Head of Reference and Adult Services, Weymouth Public Library, Weymouth, MA
Posted August 26, 2015
Definition:
The Weymouth Public Libraries is in need of a proven professional and self-starting leader-in-training interested in being a key member of a progressive, dynamic library system. We seek an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented librarian to provide professional reference and adult services support to library patrons. We seek an individual who is as equally dedicated to the community as to librarianship.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements ofduties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Supervises all activities, programs, and services of the Reference Department and Young Adult Services. Assists direct reports by providing general reference service using print and electronic resources and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory service to patrons of all ages. Coordinates and participates in library instruction and reference use program, actively promoting the program and marketing it to patrons and the community through outreach and publicity.
With direction from and involvement of the Director of Library Services, develops a full range of adult programming including but not limited to author events (we have hosted more than 100 local and NYT-bestselling authors in the past four years including Jacqueline Winspear, Elin Hilderbrand, William Landay, and Meg Gardiner), music and arts programs, book clubs, genealogy and local history events, and community-wide efforts such as One Town, One Book. Responsible for programming from stage of conception through planning, publicity, execution, and follow up.
Responsible for collection development in the areas of print and non-print reference and adult nonfiction.
Researches and writes comprehensive and persuasive grant applications to corporations and local, state, and federal agencies.
Maintains the local history collection focusing on preservation and security and developing greater access for patrons using current technologies.
Assists patrons with the online public access catalog and public technology.
Updates library website and social networking sites as needed to promote reference programs and services and adult programming.
Active and influential participation expected on library network committees and/or statewide committees as needed.
Supervision:
Works under the general supervision of the Library Director. Performs library duties at the professional level in assuming immediate charge and responsibility over the Reference Department and Young Adult Services, which includes a staff of two.
Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. The work environment is moderately quiet. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and evenings when staffing levels and staffing situations dictate.
Operate computer and other standard office equipment. Experience working with an integrated library system and emerging technology. Familiarity, comfort, and skill with downloadable media, blogs, social networks, and website maintenance.
Daily contact with library patrons, other town departments, vendors, and other library organizations by phone, in person, and in writing. Excellent customer service skills required.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in library and information sciences from an ALA-accredited school and at least three years of professional library experience. Certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Knowledge, Ability, and Skill
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of library principles, practices, and current trends and resources in reference. Knowledge of and comfort with emerging library/information technology skills and trends.
Ability and Skill: A strong public service commitment. Excellent skills in supervision, interpersonal relations, and written, oral, and online communication. Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work creatively, effectively, independently, and cooperatively with colleagues, patrons, and the community at large. Ability to foster open communication and cooperative relationships. Must have superior abilities in the area of reference and reader’s/listener’s/viewer’s advisory. Ability to troubleshoot software and hardware. Have a broad understanding of archival practice and technology-related activities. Must be comfortable with and have a history of public speaking and presentation experience.
Physical Requirements
Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing. Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed. Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
Salary:
Seven steps starting at $41,665 and ending at $68,888.
Application Procedure:
Please send a cover letter and resume along with a completed Town of Weymouth job application to:
Human Resources, Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, Weymouth, MA 02189.
The job application form can be found here: http://www.weymouth.ma.us/
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.