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Professional Competencies
Job Specific Knowledge and Skill: Demonstrates broad, in-depth, and up-to-date knowledge of pertinent fields and awareness of current trends in area of specialty. Acts as a resource to others; freely and willingly shares new trends and technology with others.
- Maintains knowledge of the diverse needs, preferences and resources of the community on a regular and systematic basis.
- Monitors emerging trends and applicable standards, laws and best practices specific to library practices.
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of Sirsi Integrated Library System.
- Demonstrates an ability to translate patron needs and interests into effective and engaging library service and programs.
- Demonstrates a broad knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, websites and other electronic media and other materials that contribute to a diverse, current and relevant collection.
- Keeps informed of trends in literature, library services and issues affecting all age groups.
- Keeps abreast of new materials and those for retrospective purchase by consulting a wide variety of reviewing sources and publisher’s catalogs, attending professional meetings and by reading, viewing and listening.
- Possesses a working knowledge of Lean management techniques for libraries and can demonstrate application of principles and practices to current mobile library operations.
Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrates reliability by consistently arriving to work, meetings and appointments on time. Adjusts schedule and remains flexible to meet changing work needs and demands.
Organizational Support/Ethics: Contributes to the improvement and success of the library system by aligning work priorities with library vision, goals and strategic plan.
Customer Service: Demonstrates strong public service orientation. Represents the library positively and professionally when dealing with staff, managers, vendors, colleagues and members of the public.
Creativity/Innovation: Looks for opportunities to apply new and evolving ideas, methods, design and technologies.
Quality: Provides high quality services, processes, and programs while consistently seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance services.
Communication skills: Conveys ideas and facts using language appropriate to the audience and situation.
Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Performs a wide range of tasks, responds to change in directions and priorities, and accepts new challenges, responsibilities and assignments.
Technology skills: Demonstrates up-to-date computer and technology skills necessary for effective communications, completion of job responsibilities and provision of quality customer service.
Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards and practices.
Knowledge of Materials: Demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, various electronic media including websites, and other materials that contribute to a diverse, current and relevant collection.
Collection Development: Understands the basic theory and practice of collection development; supports the development of a collection of materials from a broad range of selection sources that encompass all appropriate formats, including but not limited to media that reflect varied and emerging technologies.
Knowledge of Patron Group: Evaluates and responds to the diverse needs, preferences, and resources of the community on a regular and systematic basis.
Project Management: Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs. Demonstrates proficiency in project management in order to initiate, facilitate, conclude and evaluate projects with efficiency and effectiveness.
Budgeting: Responsibly allocates and accounts for the use of fiscal resources, weighing alternatives and their benefits. Monitors budget usage and ensures critical costs are covered. Seeks ways to reduce costs.
Leadership: Promotes organizational mission, strategic plan and goals, and works toward achieving them. Sets and models high performance standards characterized by integrity; earns trust and respect of others by coaching, inspiring and empowering teams of people to achieve strategic objectives.
Performance Management & Development: Provides appropriate coaching, on-going feedback, support and resources to improve performance and effectiveness of individuals and teams.
Qualifications
Organizational Support/Ethics: Contributes to the improvement and success of the library system by aligning work priorities with library vision, goals and strategic plan.
Customer Service: Demonstrates strong public service orientation. Represents the library positively and professionally when dealing with staff, managers, vendors, colleagues and members of the public.
Creativity/Innovation: Looks for opportunities to apply new and evolving ideas, methods, design and technologies.
Quality: Provides high quality services, processes, and programs while consistently seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance services.
Communication skills: Conveys ideas and facts using language appropriate to the audience and situation.
Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.
Flexibility/Adaptability: Performs a wide range of tasks, responds to change in directions and priorities, and accepts new challenges, responsibilities and assignments.
Technology skills: Demonstrates up-to-date computer and technology skills necessary for effective communications, completion of job responsibilities and provision of quality customer service.
Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards and practices.
Knowledge of Materials: Demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, various electronic media including websites, and other materials that contribute to a diverse, current and relevant collection.
Collection Development: Understands the basic theory and practice of collection development; supports the development of a collection of materials from a broad range of selection sources that encompass all appropriate formats, including but not limited to media that reflect varied and emerging technologies.
Knowledge of Patron Group: Evaluates and responds to the diverse needs, preferences, and resources of the community on a regular and systematic basis.
Project Management: Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs. Demonstrates proficiency in project management in order to initiate, facilitate, conclude and evaluate projects with efficiency and effectiveness.
Budgeting: Responsibly allocates and accounts for the use of fiscal resources, weighing alternatives and their benefits. Monitors budget usage and ensures critical costs are covered. Seeks ways to reduce costs.
Leadership: Promotes organizational mission, strategic plan and goals, and works toward achieving them. Sets and models high performance standards characterized by integrity; earns trust and respect of others by coaching, inspiring and empowering teams of people to achieve strategic objectives.
Performance Management & Development: Provides appropriate coaching, on-going feedback, support and resources to improve performance and effectiveness of individuals and teams.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library school with coursework pertaining to public library service.
- Minimum of three years of successful experience in a public library setting.
- Demonstrated success in the design, implementation and evaluation of programming and community outreach.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a chauffer’s license.
Physical demands and work environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move independently within workspaces and patron areas of the library and outreach sites. This position requires frequent positioning of self to collect and move materials on and off mobile library. Frequently requires the maintenance of stationary positions for desk work. Frequent movement of material loads up to 35 lbs. Frequent use of computer. Must be able to distinguish material and classification details at close range. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others understand. Vision abilities required for vehicle driving in both day and night conditions.
Work environment: Work will be performed in public and office spaces within the library and in the communities served. Some work and local travel outside the library may be required for outdoor events. While performing the duties of this job outside of the library environment, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is generally low to moderate but can be periodically loud within the mobile library itself.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move independently within workspaces and patron areas of the library and outreach sites. This position requires frequent positioning of self to collect and move materials on and off mobile library. Frequently requires the maintenance of stationary positions for desk work. Frequent movement of material loads up to 35 lbs. Frequent use of computer. Must be able to distinguish material and classification details at close range. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others understand. Vision abilities required for vehicle driving in both day and night conditions.
Work environment: Work will be performed in public and office spaces within the library and in the communities served. Some work and local travel outside the library may be required for outdoor events. While performing the duties of this job outside of the library environment, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is generally low to moderate but can be periodically loud within the mobile library itself.
Schedule
40 hours weekly to include Saturday and evening outreach events. Responsible for 6 Sunday shifts per year.
40 hours weekly to include Saturday and evening outreach events. Responsible for 6 Sunday shifts per year.
Salary
$64,580 annually; Step 1 (or closest step to current salary for transferring employee); health insurance; fully paid dental, vision, and life insurance; defined benefit pension. This position belongs in the Kalamazoo Professional Librarians Association (KPLA). This position is classified as a Librarian Lead.
Completed application, resume and cover letter are required for consideration.
Deadline for applications is: Friday, July 25, 2025 at 5 pm.