Librarian I - Catalog & Acquisitions
City of PortsmouthJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
City of Portsmouth seeks a Librarian I for Catalog & Acquisitions to work onsite under Library Systems Manager. The role covers acquisitions, cataloging, collection development and reference; requires an MLS from an ALA-accredited program, 1-3 years cataloging and 2-3 years supervisory experience. Proficiency with LC headings, MARC21, RDA, DDC and ILS such as Auto-Graphics VERSO is expected, plus oversight of subscriptions and budget planning. The ideal candidate will lead technical services, train staff and provide patron support. VA Librarian certification within six months, a background check, and a valid driver's license are required. To apply, tailor your resume to cataloging standards, budgeting and leadership; reference posting FY2025-01474. ADA accommodations available.
Posting number: FY2025-01474
Department: Library
Job classification: Librarian I (Catalog & Acquisitions)
Posting type: Open
Categories: Library, Miscellaneous
Summary
Prepares new and maintains acquisitions, and responsible for resource acquisitions, to include annual subscription quotes; maintains reports and participates in budget estimates for materials, fund allocations, monitoring expenditures and fiscal closing.
Researches, reviews, and implements processes, programs, and technological advancements to improve cataloging and acquisition procedures; serves as team leader for technical service positions; trains staff in copy cataloging and materials processing; and assists in the overall supervision of the library as requested.
Provides customer service by answering reference inquiries, instructing readers in the use of print and online references and resources, assisting patrons with research and the operation of computers and equipment, and recommend reading material; plans, develops, and assists with circulation activities.
Participates in library-wide committees or projects.
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
Examples of duties
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods and principles of contemporary bibliographic-maintenance standards and practices, including Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, Library of Congress (LC) subject headings, Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC21), Resource Description & Access (RDA), authority control, and integrated library system (ILS) products. Has general technical expertise utilizing and maintaining ILS databases and products. Has considerable knowledge of library routine and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of the library's filing system and various types of informational materials in the main library. Has general knowledge software for producing print and electronic publications. Is able to maintain accurate records and prepare reports. Is able to use standard library methods and principles in bibliography, acquisitions, cataloging, classification, circulation and reference services. Is able to use common office machines including popular computer-driven word processing and file maintenance programs. Is able to follow established procedures and perform work requiring some detail. Is able to instruct patrons in the use of various office machines, computer programs and library reference materials. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with library patrons of various ages and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under “Essential Job Functions.”
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, patrons, supervisor, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Planning: Knows and understands the expectations of the city regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the city. Within the constraints of city policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving divisional and city objectives. Organizes, arranges and allocates manpower, financial and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and city.
Organizing: Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all city and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
Staffing: Works with other city officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the division who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the city. Personally directs the development and training of division personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented and trained.
Leading: Provides a work environment which encourages clear and open communications. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Provides adequate feedback to staff so that they know whether their performance levels are satisfactory. Commends and rewards employees for outstanding performance and does not hesitate to take disciplinary action when necessary. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of city goals and objectives.
Controlling: Provides a work environment which is orderly and controlled. Coordinates, audits and controls manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates audits and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city standards, methods and procedures.
Delegating: Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
Decision Making: Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the division. When a particular policy, procedure or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the division and city. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
Policy Implementation: Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of city policies regarding the department and city function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities and ensures the same from subordinate staff.
Policy Formulation: Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the city and continually reviews division policies in order to ensure that any changes in city philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and division morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance same.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
Qualifications
Experience in the use of computer software including Microsoft Office Suite; SQL experience preferred; experience the use of Resource Description & Access (RDA) Toolkit, Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARCCedit) and other cataloging tools preferred.
Certification as a Librarian by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education Library Board or have the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Supplemental information
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment such as computers, facsimile machines, and printer, etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are those for Light Work.Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions from superiors, and giving instructions, assignments and directions to subordinates or assistants.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of book reviews, reference materials, indexes, catalogs, applications, reports, lists, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, forms, schedules, budgets, employee evaluations, statistical reports, bibliographies, etc., using prescribed formats. Requires the ability to speak before various groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence: Ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists, to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using college-level English and a variety of professional terminology, including library terminology.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas to add and subtract, multiply and divide, utilize decimals and percentages and understand and apply the theories of algebra.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination: Requires the ability coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people, beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to communicate with patrons of all ages. Must be adaptable to performing under varied levels of stress.
Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS
The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.