Assistant Librarian for Technical Services

POSITION SUMMARY The Assistant Librarian for Technical Services provides leadership, management, direction, and oversight for all aspects of access and technical services, including cataloging, serials, collection development, binding, and book repair. The position supervises access services staff, student workers, and volunteers. This role involves selecting materials and managing the library collection to ensure students have access to the resources necessary for their educational success. The Assistant Librarian integrates emerging technologies, particularly in cataloging tools, and manages the library in the absence of the director/dean.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Supervise all aspects of technical and access services, including staff training and daily operations to ensure the effective functioning of both services.

· Establish workflows, policies, and procedures to coordinate acquisitions, cataloging, processing, binding, and serial resources efficiently across the library.

· Identify and select materials to be added to the library collection based on the library’s collection management policies and curriculum needs.

· Evaluate, procure, and manage electronic resources, addressing troubleshooting issues related to access reported by both patrons and library staff.

· Catalog all types of library materials accurately, ensuring compliance with cataloging standards.

· Oversee updates for software versions, system backups, and resolve any information technology issues to maintain smooth library operations.

· Analyze community needs to continually improve services, collections, and programs in response to user demand.

· Assist in library projects and the preparation of reports, contributing to the success of ongoing initiatives.

· Participate in projects related to collection assessment, material weeding, website maintenance, and information literacy efforts.

· Maintain library materials budget records and track relevant statistics to ensure financial oversight and efficient resource use.

· Handle receipt, disposal, and acknowledgment of gift materials for the library collection, ensuring the items meet collection development standards.

· Assist in grant preparation, contributing to the research and writing of funding proposals.

· Manage library operations in the absence of the dean, ensuring continued services and effective management.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

· Serve on library and institutional committees as needed.

· Perform other duties as required to support library operations and initiatives.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

· This position supervises technical services staff, student workers, and volunteers.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff, faculty, and library users.

· Ability to read and interpret bibliographic records and apply cataloging principles effectively.

· Understanding of descriptive and subject cataloging rules and experience with cataloging tools and the relevant standards.

· Familiarity with national and international bibliographic control standards (e.g., AACRII, MARC, Metadata, Dublin Core).

· Strong ability to plan and implement new technologies in resource management, particularly cataloging tools.

· Knowledge of current trends and innovations in libraries, particularly in bibliographic control and resource management.

· Experience in library materials selection and practical application of collection development theory.

· Strong knowledge of African American resources and their role in library collections.

· In-depth understanding of Innovative Interfaces or similar library management systems.

· A strong commitment to patron services, ensuring user satisfaction and support.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Education: A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited school of library and information studies is required.

· Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in technical services at a college or university library or public library. Experience working with African American collections is desired.

· Licenses or Certificates: None required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

· Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Normal office conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.