Digital Literacy Specialist

Job Posting # 2022-11
Job Type: Union Full-time
Hour: 35 hours per week on average
Number of openings: 1
Salary: $48,074 – $54,014 per annum
Grade: 5
Posting Date: March 15, 2022
Closing Date: March 23, 2022 by 4:30 p.m.

Applications are now being received for the above position at the Aaniin branch of Markham Public Library.

VISION FOR THE POSITION

The Digital Literacy Specialist is responsible for animating MPL’s Creative Spaces – including the DML, Makerspace and Creation Studio – to engage customers in activities and services that enhance the community’s creative capital and digital literacy capacity. The Creative Spaces Coordinator embraces a learning mindset – they are curious and dedicated to experimenting. This individual has exceptional digital literacy and technology skills and is eager to grow and expand their skill set. They have a self-directed approach to learning. They are committed service professionals with a strong focus on instruction and facilitating customer learning. They are passionate advocates for innovation in libraries and engaging customers in content creation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Services in the Branch Creative Spaces 

1. Delivers services including individual and group instruction and general troubleshooting and support to customers in the branch Digital Media Lab, Makerspace and Creation Studio.
   
2. Animates creative spaces by delivering lessons and demonstrations in these areas in order to engage customers and encourage participation.
   
3. Responds to customer questions on equipment and services related to the creative spaces. Supports colleagues in the branch with in-depth troubleshooting in these spaces.
   
4. Works with Service Development staff to introduce new services in the spaces. Supports the assessment of these services and solicits feedback for ongoing improvement.

Tech Troubleshooting and Maintenance

5. Installs routine downloads and updates to keep software current.
   
6. Troubleshoots routine hardware and software issues. Works with vendors and ITS to troubleshoot issues with the equipment. Works with the Branch Manager to coordinate repairs and maintenance.
   
7. Coordinates supply orders for the spaces and ensures that the supplies and peripherals are in good order. 

Public Programming

8. Delivers registered and drop-in programs in these spaces including digital literacy programs and 3D Printer/Makerspace certifications and Introduction to 3D Design instructional programs.
   
9. Supports Learning Place programs related to STEAM and Maker curricula by organizing program logistics at the branch, maintaining supply bins, coordinating with the program instructors and other administrative functions.
   
10. Works with the Marketing and Community Development department to support partner-led programs.
    
11. Coordinates volunteers for activities in these spaces. Provides appropriate direction and feedback to these volunteers. 

12. Participates in outreach and promotion of these services. Participates in system and community events when required to provide demonstrations of the creative spaces. 

Instruction and Facilitation 

13. Provides one-on-one coaching to front-line information services branch staff to ensure they are able to support customers using MPL creative spaces.
    
14. Supports the Learning & Growth department in delivering hands-on training on the 3D Printer, DML, Laser cutter and other technology in these spaces.
    
15. Assists with training and engagement efforts at the annual staff conference and other staff development initiatives.
    
16. Actively shares knowledge of the Creative spaces through internal communication channels.

General Duties 

17. Supports the delivery of proactive customer service in the branch information services department. Provides reference, readers advisory and research support as required.

18. Champions content creation at MPL by enthusiastically sharing with staff knowledge of trends and new opportunities in this area.
    
19. Participates in branch meetings, system projects and training and other engagement opportunities as requested.
    
20. Assumes responsibility for operations in the absence of a more senior staff member. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Undergraduate degree from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution or equivalent from outside of Canada that is satisfactory to the library.
   
2. Minimum 1 year experience working with technology, makerspaces, digital media or other related field.

3. Minimum 1 year of customer service experience required.
   
4. Experience and knowledge of the Mac environment required. Additional certifications on related software and equipment are an asset.

5. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening check.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated intermediate technology skills for Windows, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Outlook required.

2. Demonstrated advanced understanding of home use gadgets including TVs, streaming appliances, digital cameras, tablets, and laptops required.

3. Demonstrated beginner-intermediate understanding of one or more coding languages and awareness of coding literacy required.

4. Demonstrated intermediate knowledge of one or more of the following tech focuses: graphic design, computer programming, electronics/circuitry, robotics, audio/video production, game design, additive manufacturing required. Demonstrated experience and/or training in the visual arts is an asset. 

5. Demonstrated intermediate understanding of disruptive technology and technological advances such as wearable technology/sensors, 3-D printing, and drones required. Experience working with 3D printers required. 

6. Demonstrated intermediate understanding of basic computer upkeep and maintenance.

7. Demonstrated intermediate or better knowledge of mobile computing including tablets, Smartphones, eReaders, apps and awareness of basic app development resources.

8. Valid First Aid Certification required.

9. Exceptional communication skills. Must have strong facilitation skills.
   
10. Demonstrated competency with public speaking and/or instruction.
    
11. Must be able to take initiative and demonstrates strong problem-solving skills. 

12. Ability and eagerness to participate in all steps of an experimentation process; setup, implementation, feedback and data collection, refinement, and assessment.

13. Ability to exercise confidence and excitement in the vast technological and online resources that the Library has available.

14. Willingness to learn on the spot in front of people and to continually learn new things on the job.

15. Ability to communicate new ideas, products and services in a positive and engaging manner.

16. Enthusiasm for an environment of constant change.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Provides Proactive Service
• Embraces the Strategic Vision 
• Interpersonal Communication 
• Technology Mindset 
• Troubleshoots Technology 
• Inspires Teamwork 
• Maintains a Learning Mindset 
• Manages Change 
• Uses Influence 

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

They Shall:

• Familiarize themselves with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Board’s Health and Safety Policy and program, and observe and comply with health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Report health and safety hazards, incidents of infractions of the regulations to their immediate supervisor.
• Use, wear and care for protective devices, clothing and safety equipment provided by the Board for their protection.
• Bring suggestions for the correction of occupational health or safety hazards to the attention of their immediate supervisor.

Please note that Markham Public Library is open 7 days per week, and regular weekend work is required. Work location is subject to change.

All interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and covering letter indicating how they meet the qualifications of the position to:

E-mail: jobposting@markham.library.on.ca

Please quote job posting # 2022-11 in the subject line.

Markham Public Library has established a mandatory vaccination requirement for staff related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, should you be a successful candidate for a position with the Markham Public Library, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination upon a conditional offer of employment. Should you require accommodation in accordance with the Human Rights policy with respect to your vaccine status, you will be required to disclose that at the time of the conditional offer so that an accommodation can be developed prior to your start date.

Markham Public Library offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  Should you require a code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted, and we will work with you to meet your needs.  

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.