Community Librarian

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager, Community Libraries, this position ensures the strategic directions of Barrie Public Library are met by supporting patron-centric service delivery, as well as in-branch and community-based programming and outreach.

The Librarian works with the Manager to support location operations and foster a collaborative team that meets the unique needs of the community. This includes completion of assignments within their portfolio and providing training, coaching and guidance of non-librarian staff. The Librarian provides and supports information, reference and readers’ advisory services, technology assistance as well as program and outreach planning and implementation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Excellence

• This position spends time at both the Painswick and Holly Community Libraries
• Models and provides service excellence in all interactions with the public
• Communicates effectively with a variety of diverse audiences and individuals, in person and digitally
• Provides readers’ advisory, reference, library orientation, patron guidance, research support and membership transactions
• Actively promotes and advocates for library services, resources, collections and technologies by participating in visual merchandising at the community library as well as maintaining and overseeing web pages, electronic collection promotion and social media streams, as needed and as they pertain to their portfolio
• Develops and provides individual and group instruction in the use of library services, resources, collections and technologies
• May participate in the development, maintenance and analysis of library collections to ensure the collections meet community needs
• Maintains expert knowledge of library resources and collections
• Supports the Manager by helping coordinate Page schedules and training
• In conjunction with the Manager, Community Libraries, coordinates the use of public meeting spaces
• Performs other customer experience-related duties as required

Community Engagement

• Assesses and evaluates community needs and opportunities to develop programs that align with and activate organizational strategic directions and goals
• Designs and delivers programs that augment awareness of library services, resources and collections and implements them at the community library and within the community
• Works with the Community Engagement Team to measure, evaluate and make recommendations on the effectiveness of programs and outreach campaigns
• May host events and deliver programs related to the Community Librarian portfolio
• May develop content and deliver program outreach to schools, local business and other organizations
• Liaises with community organizations and groups to build and maintain a network of community contacts
• Coordinates and implements outreach campaigns to educational institutions, businesses and other organizations within the Community Library catchment
• Uses outreach opportunities to engage customers in library membership and position the library as a trusted community development partner
• Facilitates a welcoming environment for the engagement of community volunteers within the library

Training and Development

• Makes recommendations to the Manager to improve the customer experience and increase library usage
• Trains, coaches and guides non-librarian staff to ensure consistent service delivery, collection maintenance and program implementation
• Acts as a resource for Community Library Staff in the absence of the Manager
• Leads and participates in projects related to customer experience, services, programs, outreach and events, as required
• Attends conferences, participates in workshops, researches relevant literature and actively networks to ensure awareness in library service advancements
• Participates in location and team meetings to communicate portfolio priorities and project updates
• Works collaboratively with managers and librarians at program and outreach planning meetings to increase public engagement
• Fosters and maintains positive, collaborative workplace relationships with all staff

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Library Science.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a public library providing information and readers advisory service, program planning and community engagement
• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage all members of the community and staff, in-person and digitally
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office applications, computers, mobile devices, social media applications and technology
• Demonstrated experience with instruction to diverse audiences, including technology instruction to support a wide variety of devices and platforms
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging trends, technologies and advancements in library and information service
• Demonstrated ability to perform tasks using independent judgement and initiative within organizational policies and procedures
• Experience providing library advocacy
• Driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required
• Experience in project management and outcome measurement is an asset
• Ability to speak languages, other than English, that are prevalent in the community is an asset. Ability to speak French is an asset
• A Police Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening is required and is a condition of employment

Compensation:   $72,945 – $83,883

How To Apply

Those wishing to apply should submit a cover letter and current resume as one PDF document (no links please) to:

Jane Little
Manager Human Resources
Barrie Public Library
60 Worsley Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 1L6

Email: jobs@barrielibrary.ca

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received for library positions, we are unable to respond to phone, email, or in-person inquiries regarding status or to provide individual feedback on applications. We thank everyone for their interest, but only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Application Deadline:  September 15th, 2025, 5:00 pm