Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st-century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. BPL provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book. 

As key members of BPL’s Neighborhood Tech Help program, Digital Navigators provide individualized or small group assistance to residents in need of digital literacy and technology support. As ambassadors of BPL, Navigators will help residents understand the internet and discover and use resources online and on their personal devices, while also alerting them to the benefits of library membership and the programs and resources at BPL. In-person programming will happen both at library locations and our partner sites (e.g. community and senior centers).  

More about BPL’s Neighborhood Tech Help program: NTH offers free, easy-to-access tech support for residents in the East New York, Brownsville, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Coney Island and Brighton Beach neighborhoods to become more comfortable using their devices, connecting to the internet, setting up online appointments, and otherwise improving their computer skills. Each session will help resolve a tech problem and direct residents to additional resources. The program answers questions about online safety, accessing social services, staying in touch with friends and family over the internet, completing daily tasks with digital tools, navigating virtual healthcare systems, and finding affordable devices or internet access.  

• Conduct outreach to local community members, including those receiving Section 8 assistance, to encourage participation in tech support services 

• Assess each patron’s access to technology, current digital skill level, connectivity needs, and internet use priorities. If necessary,  

• Support patrons in solving specific problems related to basic digital literacy and navigation, software, or hardware functionality 

• Advise patrons on best practices related to digital safety and avoiding scams and viruses 

• Advise patrons about free or affordable home internet service options for which they may qualify and support their efforts to secure service 

• Advise patrons about sources of affordable computers or other internet connected devices for which they may qualify, and support their efforts to acquire appropriate devices and where they can get help for repair 

• Refer patrons to other services and resources at BPL 

• Refer patrons to outside organizations who can support their needs beyond the scope of CTC 

• Track each patron’s progress and types of requests, keep accurate and timely records, and report outcomes as required  

• Build community relationships about services through targeted outreach and one-on- one interactions 

• Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of current technology operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS), applications and websites (Google, Office Suite, online banking), and devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers), or a willingness to learn 

• Ability to demonstrate positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and patience, in working with diverse customers, co-workers, and community 

• Ability to creatively solve problems and handle stressful situations in a positive manner 

• Excellent self-organization, language capacity, and cultural competency 

• Excellent telephone, online, and in-person communication skills, including the ability to establish trust with patrons of varied educational and cultural backgrounds 

• Ability to provide excellent customer service, establish appropriate boundaries with patrons, and to demonstrate innovation and flexibility 

• Willingness to travel to residential buildings, community centers, library branches, and other facilities within a specific neighborhood 

• Ability to speak Spanish, Haitian, Russian, Ukrainian and other foreign languages spoken in our target communities highly valued 

• Knowledge of target neighborhoods a plus. Target neighborhoods include: East New York, Brownsville, Flatbush, East Flatbush, Brighton Beach and Coney Island 

• Desire to embrace the challenge of learning and teaching basic technological concepts related to internet services, computer and device functions, and common online services and applications 

• Interest in empowering older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations with digital skills and confidence 

This is a grant-funded, part-time position with a salary range of $23-25 per hour, maximum 19 hours per week. Navigators will be expected to travel to various library and offsite locations in Brooklyn. The grant is funded through 2026.