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Collections Manager, Worcester Public Library, Worcester, MA

Posted August 18, 2015

Worcester Public Library (WPL) is seeking a highly skilled and collaborative professional for the position of Collections Manager. This is a supervisory position reporting to the Associate Head Librarian, the Collections Manager is responsible for providing leadership and guidance in setting criteria and standards for collection analysis, maintenance, and selection of materials of all types in all locations. This position collaborates with WPL staff and other area librarians to anticipate and meet community needs. Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned include, but are not limited to, e-resources management, outreach services, and programming.

We seek someone who has the ability to perform work with considerable independent judgment, creativity, and initiative. The ideal candidate will also possess excellent communication skills, proven negotiation tactics, and comprehensive analytical skills. The candidate will have 3 to 5 years of professional library work after receipt of MLS, with significant knowledge of collection management and development, and general reference practices in urban public library systems.

SALARY: $50,529.73 – $73, 676.14 annually; $24.21 – $35.30 hourly

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

  • Uses multiple collection management tools to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the collections in all formats and for all public library constituents and assists with implementing plans to improve collection relevancy and accessibility.
  • Identifies data needed for analysis and the best methods for obtaining that data and publishes that data in a manner which is both accessible and comprehensible.
  • Assists subject librarians with the review of collection development strategies as well as with changes in selection procedures, use assessment routines, and deselection processes.
  • Establishes targets, assigning and monitoring staff work, collecting and reporting metrics to ensure efforts are aligned with collection policy strategic goals.
  • Identifies shifting projects, recommends deselection projects; Plans collection moves and leads those efforts to a successful conclusion.
  • Provides exemplary reference and reader’s advisory service for customers; looks for opportunities to help patrons feel welcome
  • Teaches staff use of basic and specialized selection and analysis tools, computer, equipment, etc.
  • Performs a variety of direct public services as needed
  • Collaborates with fellow staff members, city agencies and organizations, and area libraries and library groups (MLS, C/W MARS, ARC, etc.)
  • Maintains professional growth, stays informed about professional and community developments affecting the library and librarianship, engages in professional activities
  • Serves as Librarian-in-Charge as scheduled
  • Performs other tasks, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibility

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS FOR PERFORMING ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of current collection management practices and trends.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Experience with collection evaluation including data collecting and analysis.
  • Superior analytic and problem-solving skills with a commitment to data-informed decision making processes.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in and experience with managing complex, challenging projects
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • Successful supervisory experience
  • Proven managerial, organizational and project management skills in a library organization
  • Ability to form and nurture a productive team environment and work effectively with others
  • Ability to plan short-term and long-term work objectives with staff
  • Ability to assign tasks and to follow-up to ensure quality of work and completeness of tasks
  • Ability to resolve conflict with staff/customers
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines
  • Ability to push book carts and bins loaded with library materials.
  • Ability to stand and or sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to perform bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, and twisting.
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and arm motions for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to reach and retrieve library materials at high and low shelf heights.
  • Ability to move or lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of patron information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s degree in Library Science from a Graduate School of Library Science accredited by the American Library Association or approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Experience: Three to five years of professional library work with knowledge of collection management and general reference practices in public libraries. Personnel management and/or supervision experience in a library setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Schedule: Includes evening and weekend assignments and working at other locations.

Travel: Ability to travel to required locations in a timely manner.

CORI: Must pass a Criminal Background Check

Other: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop and reach above the head. Strength is needed to push loaded book trucks. The ability to work with the public for periods of a minimum of two hours at a time while maintaining good communication.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume, cover letter by Friday August 28, 2015 to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. EOE/AA employer.

The information in this summary indicates the general nature and level of work performed within this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

The Worcester Public Library makes every effort to support ALA’s “Core Competences of Librarianship” http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/careers/corecomp/corecompetences/index.cfm as approved and adopted as policy by the ALA Council, January 27th 2009 and, as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community. 5-14/Rev. 8-15

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