ADMINISTRATIVE LIBRARIAN I (COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT) - 40001711

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Performs complex professional and responsible administrative work by managing the Collection Development and Acquisitions units. Also, efficiently and effectively administers the library materials budget to provide a well-used, accessible, and high-quality library collection for the Durham County Library. Directs the work of four (4) professional librarian selectors in the Collections unit and the Acquisitions Associate who supervises one Library Assistant. These units select, order, receive, and pay for library materials. The Collection Development Administrative Librarian leads the units through changes in selection practices and technology, and in developing new collections as library materials and technologies change.

Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Resources and Finance Officer who evaluates effectiveness. This position supervises the Collection Development and Acquisitions Units and works closely with other Library Resources and Technical Services staff, the library’s major vendors and other library and County staff.  Resources and Technical Services is located at the Main Library.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates selection and ordering of all formats of library materials in accordance with budgetary and selection guidelines.
• Leads collection development librarians who evaluate and select platforms, collections and services in accordance with selection guidelines, library mission and strategic plan.
• Coordinates system-wide selection of electronic resources and coordinates the launch and promotion of electronic resources. Researches new products and services. 
• Serves as Durham County Library’s liaison to all vendors for all collection materials. Prepares purchasing contracts for materials. Communicates County purchasing requirements to vendors and obtains necessary vendor documentation.  Works with County legal and purchasing staff regarding licensing agreements and contracts. Works with the two units and the rest of the Resources and Technical Services division to implement new or renewed purchasing contracts.
• Coordinates with unit and location staff to deselect materials and fill gaps in the collection to maintain a customer-focused collection that meets standards for collection currency, condition and accommodates location-specific space needs. 
• Evaluates new products, formats and services.  Allocates library materials budget to reflect collection priorities and usage. Ensures ongoing fiscal accountability of the materials budget for the library according to Durham County policies and procedures.
• Develops relationships with community and staff to establish a collection that is relevant and in demand by library patrons. Communicates collection development policy and procedures to staff and patrons as needed, including the Resources Selection Policy and intellectual freedom policies. Leads the working group that reviews reconsideration requests and makes recommendations to the Director.
• Staffs public service points as needed. 
• Serves on internal committees as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of library collection development principles, practices, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of books, authors, publishers, vendors, and digital content services.
• Thorough knowledge of online bibliographic databases, integrated library systems, electronic selection and acquisitions products, Internet tools and resources, and Microsoft Office products. 
• Knowledge of library financial best practices and procedures. 
• Skills and proficiency in organizational and project management.
• Ability to supervise staff and evaluate work performance. 
• Ability to assist in the establishment of library policies and objectives and to develop and recommend library and division procedures.
• Ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised procedures and workflow.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and to exercise initiative and independent judgement.  
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, library patrons and vendors.
• Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations in a variety of settings and to work with users of varying technical expertise and background.
• Ability to use database software to manage operations, develop or improve analytical tools, prepare special reports, and prepare presentation materials. Must have an intermediate command of Excel.
• Ability to make professional level presentations to internal and external groups.
• Ability to carry out County and State of North Carolina financial best practices, procedures, and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
 

Master of library science degree from an ALA accredited library school and three years of experience in professional library work; supervisory experience highly desired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least three years of professional experience in collection development or materials selection
• Public library experience
• Ability to speak Spanish

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer