Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00113

Department: Boston Public Library

Job classification: Generalist II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Library

Summary

Under supervision and within the framework of the Library policies and practices, assume responsibility for the effective execution of the Library’s programs of service to a diverse population characteristic of an urban setting and to perform professional work requiring the application of substantial professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to:

Branch Librarian or ranking staff member.

Supervises:

As assigned, professional and non-professional staff members.

Examples of duties

• Initiates, develops, plans, and implements the Library’s programs of service to adults, young adults, and children as assigned through personal consultations, reference and readers’ advisory services, outreach, and programs.
• Develops interactive relationships within a defined neighborhood and implements activities to stimulate use of the Library’s resources by the community and local service agencies and organizations.
• Plans and conducts comprehensive programming for assigned segments of the general public in keeping with the programming responsibilities found in other P2 branch positions.
• Works with administrators and staff at the branch to develop, deploy, and support outreach services for all ages and to identify service populations in the neighborhood.
• Performs readers’ advisory services and difficult or involved reference work for the general public.
• Provides instruction to increase patrons’ skills in the use of book resources and electronic databases.
• Manages program funds as assigned.
• Responsible for the development of assigned book collections and managing the appropriate materials budget.
• Compiles annotated lists and bibliographies involving book and non-book materials.
• Recommends and/or plans changes in service or new services.
• Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities within the branch library.
• Assists in training professional and non-professional staff.
• May be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the branch in the absence of the Branch Librarian or other ranking staff member.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• May be called upon to represent the Library on city-wide and state-wide committees.
• Performs other related and/or comparable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A master’s degree in library science from an accredited library school. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Two (2) years of pertinent professional library experience or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.
• Broad knowledge of Library policies, practices, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of popular book and non-book materials, including bibliographic tools and sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the techniques of programming.
• Demonstrated interest in community and library work.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to develop strong, interactive community relationships.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to assume responsibility and to carry out assignments independently.
• Proven oral and written communication skills as well as Internet and other electronic database searching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with staff and the public; initiative, dependability, good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

CORI & SORI CHECK REQUIRED - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-2

Hours per week: 35