Careers

Position Summary:
Desmond-Fish Public Library is seeking a Collection Development Assistant to become part of our dynamic team. In this role, you will support the strategic development and management of our library’s nonfiction collection, ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of our community and promote equitable access to information resources.

The ideal applicant is a community-minded professional with a passion for public service and a commitment to racial, gender, and class equity. We aim to create a warm, progressive environment for learners of all ages and strongly encourage applicants from diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Familiarity with library classification systems and metadata standards
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in integrated library systems (ILS), database management, and Google Workspace
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, push, pull, and move materials, often up to 25 lbs.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Prior experience working in a library setting, particularly in collection development
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and collection management systems

The schedule is 35 hours, 5 days a  week with shifts required on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, and Saturdays or Sundays. (No Sunday hours during summer;  Sunday hours resuming in the fall.)   Position starting pay is $21-$23/hour,  with paid holidays and time-off. A 3 month probationary period is required to assess and confirm suitability. 

Key Responsibilities

Collection Development & Acquisition

• Select and purchase materials in accordance with collection development policies
• Track orders, manage budget,  communicate with vendors, and manage acquisitions

Collection Maintenance

• Evaluate the nonfiction collection to identify gaps and areas for growth
• Support ongoing weeding and updating of outdated or underused materials

Data Analysis & Assessment

• Analyze circulation data, usage trends, and community feedback
• Make recommendations to improve relevance, accessibility, and engagement

Collaboration & Technical Support

• Work closely with staff to process and catalog new materials
• Assist with maintaining accurate catalog records and metadata

Professional Awareness

• Stay informed about trends in publishing, digital resources, and open access initiatives
• Contribute ideas to enhance the value and relevancy of the collection

Please email janice@desmondfishlibrary.org with a resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Position Summary

The Circulation Clerk is the “face” of the library, responsible for greeting patrons and assisting with their requests and questions in a friendly and helpful manner.

In addition to providing reference services and tech assistance to patrons, the circulation clerk performs routine collection maintenance and assists with other projects as needed.

The ideal applicant should be committed to racial, gender, and class equity with an enthusiasm for public service and passion for creating a warm and welcoming environment for learners of all ages. Applicants from diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for public service, collaborative spirit, and sense of humor 
• Ease with computers and technology 
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills 
• Outstanding  interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and with others 

Preferred, but not required: 

• Prior experience working in a public library 
• Knowledge of Sierra Integrated Library System

The schedule is around 20 hour/week, with shifts needed on Thursday evenings, Fridays and Saturdays. Position starting pay is $19/hour, with paid holidays and time-off. Position includes a probationary period of 3 months to assess and confirm suitability. 

Please email janice@desmondfishlibrary.org with a resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Circulation
• Opens and closes the library 
• Checks materials In/Out; empties dropbox daily
• Supports maintenance of the library collection, including shelving and shifting 
• Answers phone/email, communicates with general public
• Staffs the circulation desk and ensures library policies are followed
• Assists patrons in using catalog/library databases
• Performs additional duties and tasks as assigned.

Basic Technical Competencies

• Understands basic computer hardware and helps others to use hardware and peripherals (printer, scanner, fax, etc.)
• Understands Basic Operating Systems and functions of  computers, including PCs, servers, and even smartphones.
• Basic understanding of the Windows/or macOS operating system, including locating and opening files, installing and running programs and shutting down the computer.
• Understands and assists patrons with using the library’s online catalog and Sierra ILS

The Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison, NY seeks a part-time Digital Services Intern interested in public service and in creating a welcoming environment for learners of all ages to assist the Digital Services Librarian in the Innovation & Learning Center (ILC) and throughout the Library. A state-of-the-art makerspace serving the community, the ILC is focused on the intersection of technology and the arts and dedicated to promoting social justice and information literacy through free access to technology.

This internship is intended for students currently attending or entering a higher education program (college, graduate school, technical college, apprenticeship, etc.).

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Digital Services Librarian with day-to-day functions of the ILC as needed, including supervising the lab and offering basic services during opening hours
• Helping to develop and run technology-based programs for children and adults
• Assisting with Library computers and makerspace equipment maintenance
• Supporting Library staff with technology needs
• Helping library patrons develop essential digital literacy skills through educational programs and informal consultations

Desired qualifications:

• Knowledge of current and emerging technology
• Coursework or equivalent experience in the arts and/or technology
• Enthusiasm for public service and a collaborative spirit
• Good attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with others

If possible:

• Prior experience working in a public library or educational environment
• Experience using or working in makerspace environments

The position is currently viewed as a part-time position with flexible hours, 15-18 hours per week. Pay is $18-20/hr. depending on experience. Weekday night and weekend availability strongly preferred.  Location is commutable by MetroNorth train; transportation stipend available.  

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter or alternative document that lets us get to know you to ryan@desmondfishlibrary.org with the subject heading Digital Services Internship. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.