MASSACHUSETTS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEMS

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

GROTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Technology Services Librarian

Statement of Duties
Performs professional librarian tasks for a Library department.  Has responsibility for management of library electronic technology services.  May serve as Director in absence of the incumbent. Performs other duties as required.

 

Supervision
Reports to the Director.  Sets own goals and objectives.  Works independently to analyze/evaluate current services, programs and practices and to revise/develop programs as needed to respond to patron needs and service delivery. Is expected to comprehend and direct the effect of automation on the library’s service delivery and administrative needs. Library policies and procedures are available and must be observed and followed.

Supervises assigned staff, providing initial instruction and guidance.

Has access to confidential information.
 

Job Environment
This is varied work, involving many detailed operations as well as non-standardized tasks, procedures and techniques.  Evaluation and analysis are required to judge appropriate course of action. Work requires thorough technical knowledge.   Hardware/software problem resolution may require considerable effort.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service and monetary loss, damage to equipment, patron dissatisfaction, or compromised employee safety. 

Frequent contact with public.  Other contacts are with technical professionals, town employees, state and regional library associations, vendors, schools and universities.  Contacts are usually in person or by phone.  Written communication is frequently necessary.  Computer communication is frequently necessary.
 

Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Administers the library’s integrated computer system.  Diagnoses hardware and software problems and implements solutions. Provides support for computer applications and manages the Local Area Network.  Installs and customizes software.  Is liaison for service provider.

Evaluates and recommends acquisition of electronic resources, equipment and software.  Coordinates the library’s participation in emerging technologies, including evaluation of new methods of access and retrieval. 

Develops and implements training programs and documentation to instruct staff and users in electronic information services, including the Internet, CD-ROMs, library automation software and all public access PC products. 

Oversees electronic cataloging and the processing of library materials. Performs original cataloging for library materials.  Maintains integrated library software to reflect library holdings.

Provides training and supervision for assigned employees/volunteers.  Establishes work schedules, makes assignments.  Participates in performance evaluation.

Participates in  annual department budget preparation.  Monitors expenditures and approves purchases for department.

Participates in the formulation of policy and develops procedures related to Technical/Electronic services.  Interprets policy and explains procedure to the public.

Makes presentations to community groups to explain library programs and services.  Receives complaints and/or special requests from patrons and community groups, providing response or conflict resolution.

Attends professional library conferences, seminars and network committees; reads professional literature; remains current with emerging technology in field of expertise; attends and participates in staff meeting discussions.  Prepares regular management reports for review by Director.

Serves as Reference Librarian as needed. 

May serve as Director during the absence of the incumbent.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

          Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an A.L.A accredited program required, with an emphasis on electronic information services.  Three to five years experience in a library setting, with supervisory experience required.

          Knowledge, Ability and Skill

          Thorough knowledge of:

• Library operations and library services.

• Electronic systems and search/retrieval services

• Current technology and developments in all areas of library automation services.

• Library policies and procedures in order to explain programs and services to others.

• Reference sources and research techniques and standards

• Classification and indexing systems for electronic information, and US-MARC standards

• PC hardware, software applications, PC operating and client server systems, LANs

Working knowledge of:

• HTML authoring software and Web design

• Metadata initiatives including Dublin Core and Encoded Archival Description

• Federal and State legislation regarding right to free speech, freedom of information and copyright.

Ability to:

• Work with patrons of varied backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

• Supervise others at various levels of training and ability, evaluate performance, provide training.

• Create goals and provide leadership for subordinates

• Exercise initiative and independent judgment

• Maintain a calm atmosphere, assure safety, respond to emergencies

• Communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing
   

Physical and Mental Requirements
Work is performed in typical office environment, subject to quiet or moderate noise.  Up to one-third time is spent standing, walking, stooping or reaching with hands or arms.  Up to two-thirds of the time is spent using hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  Frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting is required up to 30 pounds; seldom required to lift up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The need to respond to competing needs or resolve conflicts is frequently stressful. Equipment used includes personal computers, office machines, audio-visual equipment.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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