Hillside Public Library seeks a customer-centered, collaborative, flexible, and detailed oriented leader to join our dedicated staff in delivering on our mission to change lives for a better community. A new Library building is under construction and our team is working to continue providing community focused service while preparing to move to a space designed to meet the evolving needs of our community for generations to come.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed:
Provides excellent customer service
Supervises circulation and technical service support staff and processes, including daily staff scheduling, workflows, and training
Provide advanced reference and reader’s advisory service
Serves as library liaison for ILS related issues with our consortium (STELLA) to ensure compliance with circulation and cataloging standards
Maintains expert knowledge of the Library’s ILS and all associated tools and equipment.
Prepares clear, accurate and informative narrative and statistical reports
Perform original and copy cataloging
Oversee the receiving, and processing of new library materials
Develop and maintain assigned collection; and works with colleagues to ensure maintenance of overall library collection
Works cooperatively with other departments to implement new projects and initiatives.
Interprets library policies, rules and procedures for library patrons and staff.
Provides input to policy development and revision
Develop and instruct the public and staff in the effective use of library resources and emerging technologies in a variety settings, including one-on-one, small groups, and user guides
Keeps informed of current trends, technology, and developments affecting library services through professional reading, continuing education opportunities, and participation in professional organizations. Attends workshops, conferences, and training as needed
Serves as in-charge person in absence of Director
Minimum Qualifications
MLS or MLIS from an ALA accredited institution. A NJ Professional Librarian Certificate issued by the State of New Jersey or demonstrated ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
Minimum of two years cataloging experience
Minimum of two years supervisory experience
Advanced knowledge of cataloging standards
Knowledge of current trends in public librarianship and demonstrated experience using technology and digital resources.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Excellent customer service skills
Hillside Public Library is a New Jersey Civil Services Employer, appointment is provisional pending completion of NJ Civil Service process, and is subject to NJ First Act, requiring public employees to establish residency in the State of New Jersey. See N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70). Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Reading materials and providing verbal assistance to library users in English; manual dexterity to handle books, software, and a variety of other media formats; intermittent sitting, standing, and walking; occasional bending, reaching, and stooping; lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 lbs.; pushing or pulling objects weighing up to 100 lbs.;
distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes; distance vision sufficient to distinguish people or objects under a variety of light conditions; vision sufficient to view computer screens and spine labels under a variety of light conditions.
To apply: E-mail completed application, cover letter and resume to Christal Blue at director [at] hillsidepl.org (director[at]hillsidepl[dot]org). Documents must be sent as a PDF attachment. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Use the subject line: “Head of Circulation and Technical Services''. Application review will begin on July 1, 2026. The library will only contact candidates they wish to interview.
Salary $70,435; Generous benefits package Health/Dental benefits, enrollment in PERS. Annual leave (pro-rated first year) 23 vacation days, 4 personal days, and 15 days sick leave; 12 paid holidays.
The schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, including days, evenings and weekend rotation.