Collection Development Librarian, Manchester Community Library, Manchester Center, VT

Posted September 27, 2019

The Position 

The Manchester Community Library (MCL) is seeking a curious, creative, and mission-driven individual who believes in the power of libraries in transforming both communities and individuals. The right person will embrace our diverse community and will possess the organizational, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills along with the knowledge necessary for maintaining the integrity of the Library’s collection through researching, selecting, ordering, processing, cataloguing, and monitoring the availability, relevance, repair, and care of materials. 

 

About Us 

Since the opening of our new building in 2014, the MCL has established itself as a hub of community life. Open to all, the Library is a place that not only connects patrons with books and ideas but with one another. Libraries such as ours are unique. Individuals of all ages walk through our doors, attending movie nights, practicing yoga, learning mah jongg, and finding companionship. At the MCL we are committed to creating a space where people from across all walks of life can come together and access freely our shared culture and heritage. Our Mission: Manchester Community Library is open to all as an inspiring gathering place for the community, providing opportunities and resources for personal enrichment and growth. 

 

On Vermont 

Southern Vermont is an extraordinary place to call home. Surrounded by mountains and natural beauty, the air is pristine, communities safe, and the quality of life outstanding. Farmers markets abound in the summers and winters offer a diverse array of nordic activities. We have strong schools and easy access via Amtrak and Albany International Airport. A rich number of art and cultural organizations are within easy reach along with a deep and abiding sense of community that is rare to find. For the right individual, this is a dream job in a dream library with a strong and committed Board, Executive Director, and staff. 

 

The Position 

• Select Library materials, which includes researching current trends, analyzing current collections, and recommending materials to Library administration. 

• Manage financial aspects of ordering, including: purchase order creation, oversight of receiving and invoice approval, and vendor discount and terms of service negotiation.

• Accept, process, designate, and catalog all new materials; work in conjunction with book sale volunteer to accept and designate donated materials for book sales or to add into the collection.

• Develop and implement procedures to evaluate the Library holdings to ensure an active and relevant collection for the community; manage the database (ILS). Acquire and maintain MARC records in the online database.

• Maintain the integrity of the online catalogue (OPAC) to ensure members can accurately search Library holdings.

• Maintain the glades; select correct designations for non-fiction books.

• Ensure collection relevance and quality by creating and applying weeding principles and assisting librarians with the de-selection process.

• Generate monthly New Titles list for the website.

• Collaborate with partner organizations, including Burr & Burton Academy.

• Provide collection analysis support to all levels of library staff through creation of reports (e.g., circulation, cataloging, patron activity) using the ILS system and SQL reporting tools; prepare statistics as needed.

• Provide customer service, reader’s advisory assistance, and ready reference service in person, on the phone, and via email. Read and research reviews for books and audiobooks.

• Participate in developing Library goals, policies, and procedures and in preparing the annual budget.

• Participate in ongoing professional development; attend Vermont Library Association and other regional conferences. Read professional literature regarding best practices to keep abreast of new developments in library science.

• Attend scheduled staff meetings prepared to participate in problem-solving discussions.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; in-depth knowledge of library automation systems.

• Serve on, or advise, Board committees as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees and Executive Director.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and current Vermont certification or a Vermont certificate of library training, preferred.

• Valid driver’s license and transportation required. 

 

Our Ideal Candidate 

• Warm, engaged, collaborative, flexible, and enthusiastic disposition; open-minded and receptive to feedback. 

• Successful in cultivating positive, collaborative working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, Board members, patrons, and volunteers as part of a coordinated team.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to speak compellingly about the Library’s mission.

• Resourceful and self-directed; pro-active and adept at anticipating organizational needs.

• Technologically savvy; data and outcomes driven.

• Capacity to multi-task and prioritize competing demands while remaining calm, positive, and detail-oriented.

• Experience participating in the direction, supervision, and performance management of support staff or volunteers.

• Rigorous standards for personal and professional integrity. 

 

Physical Requirements 

• Frequent need to see, walk, sit, stand, talk, and hear. 

• Occasional need to bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch.

• Ability to read, write and communicate fluently in English.

• Dexterity to perform data entry on a computer, laptop, iPad, or other electronic device.

• Visual acuity sufficient to read print in 8-point font.

• Physical dexterity to reach shelves of various heights, push full carts. Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

 

To Apply 

To view the full position, please visit the following link. To apply, please send an email including a cover letter, resume, and three references to J. Violet Gannon, Executive Director, ([email protected]). A criminal background check is required. Position will remain open until filled. 

 

Salary commensurate with experience. 

The position is for 35 hours per week. 

 

Please note, the above job description describes the general nature, tasks, responsibilities, and level of work to be performed; it is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of every responsibility, duty, and skill required for the position.