Alexandria is a historic city located in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.  Distinct neighborhoods including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End offer something for everyone.  Headquarters to several prominent organizations, including the Patent and Trademark Office and the National Science Foundation, our city of nearly 160,000 residents is a diverse community—a distinctly urban area that retains a small town atmosphere.

Alexandria Library celebrates equity and diversity within our community and staff by:

• Offering programs and resources that reflect our uniquely multicultural community.
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Fostering an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
• Providing opportunities for all staff members to grow and excel.

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals. Proficiency/fluency in Amharic, Arabic or Spanish is highly desired, but not required for these positions. These positions require the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at Alexandria Library!

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Branch Manager (Librarian III)- Burke Branch Library

Librarian I - Children's Library/ Beatley Central Library 

Librarian I ( Children's Librarian) - Duncan Branch Library

Reference Librarian II (Librarian II)-  Local Histrory/ Special Collections Branch/ Barrett Library

Processing and Digitization Intern - Local History/Special Collections Branch

Custodian Part-Time/15 Hours a week -Beatley Central Library

LIBRARIAN I - FULL TIME/40 HOURS

CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

DUNCAN BRANCH LIBRARY

The Alexandria Library is looking for a community-focused librarian to join our Youth Services team. Under the direct supervision of the Youth Services Manager, the Children’s Librarian is responsible for assisting children, teens and caregivers at the Youth Services Information Desk and providing general support for the Youth Services Department, including programming, collection development, and outreach.

 Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Staffs the information desk to assist library customers of all ages in-person, by phone, and through email with inquiries regarding library materials, library services, and other sources of information
• Plans and conducts developmentally appropriate children’s programs including storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as programs for school-age children and teens as needed
• Represents the library at community events and school visits and maintains strong working relationships with community partner
•  Knowledgeable about new children’s and YA literature, media, and related trends and provides excellent readers’ advisory services
• Assists Youth Services Manager with collection development including weeding and making purchase suggestions for children’s titles
• Keeps current on early literacy and early childhood developmental research and seeks out and participates in continuing education opportunities that support the library’s strategic plan goals
• Seeks out information on youth services programming trends, investigates and learns new technologies, and plans and presents cutting-edge programs
• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the Library’s Rules of Behavior and refers issues to Supervisors and/or Managers as required
• Other duties as assigned

 Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm and enjoyment in working with children and families
• Ability to develop, plan, and present library programs for groups of all sizes and ages
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate as a team
• Knowledge of children’s and young adult literature
• Knowledge of early literacy skills and early childhood development
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and library customers
• Ability to instruct customers in using library resource
• Ability to assist a diverse population of customers in a calm and courteous manner
• Ability to learn, stay current, and develop programs with emerging technologies
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

 Minimum Requirements:

Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited school.  Applicant must possess or obtain, within 3 months of hire, a license to practice as a registered professional librarian by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to speak Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, or Farsi/Dari.

Salary: $54,133.82 - $95,254.52 annually

Benefits:

Earns annual and sick leave and is eligible for health insurance, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and long-term care insurance.

Schedule:

Hours are scheduled to meet the staffing needs of the library, and will include days, evenings, two Saturdays per month, and occasional Sundays.

Application Instructions:

Click here to apply  attaching one document containing a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory.  Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304.  Contact with questions: 703-746-1799, or careers@alexlibraryva.org

 Open Until Filled

Reference Librarian II (Librarian II)
Full-Time / 40 Hours Per Week
LOCAL HISTORY/SPECIAL COLLECTIONS BRANCH LIBRARY

The Local History/Special Collections (LH/SC) Branch Library is seeking enthusiastic, tech-savvy candidates with knowledge of genealogy, historiography, and local, regional, and state history for a Reference Services Manager position. The ideal candidate will have exceptional customer service skills, the desire to contribute to a dedicated, specialized branch library, and a keen eye for equity, diversity, and inclusion. This position primarily focuses on reference services, and the expectation is that this position will learn the holdings of the LH/SC Branch thoroughly over time, along with training staff, volunteers, and researchers on all types of materials in the collection. The position also works closely with the Branch Manager to develop grant proposals, technology initiatives, plan and implement innovative projects, and assists with collection development and the improvement of descriptive access.

Under the direction of the Branch Manager, this position is responsible for managing and staffing the LH/SC Branch’s Reference Services desk. Responsibilities include recruitment and selection, training and evaluating personnel, developing schedules, and training staff and researchers. This position will be responsible for both staffing and scheduling staff for the reference desk, and training staff and researchers on the use of relevant resources related to genealogy and Virginia history.

Reference Services staff in the Local History/Special Collections Branch are expected to create and maintain collaborative relationships with all historic organizations and City agencies, as well as educators and independent researchers. In addition, reference staff should have a practical working knowledge of access, description, security, and handling needs for library and archival materials. This position requires excellent reference, technology, and communication skills as it provides in-depth genealogical and regional history assistance, including aiding with house history research. An awareness of national, state, and regional-level websites relevant to genealogy, historic preservation, and history, such as Chronicling America, Umbra, Library of Congress’s HABS/HAER Collection, and Virginia Memory, is essential, as is the ability to train others on how to use the websites. This position is expected to learn where these sites overlap with the Branch’s holdings, in particular microfilm holdings.

Expectations for this position include the ability to provide access to archival, print, database, and online materials. The ability to navigate databases, use an online library catalog, and navigate archival finding aids are essential to aiding researchers in a timely manner and maintaining accurate usage statistics. Applicants should be highly competent with genealogy databases such as Ancestry and Fold3. Further, a high comfort-level is expected for using historic newspapers and microfilmed records for genealogical research. The ability to use MS Office software (especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and virtual meeting software (Zoom) is also necessary. A willingness to learn new software is necessary for this position.

Programming responsibilities involve scheduling speaker events as well as creating workshops for the public, especially on basic to intermediate genealogy. Additional quarterly programs cover beginning research methods. This position will also provide orientations to the branch as needed. Programs will cover the diversity of Alexandria’s residents and history, and should represent topics of interest to both the general public as well as professional/academic audiences.

Outreach responsibilities include working with community partners to engage with audiences from K-12 to Seniors. Outreach efforts will engage with all aspects of Alexandria’s community. As part of outreach efforts, this position is expected to represent the LH/SC Branch as a judge for regional National History Day events and to work with Senior Services of Alexandria and local nursing homes to provide engaging content for Seniors. In addition, this position is expected to participate in the Library system’s outreach efforts as well as to work with the System’s Volunteer Coordinator to bring in volunteers for LH/SC projects according to set policies.

Additional duties for this position include serving on committees such as City commissions, system-wide committees, and professional associations. This position will also be expected to assist with scanning and metadata needed for the Branch’s ongoing digitization efforts as well as fulfilling image requests from customers, and educating customers on the copyright status of requested images.

Duties:
 Manages LH/SC staff in the absence of the Branch Manager;

•  Stays informed on current technology and GLAMS trends;
•  Utilizes library and online resources to respond to patron inquiries, especially complex genealogical and house history questions;
•  Oversees reference operations for the Branch, including reviewing email and phone requests/responses and fulfilling/assigning image and photocopy requests to staff;
• Monitors use of rare books and archival materials, and alerts appropriate staff to preservation or conservation needs;
•  Creates displays, subject guides, and bibliographies which highlight specific areas of the collection;
•  Facilitates creative and diverse library programming, including genealogy speakers and workshops;
•  Partners with local and City agencies to plan and present special programs and events;
• Selects materials in a variety of formats that reflect the diversity and needs of the community;
• Uses appropriate selection and weeding techniques for a special collection;
• Serves on a variety of committees each year;
• Participates in scanning and metadata description of LH/SC materials
• In collaboration with other LH/SC staff, develops and implements projects and goals for volunteers and interns, including onsite and online projects;
•  Trains newly hired staff in library and branch procedures and city policies;
• Reviews numerous professional periodicals and book reviews;

Skills and Abilities:

•  Excellent customer service, communication skills, and ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, partner organizations, and the public.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems, digital asset management systems, subscription databases, DSLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and MS Office software.
• Ability to learn and provide reference assistance to varied rare, unique, or specialized materials related to genealogy and local history.
•  Ability to learn, stay current, and develop programs related to genealogy, history, emerging technologies, including promoting the use of technology in staff trainings and meetings.
• Ability to build and maintain productive partnerships with local organizations.
• Knowledge and ability to understand and do minimal work with Dublin Core.
• Familiarity with reference services using a variety of print, archival, and electronic resources.
• Knowledge of library programming trends and experience developing and presenting programs.
• Experience conducting outreach and working with diverse communities.
• Some management or supervisory experience preferred.

Schedule:
Hours are scheduled to meet the needs of the LH/SC Branch Library and will include evenings and rotating Saturdays.

Location:
Local History/Special Collections Library, 717 Duke Street, Alexandria VA, 22314

Salary: $54,133.82 - $95,254.52 annually

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school required.
• Ability to obtain or have the Virginia professional library license.
• At least one year of professional library experience at the level of Librarian I.
• This position is open until filled.

Application Instructions:
Click here to apply attaching one document containing a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory. Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304. Contact with questions: 703-746-1799, or careers@alexlibraryva.org .

Position Closes: Open Until Filled

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

Processing & Digitization Internship

Local History/Special Collections Branch

July 2023 - June 2024

20 hours per week

The Alexandria Library is seeking an intern for one year starting July 2023 through June 2024. This is a grant-funded 20 hour a week internship to work on rehousing, preservation assessments, and digitization of select portions of four archival collections and select microfilm reels related to early Civil Rights history in Alexandria, Virginia. The internship is funded by a grant in partnership with New America. The selected intern will be responsible for rehousing, basic preservation assessments, scanning, Qualified Dublin Core metadata description, handwriting recognition using Transkribus software, name authority records for portions of the Alexandria Library Company Records, Alexandria Library Records, Armistead Boothe Papers, and the Mary Powell Scott Papers. The intern will also gain experience with the ingest process for Preservica and software integrations between Preservica and ArchivesSpace. The internship will end with a culminating project to present to key stakeholders and summarize the learning experience. 

Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will be enrolled in a graduate degree program in Library & Information Science or no more than 6 months post-graduation. There is no guarantee that interns will be hired for future employment. The ability to read cursive writing is preferred.

Additional qualifications for interns include:

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills

•  Outstanding customer service skills

•  Ability to work independently and with a team

•  Organized and detail oriented

•  Dependable and punctual

•  Basic computer skills

•  Interest in Virginia history, early Civil Rights (1930s onward), and /or community history

•  A basic awareness of various descriptive standards and digital asset management software, such as ArchiveSpace or Preservica, is preferred

All interns will also need to complete a successful reference and background check.

Pay:                       $17.55 per hour

Benefits:              This position is not eligible for benefits

Schedule:            20 hours a week for 52 weeks

Location:             Local History/Special Collections Branch – 717 Queen Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

 
Application Instructions:
Click here to apply attaching a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory. Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304. Contact with questions: 703-746-1799, or careers@alexlibraryva.org.

About Us
The Alexandria Library Company (ALC) was founded on July 24, 1794, at the home of John Wise as a subscription library for the Alexandria community. A week later the members elected officers and first Librarian, Edward Stable in Wise’s long room, part of today’s Gadsby’s Tavern. On January 9, 1799, the Alexandria Library Company was chartered by the General Assembly of Virginia. The Company joined the City’s efforts to create a free public library in 1931 and contributed its holdings toward the modern-day Alexandria Library. Today, those holdings form the nucleus of the Local History/Special Collections Branch.

The Local History/Special Collections Branch (LH/SC) is co-located with the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in Old Town Alexandria. The LH/SC Branch contains resources focused on Alexandria and Northern Virginia which cover genealogy, local history, and rare books.  Archival collections focus on the local community and represent organizations, families, and architecture.

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

LIBRARIAN I - FULL TIME/40 HOURS

CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

BEATLEY CENTRAL LIBRARY

The Alexandria Library is looking for a community-focused librarian to join our Youth Services team. Under the direct supervision of the Youth Services Manager, the Children’s Librarian is responsible for assisting children, teens and caregivers at the Youth Services Information Desk and providing general support for the Youth Services Department, including programming, collection development, and outreach.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Staffs the information desk to assist library customers of all ages in-person, by phone, and through email with inquiries regarding library materials, library services, and other sources of information
• Plans and conducts developmentally appropriate children’s programs including story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as programs for school-age children and teens as needed
• Represents the library at community events and school visits and maintains strong working relationships with community partners
• Knowledgeable about new children’s and YA literature, media, and related trends and provides excellent readers’ advisory services
• Assists Youth Services Manager with collection development including weeding and making purchase suggestions for children’s titles
• Keeps current on early literacy and early childhood developmental research and seeks out and participates in continuing education opportunities that support the library’s strategic plan goals
• Seeks out information on youth services programming trends, investigates and learns new technologies, and plans and presents cutting-edge programs
• Adheres to library policies and proactively enforces the Library’s Rules of Behavior and refers issues to Supervisors and/or Managers as required
• Other duties as assigned

 Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm and enjoyment in working with children and families
• Ability to develop, plan, and present library programs for groups of all sizes and ages
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate as a team
• Knowledge of children’s and young adult literature
• Knowledge of early literacy skills and early childhood development
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and library customers
• Ability to instruct customers in using library resources
• Ability to assist a diverse population of customers in a calm and courteous manner
• Ability to learn, stay current, and develop programs with emerging technologies
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s Degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited school.  Applicant must possess or obtain, within 3 months of hire, a license to practice as a registered professional librarian by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary: $49,009.96 - $57,986.50

Benefits:

Earns annual and sick leave and is eligible for health insurance, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and long-term care insurance.

Schedule:

Hours are scheduled to meet the staffing needs of the library, and will include days, evenings, two Saturdays per month, and occasional Sundays.

Application Instructions:

Click here to apply  attaching one document containing a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory.  Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304.  Contact with questions: 703-746-1799, or careers@alexlibraryva.org 

 Open Until Filled

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

Last updated: August 2023

CHARLES E. BEATLEY, JR. CENTRAL LIBRARY
Custodian
Part-Time/15 Hours a week

A Custodian performs routine manual tasks involving the custodial care and cleaning of public buildings. This work includes performing cleaning and minor maintenance tasks in an assigned building or building area. Primary responsibilities are to use proper methods, materials and equipment in cleaning and attending to the neatness and sanitation of buildings and/or equipment. An employee in this class works under close supervision, and activities follow a well-established routine.

Duties include:

·         Sweeps, mops, scrubs floors and spot clean all common areas

·         Dusts and cleans offices

·         Washes windows, walls, and mirrors; cleans, sanitizes and deodorizes restrooms and replenishes supplies

·          Helps move office and building furniture and equipment, and prepares rooms for meetings

·         Empties waste cans and trash cans; recycles bottles, cans, white paper, newspapers

·         Maintains a variety of cleaning equipment

·          Reports building problems

·         Maintains immediate outdoor areas by picking up trash, weeding, and watering plants

·          Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment

·         Ability to exercise care in the use of cleaning materials for different types of surfaces

·         Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions

·         Ability to work safely without hazard to self and/ or others

·         Sufficient physical strength to withstand the strain of working long hours performing cleaning work ---reaching, bending, stooping, and carrying

·         Some experience in janitorial or related custodial work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is preferred

·         Applicant needs to be hardworking, able to work independently, reliable, and must show initiative. 

Minimum requirements:

·         Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions in English

·         Must be able to lift 20-50 lbs. on a regular basis without help and carry custodial materials, office supplies, furniture, tools, and other materials in a safe and secure manner

·         Must have a valid local driver's license and be insurable by the Alexandria Library’s insurance company

·         Must own or have regular access to an automobile, and must be able to travel to different locations - when needed.  Employees will be reimbursed .625 cents per mile driven for work-related purposes

Schedule:           

Hours are scheduled to meet the needs of the Central Library and will include evenings, Saturdays and occasional Sundays.

Salary:                  $17.15 hourly.

Benefits:              This position does not earn benefits.

Application instructions:

Click Here to Apply attaching a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory.  Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, Alexandria Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304.  Contact with questions:  703-746-1799, or careers@alexlibraryva.org .

Open Until Filled

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified

individuals.  Proficiency/fluency in Amharic, Arabic or Spanish is highly desired, but not required for this position.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

L

Communications Assistant
Part-Time/20 Hours a week – Beatley Central Library

The Alexandria Library is seeking a self-motivated, creative, and eager individual to serve as the Communications Assistant. As the Library’s programs and services grow, this is an excellent opportunity for a talented individual to make a difference and be directly involved with critical projects.

The Library Communications Assistant performs public relations/public information work and reports to the Library’s Senior Communications Officer. Work involves preparing web content, social media, press releases, and informational literature, as well as creating and editing various forms of informational materials including graphics, photos, and marketing collateral.  Familiarity with desktop publishing and visual media production is a plus.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists with communicating important information about Library programs, projects, events, initiatives, services and issues to the community, employees of the Library and the media;
• Researches, writes, and edits content including press releases, web and social media copy, and marketing collateral;
• Publicizes upcoming events and exhibitions through use of print and electronic media, including posting information, graphics and links on Library website and social media;
• Tracks projects, produces internal reports, researches best practices, consults knowledge bases, updates skills, maintains contacts, files and maintains resources, references and image libraries;
• Assists with creating graphic designs for multiple projects under tight deadlines;
• Creates original concepts, design, images, artwork for print, the Internet and other media;
• Assists with photo and video production and has some experience with Adobe Creative Suite software or similar multimedia editing programs;
•  Assists with the physical production and distribution of marketing materials such as bookmarks, posters, etc.;
• Conducts research to respond to inquiries from reporters, staff, and members of the public;
• Travels to Alexandria Library branch locations in support of program and project objectives;
• Answers inquiries by phone and e-mail;
• Performs general support tasks and related work as required.

Salary:                 $19.76.-$29.45 per hour

Benefits:              Earns annual and sick leave and is eligible for health insurance, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and long-term care insurance.

Schedule:            20 hours per week

Location:             Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304-2903

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the preparation of web content, social media, press releases, and informational literature; ability to create and edit various forms of informational materials including graphics, photos, and marketing collateral; ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to develop and maintain working relationships with the staff and the public.

Minimum Requirements:

Two-year college degree with coursework in marketing, public relations, or communications; two years of experience in communications, public relations, public information and graphic production or publications editing work; two years of experience with desk top graphic publishing and experience with writing and editing information for wide distribution under deadlines; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Requirements:

Four-Year College Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field; three-five years of experience in a communications department or public relations agency; experience communicating to the media and the public.

Application instructions:

Click here to apply  attaching one document containing a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory.  Address Cover Letter to Richard Drosin, HR Manager, Alexandria Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304.  Contact with questions:  703-746-1799, or careers@alexandria.lib.va.us

Open until filled

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified

individuals.  Proficiency/fluency in Amharic, Arabic or Spanish is highly desired, but not required for this position.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.