Assistant Reference Services Manager - John P. Holt Brentwood Library

City of Brentwood • Brentwood Library, TN

32d • Onsite

About The Position

Seeking candidates for Assistant Reference Services Manager at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN. The City of Brentwood seeks a customer-service-minded professional with strong knowledge of library science, reference services, and technology to join its team. The John P. Holt Brentwood Library provides access to books, digital materials, and online resources that support lifelong learning and the arts. Situated in a beautiful park setting and bordered by a walking trail and arboretum, the Library serves as a welcoming community resource where patrons can explore their interests, discover new ideas, and connect with information. The Assistant Reference Services Manager is responsible for professional reference services, database management, collection development, and user instruction as part of the library reference services team. This position assists with the daily operations of the Reference Department, including desk scheduling and employee training, and assumes responsibility for the department in the absence of the Reference Services Manager. This is a full-time position that includes supervisory responsibilities, closing procedures, handling staff and patron concerns, and explaining and enforcing library policies and procedures. The position regularly serves as the closing person in charge a minimum of one night per week. Must be able to work some nights and weekends.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited program is required.
• One to three years of library experience involving technology and public services is required, along with coursework and/or experience in technology, electronic databases, and the internet.
• Candidates should be familiar with a broad range of electronic databases, electronic search strategies, and emerging information and web technologies.
• Must be able to operate a variety of automated office machines which includes a computer, printer, typewriter, facsimile machine, copy machine, microform reader/printer, calculator, telephone, etc.
• Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials.
• Must be able to exert up to fifty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty-five pounds of force frequently.
• Ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics of data, people, or things.
• Ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange administrative information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
• Ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures related to the job of Reference Librarian I.
• Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English.
• Ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the job of Reference Librarian I.
• Ability to record and deliver information to supervisors and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines and objectives.
• Ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.
• Ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated office equipment.
• Ability to handle a variety of items, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
• Ability to deal with people (i.e. staff, supervisors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions such as in interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide both individual and group instruction and reference services.
• Ability to adapt to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency related to the job of Reference Librarian I.
• Ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies and skills is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing subscriptions or database contracts is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered, but does not substitute for the required master’s degree.
• May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Responsibilities

• Provides 20 hours per week of professional reference desk services, assisting patrons with research, complex information requests, and reading recommendations in person, by phone, and by email.
• Assists with Reference Department operations, including desk scheduling, employee training and cross-training, and assuming responsibility for the department in the Reference Services Manager’s absence.
• Manages annual database contracts, renewals, invoices, and usage statistics.
• Performs collection management activities based on community needs, usage, and relevance; assists with budgeting, selection, acquisition, and weeding of physical and digital materials.
• Assists patrons with library computers, electronic resources, mobile devices, and downloadable materials; provides individual instruction and troubleshoots common technology problems.
• Serves as the library’s person in charge during assigned shifts, handles staff and patron concerns, explains and enforces library policies, and regularly serves as the closing person in charge at least one night per week.
• Supports access to library resources through material requests, interlibrary loans, website and database updates, and the development of information and training materials for staff and patrons.
• Coordinates and participates in special projects, committees, events, and community outreach that promote library resources and services.

Benefits

• $2,000 annual Transportation Allowance (paid over 26 pay periods)
• Up to a 5% salary increase after successful completion of the six-month probationary period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level