Library Information Assistant - Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

About the Role

The Andrew Heiskell Library is a branch of the New York Public Library, as well as a member of the Library of Congress’ National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) – serving as the Regional NLS Library for the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island. With over 16,000 individual borrowers and 600 enrolled institutions, Heiskell Library provides access to talking books, magazines and braille materials for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise physically unable to read standard print. The Heiskell Library collection offers instant access to 145,000 titles for all ages, including classic literature, current bestsellers, popular magazines, poetry, fiction, and non‑fiction. Heiskell boasts a very large browsable collection of braille materials, including a unique special collection of braille sheet music. The collection includes a significant number of Spanish‑language titles, as well as titles in a number of other languages. The Heiskell Library Reader Services Team processes applications for National Library Service, provides reader advisory services at two onsite helpdesks and a 6‑day‑a‑week reference service call center, and offers community programming with an emphasis on providing enrichment and resources to New Yorkers of all abilities. The high volume of physical and digital checkouts to NLS patrons places Heiskell Library among the top‑circulating branches in the NYPL system. In addition to providing specialized services to NLS patrons, the Heiskell Library also serves as a traditional neighborhood branch library for the bustling Chelsea/Flatiron neighborhood. Heiskell maintains a responsive collection of circulating and reference materials for all ages, with standard print as well as braille and large print materials available. Heiskell Library is a popular location for multiple storytimes per week, public computer terminals, quiet study and work, and holds pickup.

Responsibilities

• Provides circulation/reference service and instruction to library patrons of all ages using print, media and digital resources
• Answers questions from the public in person, over the telephone and electronically
• Performs community outreach to promote and increase public participation and use of library services
• Assists in planning and delivering library programs for children, teens and/or adults
• Instructs patrons on the use of the Internet, computer applications and other Library services
• Assists with fines & fees management, collection development/weeding, reserves and opening/closing procedures
• Ensures patrons follow library policies and procedures
• May take responsibility for the facility, staff and operations in the absence of the Library Manager
• Performs other related duties as required

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a strong, well‑rounded liberal arts background.

Experience: Experience creating, conducting and/or participating in community training, programming and outreach preferred.

Skills:

• Successfully demonstrated public service experience with the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Successfully demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Appreciation of literature and desire to encourage reading in others
• Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to perform multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Strong computer and other related technology skills, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PCs, Macs and e‑reader devices
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including on‑line searching, social media and reference resources and databases