Library Collections Specialist

A Library Collections Specialist is a team member whose daily duties include self-directed, independent tasks such as unpacking cartons of library materials and placing them onto carts, barcoding/tagging library materials, physical processing of library materials, and data entry. The role may also include copy cataloging and duties necessary to support the needs of the Library Collections. Candidates should have solid technology skills including, but not limited to, the library catalog and Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel. 

The department generally works Monday through Friday, with some flexibility around start/end of workday times. 

Position Summary

An employee serving in this position advances the mission of the Library by providing support in all departmental roles such as cataloging, materials acquisition, and materials selection.

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Performs duties to assist in all departmental roles such as cataloging, materials acquisition, and materials selection.
2. Assists Materials Selection function by selecting materials for the various Library collections based on demand, interest, and other criteria.
3. Assists Technical Services function by cataloging Library materials and maintaining a database of Library collections to facilitate searching and locating materials.
4. Assists Materials Acquisitions function by taking receipt of materials when they arrive and matches them with purchase orders or requisitions to ensure the materials match what was ordered in terms of expenditure, number of items, and other order details.
5. Assists Processing function by placing barcodes, RFID labels, and other tracking devices to material in order to make them ready for circulation.
6. Assists in Receiving and daily delivery of new materials.
7. Maintains knowledge of departmental tasks and priorities to be ready to help in various roles as needed. 
8. Ensures materials vending materials are properly processed and maintained.
9. Assists with technical services projects as needed.
10. Serves as back-up to other Library Collections staff as needed.
11. May assist with training of staff members.
12. Serves on library committees as needed.
13. Other duties as required.

 Core Competencies 

Technical / Functional Skills  

• Proven knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and materials of public libraries is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use resources to determine how materials will be stored in databases is required.
• Strong familiarity with principles and practices of library materials selection is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels within an organization is required.
• High level proficiency using Integrated Library System is preferred.
• Proficiency in computerized cataloging, bibliographical and circulation system databases is required.
• Proficiency in MS Office [Outlook, Excel, Word] or similar software is required.  Relevant business management systems such as general ledger, HRIS, CRM, etc. is preferred. Collection HQ or similar system is required. Integrated library system software is required. Vendor websites are required.

Education and Experience 

• Education: High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.  Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Years of relevant experience: 5 to 7 years is preferred.
• Experience working in library collection development and technical services is preferred.
• Experience in public libraries or public-sector organizations is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

• The library environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices, which includes the need for general safe workplace practices with office equipment and computers, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• This position is performed in an office setting although some off-site meetings in various settings occur.
• Work is generally completed on weekdays and during traditional office hours (e.g., 8am-5pm). There will be the occasional need to attend meetings or events and/or respond to critical situations outside of this schedule, including before or after normal Library days and hours of operation.
• Work requires the ability to lift light to medium weight objects (less than 40 pounds) and carry them short distances (20 feet or less).
• Work requires the ability to push a fully loaded book cart (typically weighing at least 20 lbs or more) for distances of at least 20 feet.
• This position may require an employee to remain in a seated or standing position for extended periods of time while performing a variety of tasks.
• Employees must be able to perform repetitive hand, arm, and body movements, including typing and/or lifting books, on a continuous basis, up to eight hours per day.
• Work may require repetitively reaching overhead and bending/kneeling to sort and shelve books weighing up to three pounds.
• Some travel by personal automobile and a valid State of Ohio driver’s license along with the ability to maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Library’s liability insurance carrier may be required. Occasional overnight travel may also be required.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by an individual working in this job.  Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.