The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library of Washington Township in Sewell, NJ seeks a FT Adult Services Librarian. Responsibilities include providing competent reference and readers’ advisory services; creating and maintaining thematic displays; providing programs to the public as appropriate and necessary; selecting, maintaining, and weeding library materials according to the collection development plan; understanding and upholding library policies and procedures; acting as the librarian in charge in the absence of the library director and responding to emergency situations; instructing patrons in the use of print and electronic library resources; participating in professional development meetings and workshops; and performing all other duties as assigned.
Requirements include a graduate degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program or a NJ State Professional Librarian’s Certificate. Strong customer service skills are essential. The person in this position must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with others. The ability to adapt to new technologies is required. The person in this position must be able to follow directions, pay attention to details, and consistently meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary.
The preferred candidate will have three years of experience as a professional adult services librarian. The preferred candidate will also have direct experience with administering adult programming, serving adults at a reference desk in a public library, and maintaining a collection of materials for adults. Knowledge of print and electronic reference and readers’ advisory tools is essential. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and highly motivated librarian who loves helping others, especially adults, in a public library setting.
The Margaret E. Heggan Free Public Library in is an independent municipal library in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, serving the residents of Washington Township in Gloucester County, NJ since 1966. The library is a 20,000 square foot building with separate computer lab and children’s library. The 2024 fiscal year operating budget is over two million dollars, derived primarily from Washington Township taxpayers. The reference desk is staffed by professional librarians during all operating hours. The library is open seven days per week throughout the entire year, including Sundays in the summer months. The library is closed on major holidays as well as Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
This position reports to the Adult Services Supervisor who will assign yearly goals to accomplish supporting the five-year strategic plan that was adopted in March 2024. This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week. The majority of the scheduled hours include daytime shifts from 9:30 AM – 5 PM. This position also requires at least one regularly scheduled evening shift per week until 9 PM and some weekend shifts, possibly including Saturday or Sunday.
The salary range for this position is $55,697 - $75,697. Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The library provides excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off. Per the township policy, there is a ninety-day waiting period for use of paid time off and a sixty-day waiting period for participation in health and dental care. Full time employees must enroll in the NJ pension system. The library also pays ALA and NJLA membership dues. Per the NJ First Act, residency in New Jersey is required within one year from date of hire.
To apply, send a resumé, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Sheila Mikkelson, Library Director, at smikkelson [at] hegganlibrary.org with a subject heading of Adult Services Librarian. Preference will be given to applications received by October 4, 2024.