Summary/Definition:
The New Jersey State Library seeks a tech-savvy, detail-oriented applicant with a strong commitment to customer service to join the State Library Information Center’s Reference Services unit. Under the direction of a professional librarian, this position involves working with the New Jersey documents and Jerseyana collections, capturing and digitizing items, creating or copying metadata and uploading items to the Digital Library. Additional activities include maintenance of the physical collections, preparing document shipments, compiling shipping lists, updating inventory in the library catalog, answering basic reference questions, conducting tours, participation in training of patrons and staff; and other related work.
Examples of Work:
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Under the direction of a professional librarian does the work involved in ordering, checking, purchasing, classifying, cataloguing, preparing, binding, and shelving books and other library materials.
Oversees specific library collections and updates holdings by removing obsolete materials and recommending new titles and equipment.
Participates in the training of patrons and staff on the use of library resources.
Resolves patron concerns within authority granted by the professional librarian or other supervisory official.
Participates in library committees and teams.
Conducts tours of the library facility.
Prepares reading lists and bibliographies.
Answers basic reference questions under the supervision of a professional librarian.
Conducts or prepares the content and arrangement of library materials for displays, exhibits and library programs.
May use online cataloguing equipment to maintain catalogue system including corrections, additions, new copies and or editions and removal of items from inventory.
Prepares correspondence.
Prepares technical, financial, statistical and other reports.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the library.
Knowledge & Abilities:
Knowledge of techniques used to gather data and information.
Knowledge of metadata schemas and digital library infrastructure.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to instruct others in the use of research methods and tools.
Ability to compile data.
Ability to use subscription databases after a period of training.
Ability to conduct surveys and studies and prepare reports.
Ability to prepare correspondence.
Ability to maintain records and files.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to utilize a computer proficiently, including keyboarding.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.
LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The ability to push or pull book carts weighing 40 pounds, retrieve and return library materials to shelves, and hold and carry library materials.
WORK HOURS: 8:30am-4:30pm or 9am-5pm
Required Applicant Documents:
Resume
Cover letter
Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants will be asked to make a 5-minute presentation on a topic of their choice.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52: 14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), also known as the "New Jersey First Act," which became effective September 1, 2011, all persons newly hired by the College/New Jersey State Library on or after that date shall have one year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Employees hired prior to September 1, 2011, who transfer from within the College/New Jersey State Library, or from another State of New Jersey appointing authority without a break in service greater than 7 days but who reside outside of the State of New Jersey, are not required to change their principal residence to New Jersey in order to comply with the Act.
The New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State University, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.