Position Title:

Collection Strategy Senior Librarian-Suffolk Public Library (Suffolk, VA)

Position Description:

Our Technology and Content Strategy Department supports all other library departments by enhancing the collection, evaluating new resources and overseeing the library's technology. We have a number of exciting projects on the horizon that you could help lead. Being a part of our team means that you are organized, self-motivated and collaborative. You have fun while embracing challenges and solving problems. You love developing new and exciting ways in which to expand the library's reach. You are a passionate advocate for community-focused library services and are never satisfied with the status quo. You have a deep knowledge base of best practices from within and outside of the library world but are not afraid to champion new approaches. If this sounds like you, you may be our next Collection Strategy Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, performs professional library work independently performing or supervising the collection development and strategy for the Suffolk Public Library. Work involves coordinating the activities of the assigned area of responsibility, supervising subordinate staff, evaluating and implementing procedures in the assigned area of responsibility and preparing various reports. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in planning and organizing aspects of library services. Employee must also exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with library patrons and the general public.

Essential Duties:

• Analyzes community and library data to strategically build relevant, well-balanced and diverse adult, young adult and children's collections and utilizes a variety of sources such as journals, vendors and media. This position works closely with the Executive Team in the selection of new resources.

• Regularly evaluates existing collections, performing collection management duties including weeding and inventorying.

• Oversees all materials selection, cataloging and processing efforts. Evaluates existing procedures and recommends improvements. May be called upon to assist with cataloging and processing.

• Oversees the library's electronic collections and resources. Selects materials, compiles monthly statistics, negotiates with vendors, evaluates new products and trains staff and public on library's digital services.

• Coordinates the removal of withdrawn items from the ILS.

• Orders materials and resources through a variety of vendors.

• Evaluates community needs and participates in community engagement and outreach efforts to shape a collection that is reflective of this unique community.

• As a member of the Technology and Content Strategy Department, reports to the Technology and Content Strategy Manager and works with the Department's team to identify areas for improvement in collection strategy and library technology.

• Plans, develops and implements collections-related project and initiatives.

• Creates, manages and oversees the Collection Strategy budget.

• Provides advisement, general information, support, training and development to library staff. • Assists with interviewing and hiring Technology and Content Strategy staff.

• Keeps up with current trends in the profession and technology. Considers new opportunities to provide innovative service to the community.

• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and review publications to remain current on principles, practices and new developments in Collection Strategy.

• Acts as a member of the Library Leadership Team attending all meetings and actively participating in team decisions and discussions.

• Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff of employees and volunteer workers; processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines and completes employee performance appraisals.

• Coordinates work activities; organizes, prioritizes and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff; assists with complex problem situations and provides technical expertise.

• Coordinates library selection process; assists with collection development; selects materials for purchase; receives and processes materials for inclusion in the library collection; repairs or discards damaged/obsolete materials.

• Assists in ensuring compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations and standards.

• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, receipts, requests for materials, supply orders, patron records, statistical data, in-house manuals, patron guides or other documents.

• Reviews and recommends software programs to improve the efficiency of the day-to-day operations.

• Troubleshoots hardware and software at all library locations.

• Participates in hiring process for full-time and part-time library staff.

• Examines statistical data to make workflow improvements or schedule changes.

• Supervises, evaluates and trains staff through ongoing feedback and annual performance evaluations.

• Assists patrons in all aspects of public service, including locating information from print and non-print sources, teaching patrons how to use library catalog, databases, and assisting patrons with concerns about library policy.

• Supervises and evaluates operations of area of responsibility, programs, and services by making site visits and meeting with staff.

• Supervises subordinate personnel, including training, scheduling, assigning and evaluating work.

• Develops programs and services that meet the needs of the public and are aligned with best practices set forth by ALA and state educational standards and works with granting agencies to obtain funding for projects.

• Assists with the development, monitoring, and implementation of the relevant budget.

• Coordinates programs and services by working with agencies and organizations outside the library to develop programs of mutual interest, working with City departments, and ensuring that services are reaching the community.

• Acts as a mentor to staff by assisting with their professional development and morale, and providing assistance as needed.

• Provides classes, events, and programs to the community and staff.

• Serves as Library Manager in their absence.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's Degree in an ALA accredited program in Library Science, and 3 to 5 years of professional level public library experience in a library setting, including 1 to 2 years of administrative/supervisory responsibilities; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires a valid driver's license.

Application Process:

www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com/careers

Deadline:

Thursday, July 15, 2021