Older Adults Librarian

The Oak Park Public Library seeks a full-time Older Adults Librarian to join its Adult Services team.

About the Oak Park Public Library

The Oak Park Public Library strategically prioritizes equity, anti-racism, engagement, learning, and stewardship. We serve a diverse population at our three locations and out in the Oak Park community. Our vision is to empower every voice in our community, and our mission is to share the information, services, and opportunities that fulfill Oak Park’s aspirations.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager of Adult Services, the person selected for this position will advance the library’s vision, mission, and strategic direction by:

• Organizing and carrying out the library’s Home Delivery program
• Executing day-to-day experiences related to designated service areas,
• Leading or participating on project teams based upon areas of expertise and knowledge, 
• Providing direct service to patrons at service points located throughout the system, 
• Supporting library initiatives and projects, and 
• Contributing to projects across all service areas

Bilingualism in English and Spanish is a plus; while not required, fluency in Spanish will enable you to provide exceptional customer service and build relationships with our Spanish-speaking community members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The nature and allocation of work for a librarian may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Home Delivery Program:

• Designs, evaluates, and executes the library’s Home Delivery program, which delivers library materials to library cardholders in the Village of Oak Park
• Communicate and provide Readers Advisory services, primarily by phone but also through email or in person, with library card holders seeking new materials 
• Coordinate the collection and distribution of materials to library card holders through weekly delivery
• Create and monitor library cards and accounts associated with Home Delivery 
• Must have reliable access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license
• Will drive materials to cardholders in a personal vehicle weekly

Community Engagement:

• Identifies and cultivates regional or local community relationships that advance the library's mission, vision, and strategic priorities, particularly related to areas of aging in the community and for Older Adult audiences (Residential assisted living homes, community organizations like Oak Park Township Senior Services, the Park District of Oak Park, and other partners)
• Provides programs and services at community locations outside of the library
• Works with the Book Bike and other community engagement-related teams

Programming:

• Designs, facilitates, presents, and evaluates programs
• Collaborates with fellow library staff on health-related programs as well as programs specifically targeted toward Older Adults
• Completes evaluation and analysis of programs

Service Points:

• Coordinates and/or provides professional consultations or instruction to internal and external stakeholders; direct facilitation or mediation of in-person, telephone, or email customer interactions, including regular shifts at service desks at any library location
• Manages customer complaints and resolves conflicts
• Assists in the planning, development, and evaluation of new services 
• Provides technology troubleshooting support to the Library’s internal and external customers
• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the Library’s Rules of Behavior
• Provides information on library and community news and events

Required Qualifications

• Understands, supports, and advances the vision, mission, and strategic priorities of the library
• Familiar with ILS and related library software, including print and PC management systems, RFID, and self-checkout technology
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• Technical competence and a willingness to learn and grow in technical understanding
• Verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills
• Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders
• Service-oriented and committed to providing exceptional service to our patrons, staff, and community
• Excellent interpersonal and project management skills
• Demonstrated proven ability to exercise sound judgment and independent thinking
• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality
• Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle to provide year-round Home Delivery services
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Education and Experience

Required

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution
• Experience working in a public library
• Valid driver’s license to drive in Illinois

Preferred

• Experience designing and executing programs
• Experience providing reference and reader’s advisory services
• Experience delivering customer service at library service desks
• Bilingual skills in a language relevant to Oak Park’s community

A combination of education, professional experience, and lived experiences that demonstrate the ability to meet the position's requirements successfully may be considered.

Details

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week. 

As part of the greater compensation package, full-time library staff members receive generous benefits, including:

• 90% premium coverage for PPO and HMO medical insurance for all tiers
• Enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a premier defined benefit (pension) plan for Illinois municipal government employees
• 20 paid days of vacation annually
• 12 paid days of health leave annually
• 5 paid personal days annually
• 13 paid holidays each year
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave
• Remote work stipend (if applicable)
• $150 Lifestyle Spending Account to use to improve your physical, financial, and emotional well-being

Starting salary range: $56,000 to $64,000. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. 

Please apply by Sunday, January 5, to be considered for this position.

The Oak Park Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an environment of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of our staff, collections, programs and services, patrons, and community. Members of traditionally marginalized groups and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.