JOB POSTING – PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN – ACCESS SERVICES
The Cranford Public Library is accepting applications for the title of Principal Librarian to serve as Head of Access Services, a full-time position. The work week is 35 hours, including evening and weekend hours. The library is located in Union County and is a member of the Libraries of Union County Consortium and MURAL (Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries). Under general supervision of the Director, the Head of Access Services will supervise staff and oversee the provision of a variety of library services primarily focusing on Circulation and Acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have professional knowledge of and experience with librarianship theories, principles, and practices, as well as management/supervisory skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Under supervision of the Director, supervises Librarians, Library Associates, Library Assistants, Library Pages, Volunteers, and other positions in the Circulation Department including scheduling and training.
- Works with the Head of Technical Services to oversee the processing of newly acquired materials and maintenance of the collection.
- Attends applicable interviews for new hires and promotions and makes recommendations for same.
- Performs supervisory duties, including but not limited to conducting performance evaluations on assigned staff and recommendations for disciplinary action.
- Supports the Director as a member of the Management Team, along with the Head of Reference, Head of Children’s Services and Assistant Director.
- Coordinates the provision of Circulation Services to the public, including staffing and scheduling library workers at the Circulation Desk, and implementation and training on the library’s ILS.
- Manages Circulation Desk operations, including check-in and discharge procedures, payments for late, lost or damaged items, holds and reserves, and patron registration.
- Addresses patron queries and complaints regarding circulation policies and practices.
- Acquires library materials, including fiction, nonfiction and periodical collections, taking into consideration priority needs and budget limitations, as part of a collection development team.
- Instructs library patrons in the effective use of library resources and equipment; describes or demonstrates procedures for searching catalog files and shelf collections to obtain materials.
- Tracks delinquent patrons and oversees the recovery of long overdue items and outstanding fees.
- Coordinates outreach efforts to external organizations, including membership drives, offsite training and public speaking as necessary.
- Coordinates projects, shifts, renovations and construction in the Library’s main stacks.
- Manages review and weeding of library collections of books and other assigned materials utilizing library weeding guidelines.
- Oversees scheduling of exhibits and displays.
- Researches, recommends and implements new technologies to improve library service to the public.
- Evaluates the needs of the Library in determining Library policy, procedures and future direction of the Library.
- Attends seminars and meetings of professional and technical groups or organizations for the purpose of keeping current with developments in the field of librarianship.
- Reads professional literature to keep abreast of current trends; exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with Director to formulate policies, procedures, programs for service improvements.
- Prepares drafts of publicity, news releases and flyers.
- May be in-charge of Library building and staff; may need to re-schedule and reassign staff as required.
- May compile statistical data and periodically compose narrative reports showing plans, programs, problems or accomplishments of the work assigned.
- Performs other duties as required.
- Handles special projects as assigned by the Director.
REQUIREMENTS
EXPERIENCE
At least five years of experience working in roles of increasing responsibility in a public library environment, including management of staff, scheduling, programming and training. Experience with integrated library system software is required (experience with Polaris and SirsiDynix ILS software preferred). Knowledge of cataloging and classification standards for public libraries (MARC, Dewey) is preferred.
EDUCATION
A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science and possession of or qualified to obtain, a Professional Librarian Certificate issued by Thomas Edison State College.
LICENSE
Possession of or the qualifications to acquire a valid license as Professional Librarian issued by the appropriate department within the State of New Jersey. If appointee does not have a license at the time of appointment, proof must be shown that one has been applied for within the first three months of the appointment.
SKILLS
Ability to interact with library users successfully and familiarity with literature and audio-visual materials.
Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff and supervise the performance of their work.
Ability to train staff and participate in consultative or in-service training programs.
Ability to select, organize, and evaluate library materials, provide advice on desirable directions for growth of the Library’s collections, and to locate information in specific sources and assemble information from scattered sources.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other interested parties, to demonstrate teamwork skills and work both independently and as part of a larger group.
Ability to prepare reports.
Ability to supervise the maintenance of records and files.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position.
Must maintain consistent, regular attendance.
TO APPLY
Salary is commensurate with experience and begins at $72,000. This is a full-time position which includes medical, dental and prescription benefits, and a generous paid time off package.
Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Library Director Michael Maziekien by email (m-maziekien [at] cranfordnj.org">m-maziekien [at] cranfordnj.org) with “Principal Librarian” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.