Part Time Collection Services Librarian/Library Associate

LibraryLinkNJ Technology Advisory Group; New Jersey; On-site; USD 36,341 - 48,698; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

5 vacation days/year after six months

2 hours/month sick leave

Pension eligible

Job summary

A community-focused library team in New Jersey seeks a Part Time Collection Services Librarian or Library Associate. The ideal candidate will assist in developing and maintaining a vibrant collection reflecting community needs. This position offers $35.35 hourly for Librarians and $26.38 for Library Associates, with flexible benefits and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an ALA accredited institution for Librarian candidates.
• New Jersey Professional Librarian Certification or ability to obtain it within six months for Librarian candidates.
• Experience in collection development is preferred for Librarian candidates.
• Bachelor’s Degree or coursework in library science for Library Associate candidates.
• 1-2 years of experience in a public library with collection responsibilities for Library Associate candidates.

Responsibilities

• Assist in evaluating and selecting library materials.
• Stay current with publishing trends and patron requests.
• Regularly review collection performance data.
• Collaborate with other departments to gather feedback.
• Contribute to bibliographies and promotional displays.

Skills

Research skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Part Time Collection Services Librarian/Library Associate

Come and join a new and expanding team of Library professionals as we reinvent the Edison Public Library for the 21st century. Located in Central NJ, with a multicultural, multilingual, and diverse population of 110,000, the Library currently has three library branches and mobile library services. We are rebuilding our Library from the bottom-up and the top-down to create an environment of learning, exploration, innovation and fun for the entire community. Our North Edison and Main Library Branches currently are undergoing a transformation in lay‑out and expansion. This is a Library system where anything is possible as we move towards a patron‑centric view of programs and services. The Edison Public Library is committed to providing accessible and inclusive services to our community.

The Edison Public Library is seeking a passionate and resourceful librarian or library associate to join our Collection Services Department. This position works closely with the Head of Collection Services and the Library Director to build and maintain a vibrant, current, and in‑demand collection of books and materials that reflect the diverse interests and needs of the Edison community.

The successful candidate must be capable of working independently while also collaborating across departments and with external partners to deliver effective library services to all.

This position reports directly to the Head of Collection Services.

Key Responsibilities

The following is a list of examples, it is not comprehensive.

• Assist in evaluating and helping to select materials across multiple genres and age groups, using both professional resources and community input.
• Stay current with publishing trends, popular media, bestseller lists, patron requests, and usage of statistics to inform purchasing decisions.
• Regularly review collection performance data (holds, circulation, and turnover) to identify gaps and high demand subjects.
• Use professional review sources (e.g., Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly) and vendor tools to identify potential purchases.
• Assist with the development and updating of collection development policies and guidelines.
• Collaborate with other departments and branch staff to gather recommendations and feedback on collection needs.
• Contribute to the creation of bibliographies, reader’s advisory tools, and promotional displays based on new and popular titles.
• Monitor the library’s catalog and collection to ensure balance, diversity, and currency.
• Assist in managing the materials budget under the guidance of the Head of Collection Services.
• Represent the Library in discussions with vendors, publishers, and community stakeholders when needed.
• Participate in weeding and collection maintenance projects as assigned. Determine which materials need to be replaced, updated, or removed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

For Librarian Candidates

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution.
• New Jersey Professional Librarian Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire).
• Experience in collection development or reader’s advisory is preferred.

For Library Associate Candidates

• Bachelor’s Degree required; coursework or training in library science, literature, or a related field preferred.
• At least 1‑2 years of experience working in a public library or bookstore setting with collection related responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of current reading trends and interest in popular literature.
• Excellent research, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with integrated library systems (ILS), vendor platforms (e.g., Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Ingram), and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Commitment to responsive, inclusive, and equitable collection development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and move carts of materials.
• Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods.

Salary: Librarian $35.35 Hourly; Library Associate $26.38 Hourly, Commensurate with experience

Vacation: 5 days (after six months of employment)/year; Sick: 2 hours/month to completion of first year (6 days/year, not to exceed 24 hours after completion of first of service); Personal: 13 hours/year prorated; Floating Holiday: 2 days/year

Pension eligible: DCRP (PERS when eligible)

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest in the role
• A current resume
• Contact information for three professional references
• Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
• The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a six month probationary period.
• Pre‑employment background checks and drug tests are required for Edison Public Library employees.

The Library will only consider candidates who submit all required paperwork.

The Edison Public Library operates under NJDOP and EOE Guidelines.

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

Submit materials to: [e-mail]

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Start Date: As soon as possible or mutually agreed upon

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay

Librarian $35.35 Hourly, Library Associate $26.38 Hourly