ACCESSIBILITY LIBRARIAN - 30 hours with participation in weekend rotation

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of Adult Services, provides a wide cross section of professional librarian services in direct patron assistance, collection development, program and workshop design and implementation, resource sharing, and community outreach related to accessibility, service to the elderly and other populations with accessibility needs.

Primary Elements:

• Provides assistance and standard information and referral services to library patrons. Interviews library users in person, by telephone or other electronic means to evaluate specific needs and identify information and resource sources to meet those needs.

• Oversees and coordinates the service program to homebound users. Engages and assesses volunteers assisting in the program. Oversees the selection of materials for use by homebound users and coordinates the effective delivery of reserved materials to this population.

• Engages with Newton institutions serving the elderly to develop cooperative programming, including the provision of deposit collections at Newton nursing homes and elder care establishments.

• Oversees collection development of Large Print materials and other materials or equipment related to improving accessibility for disabled users. Examines applicable reviews and other relevant materials and recommends selection of materials for the collection. Monitors use of the assigned collection and makes retention recommendations related to it.

• Designs, organizes and oversees the implementation and presentation of workshops, book talks and other programs related to accessibility and the needs of disabled users. Coordinates with the Assistant Supervisor of Communications and Programs in the development of this area of programming.

• Instructs patrons in how to use and identify information sources. Assists in the selection of reading, audio‑visual or other materials in either English or other languages represented in the collections. Instructs patrons in the use of library technology and equipment. Develops reading lists and other bibliographic materials. Processes inter‑library loan requests.

• Assists Library Users in the use of library computers and other equipment and technology. Is familiar with the standard operation of all technology and equipment in service with the public including all assistive technology and can perform first pass troubleshooting of that equipment. Promptly uses established protocols to inform IT support staff of problems that do not respond to initial troubleshooting.

• May participate in compiling, editing and maintaining library documentation and finding aids in print or online, including such things as reading lists, topical book lists or subject guides.

• Collaborates with other library staff to plan and implement Library services that meet the needs of the target special service populations and the community at large. Participates as leader or member in one or more teams organized to address specific areas of library service, including the leadership of any teams related to accessible library services.

• Follows and adheres to department, City and other government rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Secondary Elements

• Assists, directs, checks, trains and guides library assistants, aides, pages and volunteers in the performance of their duties. May participate in page selection process.

• May serve as the duty officer in the absence of more senior staff.

• Attends and participates in department and library staff meetings and workshops. Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments within field or areas of interest.

• Assists in the management of and the filling of requests for the inter‑library loan system. Locates and prepares requested books, periodicals, microfilm, and other media for shipment.

• Cooperates with other librarians in the region to provide enhanced services and to facilitate resource sharing.

• Performs other duties as required.

• Attend and participate in Department and other meetings and special events.

Education, Training and Experience : Masters of Science degree in Library Science from an accredited program and one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, and the operation of library equipment and software as well as adaptive technologies.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Broad knowledge of advanced professional library science, and the operation of library equipment and software as well as adaptive technologies.

Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as routine reports and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, which may require considerable tact, to visitors, customers or employees of the City. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

Skill:. Strong oral and written communications skills. Strong technology troubleshooting skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations within the limits of established policy. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

A strong commitment to public service required.

Company Description

THE CITY:


The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.



OUR GOVERNMENT:


Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.



AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing [email protected].

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees