Technical Services Supervising Librarian at New Haven Free Public Library

Metro; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

New Haven Free Public Library in New Haven is seeking an experienced and collaborative library professional to serve as Technical Services Supervising Librarian. This leadership role oversees the day-to-day operations of the Technical Services department, including systemwide acquisitions, cataloging, processing of print and digital materials, database management, and collection support.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical services expertise with effective leadership, serving

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science required.
• 3–5 years of professional library experience.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of materials.
• Manages budgets for print and digital collections.
• Directs day-to-day operations and mentors staff.
• Collaborates with IT to manage API interfaces with ILS.
• Represents the library in community organizations.
• Ensures compliance with laws and library policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Project management

Staff supervision

Public relations

Customer service

Research and analysis

Data reporting

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science

Tools

Innovative Interfaces/Sierra ILS

MARC formats

OCLC

Dewey Decimal

Job description

Technical Services Supervising Librarian

Due to a recent retirement, the New Haven Free Public Library is seeking an experienced and collaborative library professional to serve as its Technical Services Supervising Librarian. This leadership position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Technical Services department, including systemwide acquisitions, cataloging, processing of print and digital materials, database management, and collection support. The successful candidate will combine strong technical services expertise with effective leadership, serving as a coach and mentor to staff while ensuring the department is fully integrated with the Library’s overall operations and services.

New Haven isavibrantanddiversesmallcity(~140,000residents)witha bustlingartsscene,amazingrestaurants,andmuseumsgalore.It’sagreatplace toliveand/orwork!

NHFPLwelcomesnearly950,000visitorsannuallythroughourfrontdoorsanddigitalportals,realizingitsmissionoffosteringlifelonglearning,inspiringcuriosity,andbuildingcommunitythroughsharedaccesstoresources,experiences,andopportunitiesforall.Ouraward-winninglibrarysystemhasbeenfeaturedin AmericanLibrarie smultipletimesovertheyears.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is professional library work in the supervision of a library service area or in the development and supervision of a specialized subject area responsible for the management and operation of the Technical Services department of a busy public library.

Work involves management of systemwide acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of collection items of all media types including print and digital media as well as database management, the preparation of narrative and statistical report and material selection. As a service area supervisor, the Technical Services Supervising Librarian directs the day-to-day operations of the service area and serves as a coach, mentor, and mediator to staff and is responsible for all aspects of the department and its integration into the overall operations of the library.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops goals, and manages all aspects of acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of materials.
• Retrieves data, compiles information, and prepares reports and statistical analysis for services, programs, and collection usage.
• Monitors, and maintains print and digital collections budget for systemwide departments.
• Manages, supervises, and participates in all daily service and support operations of the service area.
• Creates and maintains relevant documentation related to Technical Services workflows and procedures.
• Coordinates library staff training of new material processing workflows and digital resources such as databases and digital publishing platforms.
• In collaboration with IT, maintains interfaces between the library’s ILS and any 3rd party products utilizing relevant Application Programming Interface (API) and manages ILS software updates.
• Coaches, mentors, manages performance, and addresses service area staff concerns in a timely manner; guides and directs department staff on library services.
• Represents the Library in community organizations relevant to the specialized area of service.
• Works closely with other Supervising Librarians and Library management to assure services are responsive to patron and community needs.
• Encourages ongoing professional development for staff training sessions and mentoring.
• Ensures and enforces Library and City policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff and the public while ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations with appropriate guidance from library and city administrations.
• Performs other related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree in Library Science
• A minimum of three to five years’ experience in professional library work.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, procedures, practice and techniques of library cataloging and classification.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives of Library service to the community.
• Considerable knowledge in the required area of technical services operations and national standards.
• Knowledge of RDA and AACR2 standards.
• Thorough knowledge of and up-to-date experience with MARC formats, OCLC and Dewey Decimal Classification.
• Knowledge of integrated automated library systems. Experience with Innovative Interfaces/Sierra ILS highly preferred.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in Library and Information Science.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in order to efficiently plan, organize, supervise, and manage the staff of a service area.
• Ability to schedule and supervise the work of professional and support staff.
• Ability to problem-solve issues related to patron concerns and library services.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, other City departments, external partners, and the general public.
• Ability to monitor progress and manage resources to accomplish objectives with strong organizational, research, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strong public relations and customer service skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with library related professional tools and software applications (MS Office, library catalog and digital databases).
• Ability to understand and interpret library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, business and education leaders, the staff and to the public.
• Willingness to engage in regular technical training and the ability to remain current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural and socio-economic differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.