Collection Development Librarian

Description:
Closing date October 22, 2021

Collection Development Librarian

Position Summary

The Collection Development Librarian performs selection, de-selection, and assessment of the Libraries’ collections and users’ needs in assigned areas and within budget. Reports to and works with the Materials Services Manager in conjunction with Branch Managers and Department Managers to respond to the needs of the public. Work is performed independently under general supervision, with execution of sound judgment related to use of taxpayer dollars.

The majority of work hours are spent selecting and de-selecting materials, and assessing collections.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential

Collection Development

Analyzes community and library data to build a solid collection of current adult, young adult, and children’s materials from a variety of sources including journals, media, publishers, and distributors. Monitors and fulfills patron requests for materials to the extent possible and communicates disposition to patrons and staff. Builds a collection which reflects the diversity of the library district. Analyzes and manages the existing collections to determine materials needed for each library branch and identifies materials that need to be replaced or added. Oversees collection maintenance in collaboration with library staff. Completes work in an office or remote work environment.

Promotion

Promotes collection internally and externally in collaboration with marketing and public services staff and may include utilizing local media, vendor marketing tools, displays, book lists, online utilities, social media and readers advisory.

Customer Service

Provides high quality internal customer service to other staff and vendors, and is responsive to patron requests. Actively promotes respect for diversity and creates an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful library atmosphere that embraces diversity. Arrives at work location on time, ready to interact with other staff.

Research and Reports

Prepares reports to analyze collection effectiveness and diversity. Tracks the outcomes of collection-based strategic goals. Monitors and manages collection budgets and tracks collection usage; prepares related presentations and statistical reports. Maintains good attendance and timekeeping records.

Marginal

Explores new collection development tools to identify areas that will contribute to streamlining processes. Reviews digital services and uses various digital devices to test digital services. Coordinates with cataloging and acquisition staff on procedures and collection updates. Develops profiles annually for each branch in conjunction with library staff. Assists with development and adjustments of annual materials budget. Is professionally active; identifies and participates in professional development opportunities. Knowledgeable of library trends, developments and new technology and contributes ideas and suggestions to colleagues and library staff members.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Last Reviewed: 10-14-20/Board Approved: 10-21-20

. Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Provides exemplary customer service and maintains a favorable public image of the library. The incumbent has a desire to work in a public service role. Has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds, including youth, families, volunteers, and coworkers. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and fosters positive partnerships with outside organizations. Must be able to work alone at a location as well as remotely.

Proficient with standard office applications (including Microsoft Office and Google applications), online library automation system and online searching. Understands the role of technology in providing library services and is proficient in that technology. Ability to learn and adapt to new software and equipment technologies. Proficient in the principles of project management. Able to oversee multiple large-scale projects and effectively manage time.

Requires a working knowledge of a variety of consumer electronics and proficiency with vendor databases. Good understanding of public libraries and library services and the principles of library classification and collection development.

The job requires persuading or gaining cooperation and acceptance of ideas and/or the resolution and/or negotiation of conflicts; the job has accountability for ensuring customer satisfaction district-wide. The incumbent understands and communicates knowledge of customers’ priorities and needs.

Experience: 1-3 years of professional library work experience

Education: Master’s in Library Science or Master’s in Library Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution (enrolled or completed) or equivalent experience

Training, Licenses, or Certifications: Course work in, or direct experience with, collection development responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibility: Accepts and directs the work of volunteers and/or coordinates workflow in a team environment; provides collection development training for staff involved in selection and collection maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications: 2 or more years of public library experience and bilingual, preferably Spanish-English, Russian-English or other languages. Desired personal attributes include an awareness of the entire community, a sense of humor, a passion for engaging people from all backgrounds and all ages, and a positive and enthusiastic approach to providing library services.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements: The job requires the employee to sit (frequently); occasionally stand, twist/turn, maintain flexibility, and speak clearly; perform fine manual dexterity movements; constantly see, hear, and listen; seldom stoop/bend, kneel, walk, squat, crouch, and balance. The job also requires the employee to lift and carry up to 30 lbs; reach at, above, and below shoulder height; grasp objects weighing 30 lbs.; push and pull objects weighing 50 lbs.

Mental Requirements: The job requires the employee to read, write, perform clerical duties, comprehend and use perception, and perform basic and complex math. Requires independence in decision-making and a comfort level with autonomy.

Technology, Equipment, and Devices: The job requires the employee to regularly operate and exhibit proficiency with computers and commonly used Microsoft applications, vendor applications, library systems and databases, and email and cloud environments. The job requires the employee to operate and occasionally troubleshoot general office equipment as well as work with a sorting machine, book carts, DVD players, and small tools and labels. This position may require operation of a vehicle on behalf of the District.

Work Environment: The job requires the employee to be subjected to repetition, working alone, working remotely, working around others, verbal contact with others, face-to-face contact, inside environments, and moving objects.

Expected Hours of Work: The job requires work to be performed during regular daytime business hours Monday-Friday. Position schedule is subject to change at any time at the discretion of management.

Expected travel: May travel occasionally between library branches and for meetings, trainings and conferences.

Disclaimers: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Meridian Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring and employment practices are done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. In addition, preference in employment may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

Last Reviewed: 10-14-20/Board Approved: 10-21-20