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Collection Librarian

Position

Collection Librarian

Department

County Library

Accountable To

Library Director

Summary of Work

Maintains the library's collection through cataloging, classifying and processing of books, serials and other library materials. Makes decisions on how the collection can best serve the library users.

Job Characteristics

Nature of Work

This position performs administrative, supervisory, and professional duties requiring adherence to standards of accuracy, timeliness, tact and confidentiality. Position requires ability to move and shelve heavy books. Position works varying work schedule and includes some evenings and weekends. Consequence of errors may result in dissatisfied patrons and loss of time to find and correct mistakes.

Personal Contacts

Continual and demanding contact with the public. Coordinates duties with other employees and supervisor to complete tasks.

Supervisions Received

Direction from Library Director.

Essential Functions

Position requires ability to communicate orally and in writing, retrieve and return books to shelves, type, supervise, calculate, read written material, maintain files, operate a computer, operate library machines and equipment. Maintains and applies a thorough knowledge of the library automation system.

Areas of Job Accountability and Performance

Strives to meet the objectives of the library as established by the Board.

Assists and/or organizes library programs and events. Writes program grants and or coordinating fundraising for programs with the Friends of the Library and the Foundation such as the annual reading and discussion series.

Acts as lead worker in the management of library's collection by using the library's online catalog system, OCLC/WLN and LaserCat databases. Cataloging requires following AACR2 catalog rules, Dewey Decimal classifications and Library of Congress subjects.

Supervises assistants, volunteers and student workers with technical processing, reclassification, inventory, evaluating gifts, assessing and weeding the collection. Recommends library material purchases.

Collaborates with children's librarian to develop a young adult collection. Serves all library users by assisting with reference questions. Answers the telephone as needed. Works at the circulation desk as assigned. Checks in library material and shelves materials as assistance is needed.

Works as manager of the library's serials. Checks in serials as they are received by mail. Sets up procedures to organize the collection to make it accessible to library users.

Assists the reference librarian with interlibrary loan.

Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements

Knowledge

This position require a thorough knowledge of library practices, procedures and techniques; knowledge of classic literature, best sellers lists and reference/information sources, children's literature; knowledge of OCLC/WLN and LaserCat databases, a working knowledge of the laws, regulations and departmental policies pertaining to library services.

Skills

This position requires skills in the use of computers and library equipment; skills in dealing with people.

Abilities

Position requires ability to: work well with library users; supervise assistants and volunteers; complete tasks; pay attention to accuracy; work with interruptions; maintain confidentiality; stay abreast on new procedures affecting library and services; maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, other agencies, and the public; communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing.

Education and Experience

The above knowledge, skills, ability are usually acquired through a combination of education and/or experience equivalent to:

  • A Bachelor's Degree and three years of experience working in a public library is preferred.
  • Current state certification is preferred.
  • Strong interest in reading preferred.

Job Performance Standards

Evaluation of this position will be based primarily upon performance of the preceding requirements and duties. Examples of job performance criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Performs assigned duties.
  • Meets the objectives of the library as established by the Board
  • Competently catalogs, classifies, and processes books and other materials.
  • Understands tools required to upload MARC records into the online catalog.
  • Competently recommends purchases for young adult collection.
  • Effectively assists all library users in the use of the library.
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Maintains accurate and timely records.
  • Deals tactfully and courteously with public.
  • Observes work hours.
  • Keeps work areas neat.
  • Demonstrates punctuality.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors and the public.