Librarian I - Makerspace

Position: Librarian I - Makerspace

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is a non-profit library system comprised of nine locations providing library and information services to the city of Huntsville and the surrounding Madison County area. HMCPL is seeking a Makerspace Librarian to oversee the South Huntsville Public Library Makerspace. The selected candidate will be responsible for educating the public on utilizing makerspace equipment safely and creatively to explore the universe of ideas and connect with our community and the world.

The ideal candidate will be well-organized and passionate about STEAM programming in a library setting while demonstrating reliability, knowledge, and enthusiasm towards sparking the creativity of the public.

LIBRARY LOCATION:

South Huntsville Public Library

7901-L Bailey Cove Road

Huntsville, AL 35802

The South Huntsville Public Library is open:

Monday - Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM

Friday - Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM

Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM

HOURS AND COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, 40 hour a week position with a rate of pay of $18.50 an hour. Benefits offered include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and MPP and 457(b) retirement plan options. General schedule will include one night a week and one weekend a month (Saturday and Sunday Hours). Please see location hours listed above for more details.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Responsible for planning, scheduling, promotion, and implementation of maker-related programming to patrons of all ages. Acts as an advocate and spokesperson for the Library’s STEAM programming and initiatives. This position is classified as Non-exempt for the purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Work involves responsibility for the library’s makerspace area and equipment, including computers and 3D printers, as well as the South Huntsville Seed Library. Provides maker and technology-related customer service and training to the public and other staff members. Assists in maintaining reports and statistics relating to makerspace use and program attendance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the direction of the immediate supervisor as determined by the Executive Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May be responsible for issuing instructions to department or location staff. May be assigned as supervisor on duty for location as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Acts as a team member in fulfilling the Library’s Mission Statement: “This is the public’s library. We empower individuals to create their own futures, explore the universe of ideas, and connect with our community and the world.”

Acts as an expert for patrons using the makerspace facility and equipment; ensures patrons handle equipment and materials safely.

Update, maintain, and troubleshoot makerspace equipment; track inventory and request purchase of consumables.

Plan, schedule, and teach courses in basic certification, safety, and general use of makerspace equipment, including 3D modeling; monitor the makerspace area and equipment and alert the branch manager to any maintenance issues.

Research, develop, and prototype innovative maker activities and programs to grow the library’s appeal and relevance; Monitor the makerspace area and equipment and alert the branch manager to any maintenance issues.

Respond to telephone, electronic, and in-person requests for information and assistance at public service desks.

May be responsible for the branch and/or department on evenings and weekends in the absence of the department/branch head; May train and supervise paraprofessional or entry-level staff in specific tasks.

May act as a Library representative to professional, private, and civic organizations as well as the general public as needed.

Participates in system-wide committees, boards, projects, meetings, and initiatives as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Participates in special projects and performs additional duties as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, stooping, and lifting/carrying items generally not exceeding 40 pounds. Must possess the mobility to carry supplies and deliveries over uneven terrain. Must possess the vision required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Must possess the ability to hear and speak both in person and over the telephone. Physical dexterity is required including hand-to-eye coordination and manipulative skills congruent with the operation of machines, carts, and tools. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of office environments. Involves use of specialized machinery which may require additional caution and/or exposure to risk. May interact with upset staff and/or members of the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of professional library principles, methods, materials, and practices; knowledge and experience in installing and troubleshooting software and hardware configurations; knowledge of basic programming and one board computers such as Arduinos, raspberry pi, etc. ; ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in both written, oral, or diagrammatic form; ability to design and deliver training courses and curriculum for use with makerspace equipment; ability to safely and correctly operate a variety of tools; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, corporate representatives, officials of other agencies, and the general public; ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university plus one (1) year relevant experience in a 3D modeling, CAD, or maker role or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides a demonstrated potential for performing the above listed duties of the position is required.

This job description is not nor is it intended to be a complete state of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Employees may be expected to perform additional duties that may not be reflected in this description.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.