Adult Services Librarian (Spanish Services) - Public Library

Job Title: Adult Services Librarian (Spanish Services)

Kansas City, Kansas Public Library (KCKPL) serves Wyandotte County, a community in Northeastern Kansas with a population of around 170,000, with five library branches and three mobile libraries. KCKPL was formed in 1893 and came under the authority of the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District Board of Education in 1899, where it remains today. The mission of Kansas City, Kansas Public Library is to connect members of a dynamic community with information, tools, resources, and welcoming spaces to enrich lives in Wyandotte County.

Job Goal

The Adult Services Librarian (Spanish Services) is responsible for overseeing an assigned area of public service and working collaboratively with library staff, leadership, and community partners to provide high-quality services and programming that meet the evolving needs of patrons. This position also supports collection development, outreach, and public service initiatives to enhance community engagement.

In addition, this position serves as the systemwide lead for Spanish language services and supports equitable access to library programs, resources, and services for Spanish-speaking communities across KCKPL. The Adult Services Librarian (Spanish Services) collaborates with staff and leadership to strengthen bilingual programming, outreach, and service initiatives throughout the library system.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a subject expert for an assigned area of library service and collaborate with colleagues to develop relevant programs and resources.
• Provide information and referral services, including one-on-one consultations with patrons.
• Plan and implement programs and events that align with assigned service area and community needs.
• Actively seek and coordinate outreach opportunities in the community to expand the reach of library services.
• Collaborate with librarians across the system to support system-wide programming and initiatives.
• Review and evaluate assigned areas of the collection; coordinate with Collection Development as needed.
• Perform circulation desk duties including assisting patrons with locating materials, checking items in/out, managing accounts, and registering new users.
• Provide reader's advisory and information services to patrons.
• Maintain department organization, displays, and materials; shelve items and perform collection weeding and shelf reading.
• Create promotional materials in print and online to support programs and services.
• Assist with outreach events and community engagement initiatives.
• Participate in library committees, meetings, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Spanish Services

• Lead and coordinate systemwide Spanish language services, programs, and initiatives across library branches.
• Collaborate with staff to support and expand bilingual and culturally responsive library services.
• Facilitate and lead bilingual team meetings focused on programming, outreach, community engagement, and Spanish service initiatives.
• Assist with the development and promotion of Spanish-language programming and outreach opportunities.
• Support systemwide efforts related to Spanish language collections, resources, and patron engagement.
• Provide bilingual support and culturally responsive service to Spanish-speaking patrons and community partners as needed.
• Assist with translation of library materials, promotional content, and public-facing resources when applicable.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Proficiency in both English and Spanish (spoken and written) required.
• Experience with bilingual outreach, culturally responsive programming, or Spanish-language services preferred.
• Must pass a background check according to library standards.
• Understanding of library services, principles, and mission.
• Strong ability to work independently and manage priorities with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with staff, patrons, and external organizations.
• Technologically proficient and open to learning new digital tools.
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement of library services.
• Basic computer skills including internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, and databases.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Must provide own transportation for outreach or off-site responsibilities.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to stand, kneel, walk, stoop, and lift up to 35 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a public library setting, which may include exposure to dust, mildew, fluorescent lighting, and varying noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits

Vacation, disability, and personal days granted annually pursuant to KCKPS Board Policies, GARH – Absences, leave and vacation. Salary based on library classification and salary schedule. Placement on the schedule based on qualifications and experience. A willingness to work evenings, weekends and extra duty as needed is a condition of employment.