Collections/DEI Intern

The Collections/DEI Intern will provide assistance with a pilot project, to review and refine the library’s Teen/Young Adult collections with a focus on diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI). Under the supervision of the Library Services Manager and the Adult and Youth Services Librarians, the intern will analyze collection reports and shelf lists; develop a comprehensive DEI collections audit; consult recommended booklists on relevant topics; make recommendations to strategically weed the collection to refresh the materials and make space; and work with the library team to select and purchase new materials. The intent of this pilot project is to create a process that can be scaled for auditing the library’s full collection.

The schedule is somewhat flexible. Some of the work may be performed remotely, but the majority will be onsite at the library.

Internship Facts
Service timeline: September-December (flexible) 10-20 per week 
Pay: $25/hr for up to 240 hours over 12 weeks (not to exceed $6,000)
Education credits: to be determined by institution

Library Overview
The Wilsonville Public Library offers more than 120,000 physical items for all ages, including fiction and nonfiction books, large print books, magazines, movies, documentaries, audiobooks, eBooks and eAudiobooks, and several special collections like: parenting, genealogy, Library of Things, puzzles, and Japanese, Russian and Spanish language materials. Additionally, we have access to over 1.5 million items from the Libraries in Clackamas County (LINCC) system.

We are located at the southernmost end of the Portland metropolitan area. Wilsonville is the gateway to the verdant Willamette Valley. Once a small farming community, Wilsonville is now a thriving city of more than 26,000 residents who enjoy the small-town charms of just 17 miles from downtown Portland.

Wilsonville Demographic Data available at: U.S. Census Bureau (2021). American Community Survey 5-year estimates.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Research and recommend a collection audit method to the library team (Youth and Adult Services Lead Librarians, Library Director and Library Services Manager)
• Apply approved collection audit method to the full Teen (Young Adult) collections
• Report findings of the audit to the library team. This should include a written summary, recommendations for addressing under or over represented materials, possibly a list of titles to purchase and/or weed.
• With the approval and support of the library team complete the approved recommendations.
• Evaluate the level of success of the audit method.
• Draft a recommendation for an ongoing method of auditing other collections in the library.
• Present and report to the Library Foundation and other stakeholder groups on the project and the internship experience.
• Attend a closing meeting with the library team to report on internship experience “how did it go?” addressing what they wished they had known before starting the internship, things that went well and did not and additional information that could be useful to the library team for future internships.
• Possible final deliverables to the MLIS (or equivalent) program to be determined by the program, but could include a webpage, power point, white paper, presentation at a professional conference.

Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization i s focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.

Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist.
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner. Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers.

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority. Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service. Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

The ideal candidate is someone enthusiastic about collection development, who wants the right book to find the right reader, and who understands the importance of authentic representation in the collection. In addition, the successful candidate must have the ability to manage and prioritize their workload and must be able to work both independently and cooperatively in a team environment. Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Other Requirements 

• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited MLIS (or equivalent) program
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English
• Mastery of basic computer tools; Microsoft 365
• Skilled at manipulating and analyzing data
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks

Work Environment: Employees work mainly in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and occasionally outdoors with potential exposure to hot/cold weather.

Physical Requirements: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Cognitive Functions: The position incumbent works in a fast-paced office environment characterized by frequent deadlines and interruptions. The incumbent must be capable of working effectively with members of the public with diverse positions on city issues. Most work is performed under direct supervision. Most problems are of moderate difficulty with precedent available. Creativity and problem-solving are required on a moderate level.

Salary : $25