The Mother Church Reading Room Associate Librarian (less than 20 hours/week) - New

Department:                The Mother Church Reading Rooms              

SUMMARY

The Mother Church Reading Room is a vibrant spiritual oasis in the city of Boston for neighbors, local college students, Church members and visiting tourists. Working as part of a dedicated team, an Associate Librarian offers a warm welcome to each visitor, ensuring their needs have been met with professionalism, spiritual discernment and care.

The Reading Room affords daily opportunities to answer questions about Christian Science and help visitors find the resource that best meets their needs. These interactions require spiritual discernment, wisdom, and love. Developing and maintaining expert knowledge of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society—and recommending them to meet specific needs—is an essential part of the job. It is equally important to contribute to an uplifting environment of healing and spiritual discovery.

The responsibilities of an Associate Librarian in The Mother Church Reading Room go well beyond the role of a traditional librarian. Church founder Mary Baker Eddy took great care in the selection of The Mother Church Reading Room Librarian. She describes the ideal candidate in the Church Manual: “He or she shall have no bad habits, shall have had experience in the Field, shall be well educated, and a devout Christian Scientist” (Man. 63). Mrs. Eddy also describes the rule of conduct for any room where the Christian Science textbook is sold: “No idle gossip, no slander, no mischief-making, no evil speaking shall be allowed” (Man. 81). The Librarian and all Associate Librarians are held to this standard of conduct. In support of this healing activity, the Associate Librarian prays for the mission and activity of The Mother Church Reading Room.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In the Reading Room / 75%

The work primarily consists of three parts:

1. This position contributes to the healing atmosphere in the Reading Room.
   • Performs metaphysical watches for the Reading Room and its community while on shift.
   • Is able to quickly assess situations and respond with prayer and practical steps to bring solutions that support resolution.
   • Works in tandem with their shift partner to uphold the standards for Reading Room Librarianship—as outlined in the “Librarian” and “Rule of Conduct” by-laws in the Church Manual—thereby blessing our community with a unified and impersonal Librarian experience.
2. This position performs the practical aspects of the Reading Room work in an efficient, harmonious, and uplifted manner.
   • Masters the detailed daily procedures of opening and closing the Reading Room, including counting cash, running reports, preparing for visitors, and communicating with our prayer committee.
   • Keeps the Reading Room tidy, welcoming, and accessible for all visitors.
   • Hosts and coordinates events in the Reading Room, including doing the technical setup and facilitating discussions.
   • Learns new technologies/procedures as the Reading Room continues to evolve.
   • Contributes to daily reports when on shift.
3. This position is responsible for sales and visitor service/satisfaction in The Mother Church Reading Room.
   • Maintains an expert knowledge of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society and recommends them to meet specific needs a visitor may have.
   • Has a solid knowledge of the life and work of Mary Baker Eddy.
   • Keeps abreast of current developments in the The Mother Church’s departments and activities, The Mother Church edifice, the How Do You See the World? experience, The Mary Baker Eddy Library, Christian Science Publishing Society publications and other Mother Church programs and communicates current information for visitors and callers.
   • Graciously corrects misconceptions about Christian Science in a wise and Christian manner.
   • Recognizes, supports, and communicates to visitors the unique role of The Mother Church Reading Room.

Professional development, teamwork and projects / 25%

• Reads and responds daily to emails and voicemails.
• Attends and contributes to staff meetings.
• Stays current on all of the products that are published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society; develops and maintains expert knowledge.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in spirituality, spiritual healing, and church.
• Collaborates with team members on projects that support the Reading Room and Mother Church activities, as determined by the Manager.
• This position may be asked to work on other projects that support the Reading Room, as determined by the Manager/Librarian.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervisor: Assistant Manager, with a close working relationship with the entire team.

Regular Contacts
Employees, visitors, neighbors, vendors, professionals.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience
College degree or equivalent and previous experience in a retail environment.  Experience in the Christian Science field (i.e., branch church work, field work, etc.), and some experience speaking with the public about Christian Science.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfortable answering questions about Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy from the public, and expresses strong spiritual discernment about what’s needed in nuanced interactions.
• Familiarity with public thought and trends, and a willingness to keep abreast of changes in these areas.
• Able to communicate comfortably and respectfully with people of many different belief systems, nationalities, and cultures. Familiarity with the values and core beliefs of other faiths and Christian denominations is highly beneficial.
• Solid knowledge of the products published or sold by the Christian Science Publishing Society, and a desire to learn more.
• Resilient, composed, and able to adapt to changing circumstances and changes of routine.
• Understanding and appreciation for the mission and goals of The Mother Church and how it communicates with various audiences.
• Flexible, persistent, compassionate, and willing to serve in the spirit of doing whatever is necessary.
• Love for others and willing to help visitors and coworkers.
• Team-oriented with initiative, follow-through, and skill at supporting team activities.
• Handles monetary transactions with ease and accuracy, including handling and counting cash.
• Has basic math skills, computer knowledge, and the ability to learn quickly.
• Fluency in more than one language is useful.

Job Requirements

• Love for the quiet, contemplative nature of the Reading Room, while being ready to help visitors at any moment.
• Able to work a flexible schedule.
• Available to work some weekends and holidays, as needed.

Technology Skills
Strong skills in Google Suite, Zoom, Christian Science Publishing Society electronic products, and the use of the internet.

Work Environment

Retail/sales environment when working in the Reading Room. Staff meetings are in-person and via Zoom. May work in an office environment occasionally.

Engagement with Christian Science

Membership in The Mother Church required. Primary Class instruction preferred.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.