Senior Librarian/Branch Manager Clara Barton

Senior Librarian
Branch Manager, Clara Barton
Full Time

The Edison Public Library is a vibrant cornerstone of one of New Jersey’s most diverse and dynamic communities. Serving over 100,000 residents across three locations—the Main Library, North Edison Branch, and Clara Barton Branch—the library acts as a vital "community crossroads" where technology, education, and people intersect. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes cultural enrichment and lifelong learning through a collection of over 300,000 items, cutting-edge digital resources, and specialized programming. As we continue to evolve into a modern 21st-century information hub, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team in maintaining the high standard of service and organization that makes our library a trusted destination for all Edison residents.

The Library is seeking a highly motivated Senior Librarian to join our team as a Branch Manager. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, curious, patient, and have a strong sense of community. The successful candidate will demonstrate commitment and the ability to deliver superior customer-driven services to the entire community. A proactive nature, flexibility, and a knack for creative problem solving are essential. 

The Edison Public Library has an Enhanced Institutional Membership with the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) and is a member of the STELLA consortium.                                                               

This position reports to the Library Director.

Position Summary

The Branch Manager / Senior Librarian is responsible for the overall daily operation of the Clara Barton Library, a small neighborhood branch with an annual circulation of approximately 50,000 items.

This position combines branch management and professional librarian responsibilities, including supervision of staff, public service, programming, collection development, and community engagement. The Branch Manager works on-site and provides direct service to patrons while ensuring the branch operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership in a small branch environment, strong customer service, and responsiveness to community needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Branch Management

• Manages the daily operations of the Clara Barton Library branch.
• Oversees staffing, scheduling, and workflow to ensure consistent public service coverage.
• Implements library policies and procedures at the branch level.
• Ensures the branch is safe, welcoming, and well-maintained.
• Prepares basic reports, statistics, and operational updates as required.
• Serves as the primary on-site decision-maker for branch operations. 

Supervision and Performance Management

• Directly supervises all staff assigned to the Clara Barton Library, which may include librarians, library associates, and clerical/circulation staff.
• Provides day-to-day direction, training, scheduling input, and operational oversight for all branch staff.
• Responsible for conducting performance evaluations for all branch staff, including preparation of evaluations, delivery of performance feedback, and recommendations for improvement or corrective action.
• Assists with hiring processes, including participating in interviews, candidate evaluation, and onboarding of new staff.
• Assists with employee coaching, mentoring, and staff development, including ongoing performance feedback and professional guidance.
• Addresses routine personnel issues and ensures consistent application of library policies and service standards.
• Promotes a positive, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment. 

Public Service

• Provides reference, readers’ advisory, and general library assistance to patrons.
• Assists patrons with computers, printing, digital resources, and basic technology support.
• Resolves patron service issues in a professional and customer-focused manner.
• Maintains a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment for all users.
• Ensures high-quality customer service at all times. 

Programming and Community Engagement

• Plans and implements library programs for children, teens, and adults.
• Works with schools, local organizations, and community groups to support outreach efforts.
• Promotes library services and encourages community use of the branch.
• Responds to local needs through relevant programming and services.
• Strengthens the library’s role as a community resource. 

Collection Development

• Selects, maintains, and evaluates materials for the branch collection.
• Uses circulation data, professional reviews, and community input to guide purchasing and weeding decisions.
• Ensures the collection remains current, relevant, and accessible.
• Maintains an appealing and user-friendly branch collection. 

Technology Support

• Assists patrons with computers, internet access, and library digital resources.
• Provides basic troubleshooting for public technology.
• Promotes digital literacy and equitable access to electronic resources.
• Supports use of library systems and online services. 

Facilities and Safety

• Ensures the branch is clean, safe, and operational at all times.
• Opens and closes the branch according to established procedures.
• Responds to minor emergencies and service disruptions following library guidelines.
• Maintains awareness of safety procedures and patron behavior standards. 

Additional Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program.
• 2–3 years of professional public library experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Eligibility for New Jersey librarian certification, if required.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public library services and operations. 
• Strong customer service and community engagement skills.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and support staff in a small branch setting.
• Ability to manage daily branch operations independently.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of library technology and digital resources.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a public service environment. 

Core Competencies

• Small Branch Leadership
• Customer Service Excellence
• Staff Supervision, Hiring & Development
• Performance Evaluation
• Community Engagement
• Collection Development
• Technology Support
• Communication and Organization
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability
• Professionalism and Accountability 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the library and assist patrons.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers and office equipment. 

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a small public library environment with regular public interaction. Evening and weekend hours are required. The position includes both administrative and hands-on service responsibilities.

Employment Information

Employment is subject to library policies, municipal regulations, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Background checks and credential verification may be required.

Education: Master's Degree from an American Library Association Accredited college or university

Hours: 35 hours; includes a rotation of hours during the week, evening and weekends (includes Saturdays and Sundays)

Benefits: Excellent benefits package including life, health, dental, and vision insurance; vacation-15 days/year, sick-12 days/year, personal-2 days/year, floating holidays-2 days/year and 14 paid holidays

Union eligible: Yes

Application Instructions:

Please email the following three (3) REQUIRED documents:

1. Cover Letter, (2) Resume and (3) Edison Public Library Employment Application (available at https://edisonpubliclibrary.org/job-openings/) to: hr [at] edisonpubliclibrary.org (hr[at]edisonpubliclibrary[dot]org)

The Library will only consider candidates who submit all required paperwork.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED.

Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a six month probationary period.

Pre-employment background check and drug test are required for Edison Township employees.

The Edison Public Library hires under NJDOP and EOE Guidelines.

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.