Collection Development Manager

Position Purpose/Summary

Responsible for planning, directing, and reviewing the activities and operations of the Collection Development and Technical Services Department, which includes selection, acquisition, cataloging, and processing of the Library’s collection of materials and digital resources; coordinating assigned activities with other library departments and outside agencies; and participating in development of system-wide plans, policies, and procedures. Work is performed with professional administrative judgment and decision making in accordance with the policies and objectives of the Library Department, with review by the Library Director who reviews work through reports and conferences. Supervision is exercised over all assigned personnel.

Essential Functions

• Implements the collection development policy through working with selectors and other personnel. Coordinates system-wide collection development projects.
• Reviews current collection development policies and procedures. Investigates, evaluates and recommends alternatives. Coordinates revision of collection development policy upon completion of each new long-range plan.
• Trains selectors in collection development responsibilities; assures selectors understand and follow collection development policy, guidelines, and procedures.
• Analyzes collection use and recommends material funds allocations accordingly. Monitors materials budget spending and consults with individual selectors to ensure effective spending aligned with patrons’ needs. Coordinates library’s participation in relevant Massachusetts materials purchasing cooperatives. Negotiates with vendors for price and service.
• Ensures that budget is spent in a timely manner and meets all criteria to ensure compliance with state library spending standards so that the Library receives an annual State Aid to Public Libraries allocation. Manages system-wide materials selection, development, and maintenance within approved budgetary limitations and analyzes circulation trends and makes appropriate recommendations. Reviews selections and monitors budget performance; guides evaluation of collections and removal of outdated or unused materials, reorders replacements, and orders materials to supplement collection.
• Supervises, hires, trains, directs, assigns, and checks work of subordinates as to organizational policies and procedures, methods and practices, standards of performance, and other matters affecting their work.
• Evaluates performance of staff members and takes corrective action within the limits of established Library policies.
• Maintains good personnel relations and consults with supervisor regarding personnel or other matters affecting subordinates.
• Keeps abreast of developments and technological advances in the library field, current events, popular reading interests, and other issues necessary to maintain awareness of public information needs. Conducts training of other personnel to increase awareness of methods and procedures.
• Oversees all operations of the Collection Development and Technical Services Department, planning, developing and implementing methods and procedures for regular department work and special projects. Ensures department services and functions meet established standards, objectives and goals.
• Acts as coordinator for integrated online system as it relates to acquisitions and bibliographic control. Confers with other managers, library administration, and network staff in establishing and testing methods and procedures for related automated systems; represents library at meetings, such as library consortia.
• Interprets and applies national cataloguing standards to the library system, keeping abreast of developments or changes in cataloging standards and emerging technologies as they relate to technical services.
• Conducts periodic staff meetings to relate and interpret methods and procedures, standards of performance, departmental and organization policies, and other matters affecting the work of subordinates. Confers with library administration on such matters as employee promotions, transfers or disciplinary problems, or other matters affecting subordinates.
• Prepares and submits required reports to management; prepares and monitors departmental budgets, including OCLC. Approves employee time sheets and scheduling requests.
• Performs cataloguing using OCLC, AACR2, LCSH and DDC; or oversees the work of department personnel performing cataloguing. Assists departmental personnel with cataloguing problems as required. Provides public reference and reader’s advisory service as need dictates.
• Performs other similar duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of information provision theory and practice.
• Thorough knowledge experience in library collection development practices.
• Thorough knowledge of library technical services.
• Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to recognize and set priorities and to use initiative and independent management decision-making.
• Ability to coordinate, organize, direct, motivate, and evaluate staff.
• Knowledge of and proven experience applying effective management practices and principles, strategic planning, and project management.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and completion of an American Library Association accredited Master of Library Science.
• Three years of experience in a public library environment with management that demonstrates thorough knowledge of public and technical services, including library collections, cataloging, reference, service delivery technology, and service evaluation.

NOTICE: The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements.

Medical/Dental/ Vision
75% City Subsidized
All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision

Retirement
Available to employees working 20 hours per week

Paid Vacation
Earned vacation time can be taken after 6 months of service. Earned time is accrued.

Paid Holidays
All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year.

Paid Sick Time
Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1/4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost.

Paid Personal Days
Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons.

Training
On the job and instructor led courses available

Employee Assistance Program
Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance.

Direct Deposit
Easy, convenient, and free!