Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book. 

Brooklyn Public Library seeks an advanced graduate student in Library and Information Science or a related field to support an initiative studying cardholder signup policies and procedures in U.S. public libraries.  

In the first phase of the project, a national research study of public libraries will collect data on library card signup practices. The graduate assistant will support a working group of library leaders from urban, suburban, and rural libraries and assist in the development of a comprehensive policy framework for cardholder signup and access for library practitioners and policymakers.  

Responsibilities:

Under the leadership of the Director of Customer Experience, the Graduate Assistant will: 

• Assist with the coordination, planning, and facilitation of 6-8 virtual working group sessions with library leaders in spring and summer 2024; 
• Research additional library cardholder signup policy trends at the state, municipal, and local level not covered in the first phase of the project; 
• Draft a policy framework for library leaders, in collaboration with partners; and 
• Write, present, and share project findings as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and current enrollment in a relevant graduate program (Library and Information Science, or a related subject area) 
• Knowledge and understanding of public library issues and values; library and information technologies; library policies and procedures
• Strong project management skills. Facilitation, teaching, and/or project design experience preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively to get things accomplished
• Creativity, flexibility, and initiative in accommodating project needs
• Commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion
• Experience working in a library setting
• Experience working with diverse audiences
• Reliable access to internet for remote work 

The Graduate Assistant will complete roughly 7 hours of work weekly over a six-month period at a pay rate of $30 per hour. Project work will be completed in August 2024. Work may be conducted remotely.