Patron Services and Programming Librarian, Jewish Braille Institute
About Us
Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability so that they may fully participate in Jewish life—from education and community to prayer and celebration. We are the heart of a community where our patrons can come for accessible books and texts, cultural programs, learning, and all things that connect people to Judaism, culture, and community. We strive to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion, so that everyone can read, learn, and engage, both with JBI and their local Jewish community—independently and with dignity.
Role Overview
The Patron Services and Programming Librarian at JBI Library is responsible for providing excellent customer service by telephone and email to our community members (50%), outreach, communications, and programming (30%), and cataloging and collection promotion (20%). Additionally, the role includes administrative duties such as maintaining records, preparing reports, and assisting with budget planning and grant applications. The librarian will work with the outreach team, operations department, production department, and other library staff members, and will be supervised by the Head Librarian.
Key Responsibilities:
- Patron Services:
- Provide excellent customer service to library patrons, assisting with reference and referral inquiries through telephone and email interactions, locating materials, and using library resources.
- Conduct building tours, orientations, and instructional sessions (in-person and virtual) to help patrons make the most of library services.
- Assist patrons with digital resources and basic technology guidance.
- Along with others, design and manage patron programs and events, both in person and virtual, to enhance the patrons’ experiences and to support our goal of connecting patrons to Jewish life.
- Community Engagement:
- Support patron groups and volunteer projects
- Work on our in-person outreach, including developing partnerships with local organizations
- Along with others, promote the library’s collections and services through social media, newsletters, catalogs, and other communication channels.
- Programs
- Plan monthly programs across JBI Library’s Jewish learning, Culture & Arts, Community Chats, & Book Clubs series
- Identify volunteer and paid program facilitators, coordinate lesson plans and accessible materials needed
- Collection Management:
- In cooperation with the head librarian, develop and maintain the library’s collection, including books, digital resources, and other materials.
- Conduct regular assessments of community interests to ensure we are meeting their needs
- Work on the cataloging and classification of library materials and the creation of genre catalogs and pathfinders
- Maintain accurate records of library transactions and inventory.
- Enter and maintain patron and item records in our ILS database, place book orders in the system, run reports, and find efficiencies.
- Assist with cataloging and classification of library materials as needed to support the library
- Outreach & Communications
- Communicate regularly with patrons to register them for programs via phone or email, and address inquiries
- Create the FYI, Individual Patron, Organizational Patron, and Voices content with the Head librarian
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in library science required.
- (Candidates in their final semester of a Library Science Masters program will also be considered.)
- Strong customer service skills and experience working with the public.
- Experience in collection management or cataloging.
- Strong writing and oral communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for books, promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
- Proficiency with an Integrated Library System, MS Office, and digital resources.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Knowledge of trends in library services and technology.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional librarian experience or internship
- Experience working with individuals who are older or who are blind, or have low vision or print disabilities.
- Knowledge of disability culture and assistive technology
- Knowledge of Jewish culture, literature, and/or liturgy
- Yiddish, Hebrew, Russian proficiency a bonus
The salary range is $62,000-$70,000. The position also offers an attractive benefits package. The regular hours are 8:45 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays and in person (a 35-hour work week is standard). Occasional travel required. This position is open until filled. This is an exempt position.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application, resume, and cover letter to JBI’s employment portal: https://jbilibrary.bamboohr.com/careers/. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and your exposure to working with diverse communities. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Goodman, JBI’s COO, at jobs@jbilibrary.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
JBI Library is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We celebrate and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, and we believe that inclusion, accessibility, and dignity strengthen our work and our mission. All employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
