Local History and Special Collections Librarian, Bangor Public Library, Bangor, ME

Posted September 27, 2022

Description:

The Local History & Special Collections Librarian is the local history contact for the library, engaging in research and answering inquiries in person or remotely. This person responds to genealogy requests, teaches classes, and maintains the physical and digital local history collection. As a member of the Reference team, the person in this position provides high-quality customer service to the library’s diverse patrons, captures statistics, tracks local stories and Bangor history, and implements programs.

This position actively leads the initiative of the Local History and Special Collections Department to collect and preserve primary and secondary source materials that document the history, description, and development of Bangor, Penobscot County, and surrounding areas; and to make these materials available to researchers and the general public.

This position has no direct reports, but engages in project work which involves leading or guiding the work of others, including the Local History Assistant. This position reports to the Head of the Reference Department.

This is a 37.5-hour-per-week salaried position that participates in the evening and weekend rotations of the Reference Department.

The salary for this position ranges from more than $46,000 per year to just under $62,000 per year. Staff typically see cost-of-living adjustments at the start of each fiscal year, which has the effect of raising that cap. Newer staff are eligible for additional pay increases until they reach the salary cap for their pay rank. The Bangor Public Library offers health insurance, 403(b) plan contributions, disability insurance, and other employee benefits.

Essential Functions:

Serves as the primary contact for local history and genealogy questions.
Provides customer service assistance to library patrons by responding to patron inquiries, providing reference and instruction, and interpreting Library rules, policies and procedures to the public. Interacts with patrons in person, by telephone and electronically. Excels in serving a diverse population.
Oversees the health of the assigned collection. Makes suggestions for additional materials for the collection and determines items for removal and replacement.
Keeps current on history and genealogy reference resources in both print and electronic formats. Purchases items when warranted and manages the funding lines for such resources.
Plans and implements high quality library programs for community members, with a focus on genealogy and local history research.
Oversees the processing of archival collections and preparation for digitization, including organization, arrangement, description (finding aids and inventories) and preservation, and the tracking of these activities.
Provides leadership and expertise in the identification, assessment, and implementation of special collections practices that further the Library’s mission.
Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

Graduate degree in library/information studies from ALA-accredited institution and previous public library experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Familiarity with local history or genealogy research and current resources in those subject areas.
Enthusiasm to work with the public and a solid foundation in good customer service skills.
Ability to deal effectively and harmoniously with the public and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Working knowledge of current public library policies, procedures, methods, practices, and materials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, ability to work with teams, and the ability to motivate and negotiate with diverse individuals and groups.
Demonstrated ability to teach research skills to staff and the public.
Fluency with computers and software, mobile devices, databases, online reference sources, social media, and integrated library systems (ILS).
Must be flexible, able to handle multiple competing priorities and tasks,and adaptable to change.
Strong organizational skills, including detail orientation.
Accepts and completes assignments from supervisor, Library Director, or other Library staff in a professional and timely manner.
Able to stand, bend, walk, squat or kneel, and lift and carry up to 10 pounds.

Preferred:

Three years of recent experience as a professional librarian.
Experience processing archival collections and preparing them for digitization.
Experience creating and maintaining digital library collections.
Experience writing grant applications.

How to Apply:

The deadline for applications is October 15th. Please review the job description on the Bangor Public Library’s website (www.bangorpubliclibrary.org/employment) before applying. Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to Tina Hustus ([email protected]) in a PDF or RTF format, with “Local History and Special Collections Librarian” in the subject line.