Outreach Librarian - 20 hours per week

As an Outreach Librarian at Greene County Public Library, your main responsibilities will include coordinating visits to nursing homes and care facilities, selecting materials for deposit collections, and promoting library services to the community. You'll engage with residents by planning programs specifically designed for homebound individuals and working with activity coordinators to enhance library outreach and support.

To qualify for the Outreach Librarian I position at Greene County Public Library, you need a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university along with 1-3 years of library and/or customer service experience. For the Outreach Librarian II role, a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited school is required, paired with similar experience.

Essential skills for the Outreach Librarian role at Greene County Public Library include strong customer service abilities, knowledge of library principles and practices, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in computer applications related to library operations. Additionally, being able to work independently and solve problems is crucial for success in this role.

A typical day for an Outreach Librarian at Greene County Public Library involves coordinating visits to nursing and rehabilitation facilities, selecting and checking out materials, and designing programs for homebound individuals. Additionally, you will attend meetings and training sessions, respond to patron inquiries, and promote library services within the community.

As a part-time Outreach Librarian at Greene County Public Library, you can enjoy several benefits, including contributions to your retirement fund, sick leave, personal days, and holidays. You may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement after one year of service, as well as contributions for Medicare and dental insurance coverage.

To determine suitable materials for a nursing home collection, it's important to consider the interests and reading levels of the residents. Engaging directly with activity coordinators and residents can provide valuable insights and help tailor selections. Additionally, keeping current trends and popular genres in mind aids in ensuring a diverse and appealing collection.

In my previous roles, I've actively engaged with the community by organizing events that catered to various interests, such as book clubs and educational workshops. I've also collaborated with local organizations to extend library services, ensuring we cater to all demographics, which aligns perfectly with the outreach aspect of the Outreach Librarian position.

To promote library services to seniors, I would employ a multi-faceted approach, such as collaboratively working with senior centers and healthcare facilities to host information sessions. Additionally, creating brochures and utilizing social media campaigns tailored to a senior audience can help increase visibility and awareness amongst this demographic.

Staying updated with library resources and trends can involve regular participation in professional development workshops, reading relevant publications, and networking with other librarians. Following industry blogs and engaging with library associations also helps to remain informed about new resources, technology, and patron needs.

Technology plays a pivotal role in outreach by facilitating communication and providing access to digital resources. I leverage social media, library apps, and digital newsletters to engage with patrons and share information about services. Additionally, using library management systems streamlines the materials selection and tracking processes.

Creating programs for homebound individuals requires understanding their specific needs and preferences. I would conduct surveys or one-on-one assessments to gather input. Based on the feedback, I might implement virtual book discussions or craft sessions that can be easily accessed from home, fostering a sense of community despite physical limitations.

One challenge I faced was reaching underrepresented communities. To overcome this, I organized outreach workshops to directly engage with these communities, learning about their unique needs. Building relationships and soliciting feedback allowed us to adjust our services effectively, ultimately increasing participation and library engagement.

My customer service philosophy centers around empathy and accessibility. I believe in treating each patron with respect and actively listening to their needs. By ensuring accessible resources and tailored programs, I aim to foster an inclusive environment that encourages library engagement for everyone.

I want to work as an Outreach Librarian at Greene County Public Library because I value community service and believe that libraries play a crucial role in enriching lives. I'm excited about the opportunity to advocate for patrons who may face barriers to access and help enhance their quality of life through engagement with our library's diverse resources.

In a library setting, teamwork is incredibly important. I approach it by promoting open communication, actively seeking input from colleagues, and being willing to share responsibilities. Collaboration often leads to innovative solutions, so I strive to foster a positive team dynamic that involves each member's contributions and ideas.