Head of Reference Services, Beverly Public Library, MA
Posted November 29, 2023
Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for professional and supervisory work in planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive program of service for the Reference Department. Stays updated on Reference Department-related matters. Trains and supervises department personnel, reviews their work, and assesses effectiveness. Conducts regular meetings with Reference staff to discuss services, issues, and new ideas. Motivates and encourages personnel. Requires skill, initiative, and independent judgment.
- Holds professional development workshops for all library staff working Reference Desk shifts, focusing on new products and online resources.
- Builds and sustains positive staff relationships, collaborates with Department Heads, and fosters a customer service mindset at the Reference Desk.
- Responsible for friendly and professional assistance at the Reference Desk, addressing all patron requests, guiding the use of library resources, and effectively communicating with the public.
- Oversees the selection of online resources, including databases and other information tools. Tracks usage statistics for these collections.
- Oversees technology for the library, including the Farms branch and bookmobile. Maintains inventory and recommends purchases for both staff and patron use. Troubleshoots various equipment as needed, including, but not limited to, wireless switches, PCs, printers, and public print/fax/scan stations. Serves as the library liaison with NOBLE IT personnel.
- Participates as required in the preparation of the annual budget.
- Responsible for selection of materials and collection development for Hoopla Flex, OverDrive Advantage, Beverly Room, and Reference collections. Tracks expenditures and weeds collections as needed. Participates in selection of adult fiction and nonfiction materials.
- Collects quarterly statistics on Reference use.
- Supervises volunteers for the Reference Department.
- Develops and oversees digitization of local history materials and other special collections.
- Coordinates Reference and other adult programming, including Adult Summer Reading and conducting the Books & Brews book discussion group.
- Provides Notary Service.
- Oversees the Book a Librarian online platform for technology assistance, 3D printer classes, research assistance, and career support.
- Ensures maintenance of departmental infrastructure, such as ordering supplies for the Reference Department, ensuring that maintenance contracts for reference equipment are kept up-to-date, etc.
- Maintains awareness of current library issues and trends; attends professional meetings, courses, and/or workshops to stay current with developments in the library field.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum professional qualifications: Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from a graduate school accredited by the American Library Association and a minimum of three years experience in a public library setting. Commissioned as a Notary Public in Massachusetts, or be able to obtain the commission within the first 6 months of employment.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a letter of application and resume to Pauline Teixeira, Human Resources, City of Beverly, 191 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915 or email [email protected]. Preference will be given to applications received by December 18, 2023. But the position will remain open until filled.