Programming and Reference Librarian, Wayland Free Public Library (Wayland)
Summary of Duties
Helps carry out the mission of the Library by providing adult programming, reference and information services, readers advisory, and technology assistance to patrons.
Programming Services: Manages and schedules the Library’s adult programming and outreach services. Performs duties requiring considerable judgment and initiative in planning and overseeing programming and outreach services for adults both within the Library and outside the Library.
Reference and Information Services: Provides professional services requiring the exercise of considerable judgment in the selection and maintenance of the reference collection in its various formats. Assists in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs relating to the reference and information services role of the Library.
Supervision Received
Supervised by the Assistant Director and/or Director. Works without supervision on Saturdays and/or Sundays.
Job Environment
Performs work under typical library conditions with frequent interruptions; work schedule requires evening and weekend work; work environment can be busy and challenging at times; may be subject to abrupt schedule changes to solve technology-related problems.
Has frequent contact with the library patrons, vendors, staff, Town employees, and area libraries.
Contact with the public is to be courteous and may require patience, tact, and understanding.
Errors could result in poor service to patrons who could receive inaccurate information, time loss, confusion and delay, poor public relations, and failure to achieve program objectives.
Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
Adult Programming Services:
Initiates, plans, oversees, and conducts a variety of programs and activities to encourage the use of the Library by adults, including book groups, speakers, authors, poets, performers, musicians, and other cultural and community events.
Collaborates with the Wayland Museum & Historical Society, the Council on Aging, the Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and other community groups to co-sponsor programs relating to local history and act as a forum for community discussions.
Responsible for organizing and presenting an annual speaker, presenter or performer using funds from the Gossels Fund for Human Dignity, a trust fund maintained by the Board of Library Trustees.
May work nights and weekends to support programming and outreach events.
Selects, orders, and weeds materials for adult nonfiction print collection.
Promotes programs using various forms of publicity, including the Library’s monthly and weekly e-newsletter, in-house displays and posters, newsletters of other Town departments and organizations, as well as periodic articles in the Wayland Post.
Reference and Information Services:
Provides assistance in locating information using all print and electronic resources in person, on the phone and via email. Checks and/or refers patrons to other libraries or other sources of information, as needed.
Assists patrons in troubleshooting personal devices and library computers, and various other types of electronic equipment. Instructs the public in the use of the online catalog, online databases and other information resources in various formats.
Provides readers advisory to patrons.
Keeps current with new publications and developments in the reference and information services area. Suggests new titles (in various formats) for purchase.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Will consider candidates who are working towards a graduate degree in Library Science.
At least two (2) years’ experience working in a library performing adult programming services, reference and information services, and providing technology assistance to patrons.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Excellent communication skills.
Customer service and instructional abilities.
Ability to stay calm at busy times and juggle several tasks at once.
Computer literacy is a must.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of library work and Sierra or similar integrated library systems.
Ability to plan, set goals and objectives for the Library in library information technology, collection development and related areas; ability to instruct library patrons in searching and accessing books and materials in the Library’s online catalogs.
Good working knowledge of the Library’s reference and local history collections, online databases, and general literature holdings.
Physical Requirements
Occasional light physical effort required to perform duties under typical library conditions. Occasionally required to lift items and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds and to kneel, bend, stoop, crouch and twist. Must have manual dexterity to operate, maintain, and repair a variety of computer-related equipment. Ability to sit for periods of time, and to talk and listen.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary Range
$59,015.00 - $76,995.00 / year
Salary Notes
plus an excellent benefits package
Closing Date
open until filled
How to Apply
Apply to: Please submit a resume and cover letter to the Human Resources Director, Town of Wayland, 41 Cochituate Road, Wayland, MA 01778 or hr@wayland.ma.us. The Town of Wayland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Posted
2025-12-16