Early Learning Partnerships Developer (CSP): VISTA – Saint Paul Public Library

SUMMARY
Program Type: AmeriCorps VISTA
Program: SPPL Early Learning Partnerships Developer (CSP)
Program Start/End Date: 08/05/2019 – 08/04/2020
Work Schedule: Full Time
Age Requirement: Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
Program Locations: MINNESOTA
Accepting Applications: From 03/06/2019 To 06/24/2019

The mission of the Saint Paul Public Library is to connect people in Saint Paul with the imperative and the joy of learning through a lifetime. Our vision is that we are a cornerstone of a thriving city: welcoming people of all ages and cultures; strengthening neighborhoods and learning networks; and inspiring all with the world of ideas. Guided by this mission and vision, SPPL offers free programs and open access services to all people in our communities, helping them access resources. The impact is great on low-income communities, providing access to spaces, relationships, and programs for youth, technology, assistance finding jobs and resources. We value cultural understanding, partnership, meaningful experiences for young people, quality programs, and learning for all. For some caregivers and families, bringing children to the library for programs, playtime, and checking out books is a regular practice, and the library’s services are succeeding. For other families, especially newer immigrants and those with lower income, accessing library services can be confusing, disappointing or downright impossible. We know that many families with lower income may also be families of color. While the library does not collect demographic information on patrons who visit or attend programs at the library, we know from informal surveying that many parents attending English language storytimes with their young children are white, even in communities that are not predominantly residents of color. Many St Paul families are using the library, but the library may not be meeting the needs of their young children in a meaningful way. To make our services accessible and meaningful to all populations, we must better understand the library needs of low-income caregivers and children. We can work toward this understanding by leveraging organizational and individual partnerships to align library services with community needs.

Member Duties : – Pilot strategies to promote SPPL’s early learning resources and services outside the library walls – Leverage VISTA Year 1 knowledge and learning from partners to move key system wide partnerships forward – Better analyze and use early learning program data to inform decisions and tell SPPL story – Explore Saint Paul’s populations through GIS mapping, developing an understanding of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and communities – Identify promotion locations priorities based on mapping learnings and specific promotion locations, making contact to see what kind of promotion is possible – Begin working with Friends of SPPL to explore grant funding opportunities where necessary – Work with stakeholders (VISTA supervisor, branch staff) to determine partner engagement strategy; implement strategy – Identify necessary stakeholders for data sharing and begin developing strategies for sharing information with necessary stakeholders – Share data with necessary stakeholders

Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Relocation Allowance , Living Allowance .

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

Terms: Permits working at another job during off hours .
Service Areas: None
Skills: Computers/Technology , Community Organization , Education , Communications , Youth Development .

Original posting / application information

Minneapolis Community & Technical College Library Needs Student Workers!

DEPARTMENT: Minneapolis College Library
SUPERVISOR: John Ford (Supervisor); Kathleen McArdle(Coordinator)
LOCATION: Whitney Hall, Minneapolis College Library
JOB TITLE: Library Student Employee
HOURLY WAGE: $11 per hour

REQUIRED HOURS: Work hours are decided by individual availability and the staffing needs of the library.*

Library Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8am-6:45pm, Friday: 8am-11:30am.

*Currently hiring for specific shifts (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings).

Please send resume and class schedules for summer and (if applicable) fall 2019 to circdesk@minneapolis.edu

POSTING DATE RANGE: 4/15/2019 – 4/21/2019

JOB DESCRIPTION
Library work-study students assist the Minneapolis College community in accessing the library’s physical and digital collection through the use of library tools, and help maintain the findability of library materials.
Examples of tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Service desk assistance to students, faculty and staff
• Welcome and assist library patrons.
• Ask clarifying questions to assess the type of information and services that may be needed.
• Check material in and out.
• Provide introductory help with searching the library catalog and locating materials.
• Assist patrons with basic printing, copying and technical support.
• Guide patrons on the use library tools and technology.
• Collection and library maintenance
• Locate and shelve library materials.
• Inventory collection and identify damaged material.
• Clean headphones, monitors, keyboards, tables.
• Technical services
• Process new library materials.
• Update or withdraw currently owned items.
• Additional library projects and tasks will also be assigned as needed, including assisting with the training and mentoring of newer employees, library outreach, and various other tasks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a FAFSA Financial Aid approval letter for both 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years.
• Must be registered for at least 6 credits for spring and fall 2019 courses, OR at least one summer course

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Customer service experience.
• Attention to detail.
• Self-motivated to start and complete tasks thoroughly and accurately.
• Ability to communicate accurately and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Familiarity with campus programs and services.
• Ability to effectively use modern computer applications, including search engines, the library catalog, email, and MS Office applications.
• Punctuality, tactfulness, and dependability.
• Willingness to learn new tasks and complete tasks promptly.
• Previous employment in libraries or other information agencies.
• Enrollment or completion of INFS 1000.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Student worker will develop Communication and Interpersonal skills when staffing the service desks assisting students, faculty, and staff with access to materials as well as daily interactions with library staff.
2. Student worker will develop Technical skills when assisting patrons with troubleshooting problems involving computer applications such as MS Office, with printing issues, and while working daily with library software.
3. Student worker will develop Research skills when using the library catalog on a daily basis to search for materials for members of the Minneapolis College community.