Coordinator-Information & Research Services
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter with application by March 10, 2024
Job Summary: The Coordinator of Information & Research Services (CIRS) works to connect our neighbors to information and research, programs, and collections through active, personalized engagement, ensuring that in-person and virtual information and research services realize their full potential as a system of high-performing resources for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) system, Allegheny County libraries, and as a statewide resource for the people of Pennsylvania.
The CIRS provides strategic vision in identifying and implementing ways library information and research services, including programs, can positively impact the social, emotional, and intellectual lives of library users. They inform and connect users with information, collections, resources, experience, and learning opportunities that support their needs and interests within the context of the Library’s mission, strategic plan, and service standards.
They utilize knowledge of community interests to lead the development of information services, including programs, events, exhibits, displays, and other active engagement opportunities that capture and spark the individual and collective imagination around research and collections.
They develop organizational capacity around information and research services by leading onboarding and continuous learning opportunities for library staff. The CIRS motivates, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff and guides and manages the work of other related staff. They support the acquisition and maintenance of material resources that are easy to discover and use, and collections that inspire, educate, and reflect the interests of our neighbors. They collaborate with community partners, institutions, peer libraries, and professional organizations to cultivate successful programs and services.
The CIRS works as a member of the Public Service and CLP-Main management teams, under the supervision of the Assistant Director of CLP-Main & Research Services. They will collaborate with the Coordinators of Collections, Adult Services, Main specialized departments, and Neighborhood location management, support departments, and staff to ensure services are responsive and accessible for users. They oversee staff and/or processes that achieve the mission of the library and engage staff across the system to achieve system-wide goals.
Location: CLP-Main Pittsburgh, PA.
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $60,000-65,000/year
Number of Vacancies: 1
Hiring Supervisor: Jen Styran-Assistant Director-Main & Research Services
Essential Functions:
- Coordinate the development and management of information and research services to actively engage the community in the joy of exploration;
- Lead and collaborate in the development and delivery of in-person and virtual information services, including programs; ensuring that we are engaging our neighbors in all locations and in the community;
- Connect with partners, community organizations, businesses, and peer institutions that promote information and research services;
- Lead CLP’s participation in events that cultivate information access, exploration, and learning;
- Provide leadership and staff supervision for the Information & Research Services department;
- Play a leadership role, via the appropriate committees, teams, and groups of staff, in the Library’s active engagement of customers both virtually and in person, including direct oversight and management of the CLP Dashboard and Phone services;
- Develop information and research skills and abilities of staff through coaching, ongoing learning opportunities, continuous support, direct and indirect work assignments, building and extending trust, and empowering staff to achieve service goals;
- Explore new services and programs as models for delivering user-centered and innovative experiences that support literacy and exploration;
- Foster communication and engagement with colleagues across the system and throughout the county;
- Establish consistent expectations around programming, service, database instruction, community engagement, and outreach delivery for information and research areas in collaboration with the Office of Programmatic Services, while developing support systems for smaller locations and less experienced staff;
- Work with communities and engage people outside the library walls through various channels, including neighborhood meetings, community-based organizations and groups, networking, Internet-based social media, and the like;
- Serve as a member of the CLP-Main Management team supporting the day-to-day operations as needed;
- Manage staff and processes that achieve the mission of the library and engage staff across the system to achieve system-wide goals;
- Model behaviors in patron-focused service, self-directed learning, strategic thinking and planning, and personal accountability;
- Engage and collaborate effectively with a diverse public, peers, and staff;
- Engage in relevant service discussions and professional groups and engage in leadership and professional development opportunities to influence innovation and service design;
- Analyze, interpret, and act upon data and trends in library collections, programs, and services, both locally and nationally;
- Manage related budgets, including grants, and other special funds;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Competencies and Qualifications:
- Deep background and knowledge of information and research services for adults, including programming, events, experience in promotion, familiarity with professional practices and standards;
- Ability to use metrics and statistics to assess the effectiveness of services, programs, and collections and to determine and measure outcomes and impact;
- Knowledge of current trends and issues in and beyond the library arena and the ability to provide a rich and creative understanding of their implications for effective library services;
- Inclusive leadership skills; experienced management skills, and a collaborative management team player;
- Communication including diplomacy, tact, excellent listening skills, strong group facilitation skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to articulate a vision and strategic direction to a wide variety of audiences; utilize strategic thinking, collaboration, and inclusive leadership skills; flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive change;
- Competency in project management and related tools;
- Ability to develop and present training and skill building materials to library staff;
- Collaborate across departments and locations, building consensus among staff and stakeholders’
- Understand CLP’s organization, services, locations, and policies;
- Ability to establish an environment of open, honest communication and rational decision-making, and display the ability to navigate work assignments among all levels of staff to accomplish the mission and goals of the Library;
- Ability to effectively work interdepartmentally and achieve consensus, coordinate with internal and external constituencies;
- Ability to effectively work in conjunction with the grant manager and development department to create and manage grant-supported collections or initiatives.
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA (American Library Association) accredited university;
- Five years of progressive experience and increasing responsibility in a public library, including demonstrated leadership and supervision;
- Experience managing and designing in-person and virtual services;
- Experience with virtual reference services and hybrid presentation technologies;
- Experience in library services and programs;
- Experience marketing and promoting programming and services;
- Experience in planning and managing events.
Clearance Requirements:
- PA State Criminal Record Check
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- FBI Fingerprint Criminal Record Check
- Mandated Reporter
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, political affiliation or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.