LIBRARIAN I (PAY GRADE 26) AFSCME LOCAL 3109

New-Castle-County-Government; Christiana Acres (DE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

New Castle County seeks a qualified librarian to oversee library services, supervise staff, and coordinate reference and information desk activities. The role emphasizes public service, program development, and collaboration across departments.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s Degree in Library Science, have strong communication skills, and can manage automated library systems while maintaining high standards of customer service.

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage library services.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the public and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference and information services to patrons.
• Supervise library staff and coordinate activities across units.
• Develop and deliver library programs and outreach activities.

Skills

Library science

Communication skills

Team leadership

Library automation

Education

Master's Degree in Library Science

Tools

Automated systems

Job description

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs professional, supervisory, and administrative work within an automated library system; provides services to the general public to access information and learning through materials such as books and paper records as well as technology and electronic databases; uses the latest information and technology to help library patrons who seek assistance; performs research and analysis; classifies and organizes materials; conducts training, instruction and delivers programs at the public library; focuses on patron services and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class applies professional library techniques and procedures to perform work in all areas of library service. Responsibilities include customer service to the public, planning, organizing, and conducting activities in the major service units including reference and reader advisory services, youth services, adult services, and technical services. Supervision is exercised over full and part time library staff. This employee exercises discretion and judgment in carrying out responsibilities consistent with County and departmental policies and procedures. As experience and knowledge are gained, the employee will be expected to perform tasks of progressively increasing difficulty. The employee works as a member of a team in the library under the general supervision of a library manager or designee and may be called upon to serve as unit manager when necessary.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and provides reference and information in a major service component of a library;
• Specializes in reference services to children, teen and/or adults based on organizational need;
• Interprets and explains library regulations to the public and the staff;
• Plans and implements library programs for the public;
• Develops programmatic partnerships with private and public community groups;
• Reviews and selects materials for inclusion in the collection;
• Maintains and develops collection in light of community needs and makes recommendations for collection development in a network environment;
• Assists in budget preparation;
• Trains, supervises, schedules, and evaluates staff work activities;
• Consults with the manager in formulating plans, procedures and policies for the overall operation of the library;
• Develops and provides training programs for staff;
• Prepares and develops publicity for library programs and services;
• Participates in the selection process to fill vacant positions;
• Schedules and plans special projects and exhibits;
• Compiles statistics for quarterly, annual, and special reports;
• Prepares and develops publicity for library programs and services;
• Participates in the selection process to fill vacant positions;
• Schedules and plans special projects and exhibits;
• Compiles statistics for quarterly, annual, and special reports;
• Participates in the activities of professional organizations;
• Reads professional literature to keep informed of current trends, new professional techniques, and library automation;
• In technical services, plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises the acquisition and physical processing of all library materials and develops acquisitions and cataloging functions in the automated system;
• Participates in making cataloging policy;
• Responsible for original and complex copy cataloging of print and non-print materials;
• Maintains database by supervising responses to error reports, authority problems, and questions from system libraries;
• Provides onsite supervision for the facility and for the safety of patrons and staff;
• Assists other staff with customer service at the public computers and circulation desk as required;
• Facilitates use of public meeting rooms and other areas of library for community and civic purposes;
• Develops partnerships to foster literacy and reading skills for new language learners;
• Assists patrons seeking employment with on-line applications and resources;
• Promotes the library as a center for inclusion and diversity in the community;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and methods of library science and administration, including such activities as general reference, classification, cataloging, acquisition, children's and young adult service, adult service, and automated systems; ability to use a personal computer and other related equipment; self motivated and able to create and/or appreciate new ideas, approaches to operations and/or organization; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to work effectively with other staff and the public; ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others; ability to work in a team environment to deliver service to the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a Master's Degree in Library Science from a graduate library school accredited by the American Library Association or other professional accrediting agency.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENT

Preference will be given for professional experience in a public library.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must pass a Class III County physical examination and a background check.

Laura McDermott

Office of Human Resources

[e-mail]