ASSISTANT REFERENCE SERVICES MANAGER - JOHN P. HOLT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

City of Brentwood, Missouri; Brentwood (TN); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transportation Allowance

Job summary

John P. Holt Brentwood Library in Brentwood, TN, seeks an Assistant Reference Services Manager. The role handles professional reference services, database management, and collection development, with supervisory duties and desk responsibilities, including closing shifts.

The ideal candidate has a master’s in library science and 1–3 years’ public library tech experience, strong database knowledge, and a customer‑minded approach. Evening and weekend work required, with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program.
• 1–3 years of library experience involving technology and public services.
• Familiar with a broad range of electronic databases and web technologies.
• Ability to learn new technologies quickly; experience managing subscriptions or database contracts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide 20 hours per week of professional reference desk services.
• Assist with desk scheduling, training, and cross-training; cover for Reference Services Manager when needed.
• Manage annual database contracts, renewals, invoices, and usage statistics.
• Participate in collection development, budgeting, acquisitions, and weeding of materials.
• Assist patrons with library computers, e-resources, mobile devices, and downloadable materials; provide instruction.

Skills

Reference resources

Electronic databases

Readers’ advisory

Technology proficiency

Customer service

Education

Master's in Library Science

Tools

Database management software

Job description

Description

John P. Holt Brentwood Library

Starting salary for this position is $27.11/hour ($56,388.80 annually)

Seeking candidates for Assistant Reference Services Manager at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN

John P. Holt Brentwood Library

Starting salary for this position is $27.11/hour ($56,388.80 annually)

Plus: $2,000 annual Transportation Allowance (paid over 26 pay periods)

Up to a 5% salary increase after successful completion of the six-month probationary period.

This position will remain posted until filled.

The City of Brentwood seeks a customer-service-minded professional with strong knowledge of library science, reference services, and technology to join its team as Assistant Reference Services Manager at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library.

The John P. Holt Brentwood Library provides access to books, digital materials, and online resources that support lifelong learning and the arts. Situated in a beautiful park setting and bordered by a walking trail and arboretum, the Library serves as a welcoming community resource where patrons can explore their interests, discover new ideas, and connect with information.

The Assistant Reference Services Manager is responsible for professional reference services, database management, collection development, and user instruction as part of the library reference services team. This position assists with the daily operations of the Reference Department, including desk scheduling and employee training, and assumes responsibility for the department in the absence of the Reference Services Manager.

This is a full-time position that includes supervisory responsibilities, closing procedures, handling staff and patron concerns, and explaining and enforcing library policies and procedures. The position regularly serves as the closing person in charge a minimum of one night per week.

Must be able to work some nights and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides 20 hours per week of professional reference desk services, assisting patrons with research, complex information requests, and reading recommendations in person, by phone, and by email.
• Assists with Reference Department operations, including desk scheduling, employee training and cross-training, and assuming responsibility for the department in the Reference Services Manager’s absence.
• Manages annual database contracts, renewals, invoices, and usage statistics.
• Performs collection management activities based on community needs, usage, and relevance; assists with budgeting, selection, acquisition, and weeding of physical and digital materials.
• Assists patrons with library computers, electronic resources, mobile devices, and downloadable materials; provides individual instruction and troubleshoots common technology problems.
• Serves as the library’s person in charge during assigned shifts, handles staff and patron concerns, explains and enforces library policies, and regularly serves as the closing person in charge at least one night per week.
• Supports access to library resources through material requests, interlibrary loans, website and database updates, and the development of information and training materials for staff and patrons.
• Coordinates and participates in special projects, committees, events, and community outreach that promote library resources and services.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has strong knowledge of reference resources, electronic databases, research methods, and readers’ advisory services.
• Provides friendly, respectful service and enjoys helping patrons learn, explore their interests, and use library resources.
• Is organized and attentive to detail when managing subscriptions, invoices, statistics, and competing responsibilities.
• Communicates effectively, works collaboratively, and is comfortable training and supporting coworkers.
• Uses sound judgment, protects patron confidentiality, and responds calmly and compassionately to concerns.
• Learns new technology quickly and explains it to others clearly and patiently.
• Values lifelong learning and applies knowledge of community needs to collections and digital library resources.

Minimum Training And Experience Required

• A master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited program is required.
• One to three years of library experience involving technology and public services is required, along with coursework and/or experience in technology, electronic databases, and the internet. Candidates should be familiar with a broad range of electronic databases, electronic search strategies, and emerging information and web technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies and skills is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing subscriptions or database contracts is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, but does not substitute for the required master’s degree.

(ADA) Minimum Qualifications or Standards to Perform Essential Job Functions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes a computer, printer, typewriter, facsimile machine, copy machine, microform reader/printer, calculator, telephone, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. Must be able to exert up to fifty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty-five pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary to medium work.

DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange administrative information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.

LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the job of Reference Librarian I. Requires the ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English.

INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Reference Librarian I.

VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information to supervisors and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.

NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.

FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.

MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.

MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, supervisors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures. Must be able to provide both individual and group instruction and reference services. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency related to the job of Reference Librarian I.

PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

The City of Brentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City may provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The City of Brentwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Click here to read more.