Senior Librarian/ Main Library Collection Development, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA
Posted May 24, 2021
Description:
JOB TITLE Senior Librarian/ Main Library Collection Development
DEPARTMENT: Cambridge Public Library/ Adult Services Department
JOB CODE/POSITION #: L408-709
CIVIL SERVICE: Non-Civil Service
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours including at least one regular evening shift per week and a Saturday rotation
every third week. Specific schedule will be discussed in interviews. Candidates are expected to have a flexible approach to hours and will be assigned hours and locations to meet the needs of the Department and the Library.
UNION AFFILIATION: CPLSA, Local 4928
SUMMARY: Under minimal supervision, functions as Library adult collection development specialist.
Shapes, implements, and coordinates a comprehensive program of selection, merchandizing and maintenance for all genres and formats. Also provides information, reader’s advisory, and circulation services to patrons, including regularly scheduled evening and Saturday rotation hours. Performs leadership and administrative duties as assigned by the manager. Oversee full life cycle recruitment and selection process; work with managers to identify needs, source candidates, interview/assess candidates, complete job offer process and on-board new employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Researches, evaluates, and selects materials in designated collections, including eContent.
Acquires materials in appropriate quantities and formats in anticipation of community demand; uses a variety of
selection resources to ensure the collection is rich with diverse authors, subjects, themes, and materials.
Coordinates staff selection and promotes continuous improvement of the selection process.
Responds to patron requests for purchase in a timely, professional manner.
Plans and monitors expenditure of assigned budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, with guidance from
management.
Develops displays, merchandizes collections, and coordinates participation by other staff; anticipates special events and anniversaries and responds quickly to breaking news events
Participates in collection marketing efforts, including but not limited to booklists, social media posts, and website
content.
Maintains designated collections; implements a regular schedule of withdrawing, shifting, and shelf-reading.
Monitors condition of materials and orders replacements.
Gathers and analyzes a variety of data to inform collection development.
Stays apprised of contemporary issues and trends in public libraries and publishing; makes recommendations
regarding formats, technology, products, and vendors as appropriate.
Supports the Collection Services Department with their daily functions including acquisitions, invoicing,
processing, and cataloging.
Delivers exceptional and engaging service to the public.
Promotes library services.
Communicates and applies library policies and procedures. Provides leadership in addressing and resolving patron issues.
May plan, conduct, and evaluate library programming, both independently and collaboratively.
May perform circulation and patron account management duties.
Maintains orderliness and neatness in the library. May process deliveries, shelve materials, and read shelves.
Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities:
Responsible for oversight of the unit in the absence of the manager or as assigned.
At the manager’s request, may take responsibilities for areas such as training, coaching, and contributing to staff
performance evaluations.
Provides leadership and expertise in the areas of collection development, reader’s advisory, merchandizing and/or
assigned subject matter and acts as a resource to other library staff.
Champions, participates in developing and implements system and departmental initiatives and plans to address
present and future community needs.
Ensures that STEAM and other important library initiatives are represented in collections.
Plays a leadership role in fostering a culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Other Responsibilities:
Executes administrative and organizational responsibilities, including but not limited to gathering and analyzing
data, managing special projects, and generating reports.
Keeps informed of professional developments and attends professional meetings and trainings; may represent the Library in professional venues or working groups as appropriate.
Attends meetings and trainings. Participates in and may lead workgroups for planning and implementing programs, projects, and initiatives.
Any other duties as required for the good of the Library.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program is required. Two years of
post-MLS experience in a public library position required. Public library experience in collection development and
merchandizing is strongly preferred. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel is strongly preferred. Advanced ILS
experience is preferred. Supervisory experience is preferred. Fluency in a language in addition to English is preferred. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the required elements. Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service. Ability to work with a diverse population in an urban setting. In-depth knowledge of professional librarianship and public library resources, services, and techniques. In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media; knowledge of reader’s advisory principles and practices; demonstrated ability to apply to programs and services. In-depth knowledge of and ability to use digital and electronic materials and resources, including but not limited to research databases, digital content platforms and social media. Effective communication skills. Knowledge of merchandizing, booklists, publishing, and eContent platforms. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated project management knowledge and
ability. Knowledge of current technology and technological trends; demonstrated ability to instruct and assist others in their use. Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members. Strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment
such as computers, scanners, copiers, AV equipment; Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time; Ability to stand for extended periods of time; Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books or computers and computer equipment; Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work; Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data or things; Time management ability to set priorities in order to meet assignment deadlines; Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate effectively; Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to read books and patron requests, as well as to see what patrons are doing when they are at some distance from the workstation; Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to type and enter data; Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as needed.
Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions. Attends and participates in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession
How to apply:
RATE: $33.97 per hour to $38.95 per hour in five steps
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and
letter of interest; external applicants submit your resume and letter of interest via email to: [email protected] or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312.
Resume and letter of interest requested by 06/01/2021. Position will remain open until filled.