Librarian II, Grade 24

Montgomery County, Maryland; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County Public Libraries in Maryland seeks a detail-oriented librarian to shape diverse community collections. The role emphasizes data-driven selection, collaboration with branches, and managing time-sensitive workloads to keep collections fresh and relevant.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, comfort with data and digital tools, and a Master’s in library science, plus two years of public library experience and proficiency with ILS and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science (ALA-accredited).
• Two years of professional librarian experience in a public library.
• Experience with ILS and MS Office.
• Budgeting and project planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate a high volume of print and digital titles for selection.
• Monitor expenditures in fund codes using spreadsheets and databases.
• Work across technology platforms to place electronic orders.
• Serve as subject matter expert for collection areas and support branches.
• Contribute to system-wide initiatives and new collections.
• Participate in ongoing training and maintain professional certification.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in library science

Tools

Integrated Library System (ILS)

MS Office

Job description

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $82,352 to $117,375, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

MCPL has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1 million diverse customers.

Approximately 500 engaged and passionate staff provide services in 21 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach and virtual assistance. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county. A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.

MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.

Montgomery County Public Libraries is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. MCPL values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. MCPL encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. As part of this commitment, MCPL provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We’re seeking a detail-oriented, forward-thinking librarian who loves discovering great books and shaping collections for diverse communities. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical skills, confidence working with data and digital tools, and a genuine enthusiasm for collection development. You excel at managing time-sensitive workloads, staying curious about emerging trends, and enjoy collaborating with branch staff to keep our collections fresh, relevant, and community-focused. If you’re energized by thoughtful selection work, eager to innovate, and committed to professional growth, we’d be excited to have you on our team.

Bilingual applicants, particularly those who speak Spanish or Chinese, are encouraged to apply. If the candidate selected for this position possesses multilingual skills, they will be required to successfully pass an examination assessing oral communication, reading comprehension, and interpreting skills. For Advanced proficiency, the candidate must also pass an examination requiring translating text from Spanish/Chinese to English and vice versa.

• Reviewing and evaluating a high volume of print and digital book titles year-round, making thoughtful, timely selections grounded in policy, budget, circulation trends, and input from branches and patrons.
• Monitoring and tracking expenditures in assigned fund codes using spreadsheets and internal databases to ensure accuracy, balance, and responsible stewardship of collection funds.
• Working across multiple technology platforms to build, download, and place electronic orders with precision and efficiency.
• Serving as the subject matter expert for your assigned collection areas—supporting branch staff, answering questions, conducting branch visits, reviewing weeding data, and creating book recommendations and reading lists.
• Contributing to system wide initiatives and special projects, including branch renovations, new building openings, and the rollout of new collections.
• Participating in ongoing training and maintaining professional certification to stay current with best practices in collection development.

Hours for this position:

Collection Management operates from 7am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Weekend and evening shifts may be required, as needed.

Education

Master’s degree in library science or library information science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association.

Experience

Two (2) years of professional experience as a librarian in a public library system comparable to Montgomery County's system.

Equivalency

None.

Licensure

Employees will be responsible for maintaining appropriate level of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to sustain licensing.

Medical Exam Protocol

This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

1. Experience balancing high-volume, time-sensitive tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
2. Experience developing and/or maintaining a library collection in a public, school, government, or academic library setting.
3. Technology skills to include knowledge of at least one Integrated Library System (ILS), office equipment, mobile apps, MS Office software and troubleshooting computer hardware and peripherals.
4. Experience with budgets and/or project planning.
5. Language skills in Spanish or Chinese.