Principal Librarian

Description

The Anaheim Public Library is seeking a Principal Librarian - Central Public Servicesto coordinate and perform specialized and complex advanced journey level professional Library duties for the Central Library and supervise professional and paraprofessional public service staff. This position oversees day to day operations at the Central Library for Children, Teen, and Adult Services.

Qualified candidates must possess a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Library Science (MLS), or Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of four (4) years of experience as a professional librarian, including qualifications and experience in a specialized subject area, or experience equivalent to two (2) years as a Senior Librarian.

Applicants must be available to work evenings and weekends.

About Anaheim Public Library...

The Anaheim Public Library was recognized as the 2021 Library of the Year by Gale and Library Journal. There are ten Library outlets serving the City of Anaheim and surrounding communities. This includes Central Library, six branch libraries, the self-service branch at ARTIC Transportation Center, the Anaheim Heritage Center which houses our local history collections, the Mobile Library that serves the Community Development Block Grant neighborhoods in the city, and STEAM Adventures: Explorations on Wheels which serves the science technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) needs of the Anaheim community.

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Oversees a branch or major function of the Central Library Services such as Bookmobile services, children's services, and/or adult services, including system-wide reference services technology, and/or system-wide collection development of print and non-print materials.

• Develops and implements a branch, Bookmobile or work unit service plan.

• Meets regularly with direct reports to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities and projects; monitors workflow; reviews and controls quality of work; evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; mentors, counsels, and recommends progressive discipline of direct reports under the guidance and direction of management level staff.

• Develops training programs and trains trainers to conduct specialized instruction within assigned function such as literacy, automation, special user populations, reference, storytelling, and other specialties.

• Plans, develops, schedules, prioritizes, and assigns services, activities, programs, and work plans in consultation with a Library manager; communicates status of services, activities, and programs to appropriate staff; instructs staff in work procedures.

• Develops, recommends and implements library goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and improvements.

• Participates in the selection of full and part-time staff; schedules, provides direct supervision to full and part-time staff in the Library Clerical series, Library Technicians and Assistants, professional staff, other support staff, and library volunteers.

• Develops, implements, and evaluates services and programs in a designated area such as branches, children's services, adult services, literacy, outreach services, and special populations; coordinates joint projects with other Community Services Divisions and City Departments.

• Resolves patron issues that have escalated to a second and third level (i.e., issues that were not resolved by a Librarian or Senior Librarian).

• Acts as primary public relations or key contact person for a branch, Bookmobile, or major work unit; promotes programs to increase financial support among community and service groups by explaining Library programs and encouraging use of Library resources.

• Develops, manages, and monitors the implementation of a program budget.

• Performs outreach to the community, community organizations, and schools; informs community members and organizations about library services, programs, and collections; promotes Library programs and encourages use of Library resources.

• Organizes and maintains the print and digital collection for a branch, Bookmobile or major work unit.

• Reviews new publications and collection materials and selects materials and resources for acquisition or disposition as appropriate.

• Oversees the development and implementation of a variety of library programs and services; creates new services to meet the needs of a changing community.

• Oversees the collection development activities for one or more collection areas for the Division including materials selection and weeding, and donated materials.

• Reviews, examines, selects, develops, maintains, promotes, and deselects materials in a variety of media formats to build a marketable Branch and/or Bookmobile collection that serves the needs and requests of a diverse community.

• Responds to the most complex suggestions, requests, or concerns from library users and community members.

• Creates volunteer and internship opportunities with the goal of involving students, adults with disabilities, and retired members of the community.

• Performs special reading and research and participates in professional meetings, workshops, and conferences and continuing education programs, as appropriate to remain abreast of current literature and professional trends.

• Maintains and troubleshoots electronic and on-line resources.

• Researches and analyzes data and statistics, preparing activity reports and memos of a comparative nature as between Library units and among other City Departments.

• Analyzes demographics, patron needs, system-generated reports, school data, and culture and language usage to determine effective locations and levels of service, programs, and collections for the assigned area(s), units, branch, and/or the Bookmobile.

• Develops, writes, and coordinates Library grants and contracts; conducts tracking activities and monitors performance.

• Oversees branch operations and is the "Librarian-in-Charge" of a designated facility; serves as the Weekend Supervisor for the Division on a rotating basis.

• Maintains, troubleshoots, and resolve facility, security, and safety issues.

• Performs two or more system-wide assignments such as Division Safety Coordinator, Division Budget Coordinator, or Collection Coordinator.

• Research and recommend reference software technology for public access computer workstations; answers patron and employee questions of software usage; trains staff in troubleshooting computer hardware and software problems.

• Represents the Library at consortium meetings or other professional gatherings.

• Provides leadership and serves as a subject matter expert in a designated area of specialized expertise and education.

• Leads meetings, committees, or projects intended to enhance services or promote consistent policies and procedures.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Experience and Training: Equivalent to a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Library Science (MLS), or Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree from an accredited college or university, and four (4) years of experience as a professional librarian, including qualifications and experience in a specialized subject area, or experience equivalent to two (2) years as a Senior Librarian.

Knowledge of: Sound budgetary practices and development, monitoring, and implementation of a work unit budget; core library operating principles, including confidentiality of customer information, freedom of information, and intellectual freedom; principles of supervision and training, including work planning, assignment, performance review, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures; principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and materials of professional library work, including library reference, collection development, and other professional library services; principles, techniques, and procedures in cataloging, indexing, classifying, and organizing library materials; principles and techniques used in bibliographic research; general library materials selection standards; techniques for promoting and publicizing library services, programs, and events; recent technological, professional, and societal developments, current literature, and sources of information related to library services; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; record keeping principles and procedures; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and the public; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to: Supervise and direct the work of program unit staff; perform professional library tasks, including reference, readers' advisory, program and service development, collection development, and cataloging; use computer and other technology, including software, hardware, and the Internet to be able to assist customers, conduct research, prepare reports, and use email and other communications technologies; react tactfully and diplomatically during interactions with staff, the public, community groups, etc. while appropriately adhering to and enforcing sound library policies, procedures, and practices; maintain a strong service orientation and a demonstrated dedication to quality customer service; research, analyze, and summarize data and prepare accurate and logical written reports; plan and conduct the activities and operations of a specialized library function; research and write grant applications; identify and take appropriate action when unusual operating problems occur; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems; organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines necessary to make responsible decisions as Librarian-In-Charge or in the absence of the department manager; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to visit various Library and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to retrieve and shelve materials. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items, storage containers, and shelving units weighing an average of 20 pounds, and up to 50 pounds of weight, in order to move materials from one place to another, with the aid of lifting/moving equipment.

Supplemental Information

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basisuntil a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is onFriday, March 22, 2024 at 5:00PM.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as this recruitmentmay close at any time without notice.Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment and oral interview.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill the current and/or additional vacancies throughout the City.

Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). The City of Anaheim utilizes E-Verify and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Equal Opportunity Employer