Library Technician - Open Lab at Ann Arbor District Library

Description

Job Title: Library Technician – Open Lab

Department: Public Experience & Desk Service - Events

Supervisor: Events Supervisor

Hiring Range: $21.26 - $24.61/hr ($44,211 - $51,195/yr)

Union Position: Yes

Benefits: Yes 

Hours: Full-time, including evening and weekend hours 

Open: November 11, 2025

Closing: 8 pm on November 25, 2025

Applying: Please do not apply directly through Indeed.com. Instead, visit aadl.org/aboutus/employment to submit an application and optional cover letter/resume.

Position Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Events Supervisor, the Open Lab Technician staffs open hours in the Secret Lab, maintains specialized Secret Lab equipment, develops library events and collaborates with staff across the organization to support projects that add value to the community we serve. The Secret Lab is a programming space located in the lower level of the Downtown Library that provides a creative and collaborative environment where people of all skill levels can try new things, explore new technologies, learn new skills, or use our specialized equipment to work on personal projects. The Open Lab Technician also delivers customer service to library users via shifts on public service desks throughout the AADL system.

This position includes working evening and/or weekend hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following; other duties as assigned:

• Staffs Open Lab hours in the Secret Lab, assisting patrons as they use the space and equipment. 
• Knows how to operate any and all Secret Lab equipment.
• Is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of select Secret Lab equipment.
• Staffs patron appointments to use Secret Lab equipment.
• Answers patron and staff questions pertaining to the use and capabilities of the Secret Lab.
• Develops, plans and implements engaging programs and services designed to highlight Secret Lab equipment.
• Develops, plans and implements STEM-based programming for school-aged children.
• Is a co-producer for Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo.
• Develops and plans large, special events in collaboration with other library staff.
• Provides off-site library services at local events or festivals.
• Serves on departmental and system-wide teams and delivers related action items on schedule.
• Maintains a prompt and reliable attendance record.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with crafting / making tools and techniques, including some combination of sewing, knitting, letterpress, hobby electronics, 3D printing, or computer programming.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining makerspace equipment.
• Experience planning and presenting effective public events.
• One to two years of experience providing direct customer service.
• Experience working with kids and teens.
• Strong ability to learn new skills.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues with diverse interests and skillsets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organization and planning skills.
• Ability to work effectively and confidently with a diverse public to serve a wide variety of needs.
• Open approach to library service.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Successful experience planning and presenting public events for large and diverse audiences in a library setting.
• Expert knowledge of a craft, tech, or tool, such as sewing machines, knitting techniques, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, 3D printing, or printmaking.
• Working knowledge of a broad variety of hobbyist tools and skills.
• Passion for tinkering and habit of learning by doing.
• Fluency in one or more non-English languages.
• Experience participating in or working with a craft- or maker-oriented group or organization.
• Creative problem-solving skills.

The above is intended to describe the major responsibilities and requirements for this position.

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or requirements.

The Ann Arbor District Library is an EEO Employer.

The Ann Arbor District Library reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.