Librarian II - Collection Development Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Coordinates and oversees selection and weeding of library materials for the library system. Selects materials in assigned subject area(s). Coordinates the efforts of other selectors in support of the library’s goal. Analyzes the library collection using ILS and vendor reports, tracks budgets and circulation, and uses the information to make reports and recommendations for the most efficient use of collection funds.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Head of Technical Services.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises specific Technical Services personnel. May supervise additional staff or perform the function of onsite Managing Librarian in the absence of the Head of Technical Services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

(These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.)

• Oversees and coordinates collection development activities for the library system by:

-Maintaining the collection through both the acquisition of new materials and the elimination of dated or unused materials consistent with recommendations resulting from collection needs research.

-Coordinating inventory and weeding projects at the Main Library and branches. Modifies or designs new procedures as necessary.

-Analyzing library collection using ILS reports, vendor reports and other statistical tools.

-Making recommendations for more efficient and effective use of collection funds.

-Recommending materials budget allocations and overseeing spending of money throughout the year.

-Developing and maintaining relationships with vendors; providing updates and training to selectors and other staff as needed.

-Working with Marketing and other departments as needed to assist with promoting the library collection.

-Monitoring publishing trends and seeking information on new materials and formats. Uses staff and patron suggestions, professional review sources, and other selection resources to meet community collection needs and to achieve the goals of the library’s strategic plan.

-Instructing and assisting library staff and patrons to use all available resources to provide input on collection needs including purchase requests, vendor carts, and other applicable tools and techniques.

• Evaluates present circulating collection for age, condition, and currency in assigned subject areas. Makes deletions based on criteria from the Collection Development Policy.
• Selects materials for the general collection in assigned areas.
• Performs original and copy cataloging and classification in accordance with current international cataloging standards and local and consortium practices.
• Maintains confidentiality of library patron records.

• Assists patrons by:

-Answering directional and procedural inquiries.

-Advising patrons concerning the library and its services, resources and policies.

-Giving instruction in the use of the online catalog, library resources and downloadables, and location of materials.

-Instructing in the operation of equipment.

-Answering reference and other information requests.

-Answering incoming calls; providing guidance and assistance, routing calls to appropriate personnel or department; taking messages.

-Performs supervisory related duties such as opening and closing procedures for the Main Library, securing money, setting alarms, and ensuring safety and security.

-May serve as the librarian in charge of the building on nights or weekends.

-Maintains professional development through various workshops, literature, and other means; consults and shares information with co-workers and other library workers.

• Able to assist in changes of daily work schedule due to unexpected public demands.
• Required to work nights and weekends as scheduled.
• May fill in other positions within the Library System.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited university.
• At least two (2) years of professional librarian work experience.
• At least two (2) years of experience with collection development.
• General knowledge of popular materials for all ages preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of standard library functions, practices and procedures. Knowledge of popular library materials, genres and formats, including downloadable materials. Familiarity with current trends in reading and book discovery.
• Excellent research, clerical and computer skills, including Internet experience, Microsoft Office, and databases; ability to perform detailed and precise work.
• Ability to learn new skills and adapt to changing needs.
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Analytical ability to maintain accurate statistics and prepare meaningful reports.
• Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to plan and coordinate collection development in designated areas. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, employees, branch managers and system personnel; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to work in a team environment as well as independently; ability to adjust to changes in the daily work schedule; ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Ability to work under general supervision with latitude in exercising independent judgment and discretion subject to library policies, procedures, and professional practices. Ability to evaluate procedures and design solutions to perceived needs; ability to plan and organize workloads; ability to set priorities.
• Familiarity with current consumer technology such as smartphones and tablets; willingness to adapt to changing technologies and to troubleshoot and solve problems.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one and must be able to travel to branches and training sessions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet software and specialized library software, cash register and credit card machine, scanner, fax and copier, microfilm readers/printer, smartphones, tablets.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to travel to other areas within the library system, including branches.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and maneuver a fully loaded booktruck.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.