Selection Librarian

King County Library System • Issaquah, WA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking an experienced and customer service-focused Selection Librarian to join their Cataloging and Access department. This role involves performing a wide range of professional library services related to the selection, development, and maintenance of KCLS materials collections. The Selection Librarian will act as a system-wide collections expert in specialized areas such as music, adult, children's, and young adult literature, and in various formats including scores, recordings, and audiobooks. Administrative duties include planning, budget forecasting, grant management, coordination, and the development of standards, guidelines, and procedures specific to their area of specialization. Success in this role requires strong written and in-person communication skills, the ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations, solid experience with budget planning, forecasting, and prioritization, extensive knowledge of collection development practices and public library collections, and a strong understanding of foundational DEI principles and Intellectual Freedom. Experience selecting or managing materials for a large library system and evaluating items within a public library collection is highly desirable. A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited program is required. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter addressing their interest and qualifications.

Requirements

• Master of Library Science degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.
• Four years’ experience as a professional librarian, with evidence of training, experience, or study in a relevant functional area.
• Advanced knowledge in using integrated library systems (ILS) and other relevant software for managing acquisitions.
• Working knowledge in data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Working knowledge of allocating, monitoring, and forecasting budgets.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and intellectual freedom.
• Model for customer service mindset and delivery.
• Flexible in an environment with many interruptions.
• Responsive to demands in a proactive manner.
• Attentive to details and accuracy of tasks.
• Adept at verbal, active listening, and written communication with various and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill in presentation and public speaking with groups of all sizes.
• Analytical and decision-making skills to assess an issue and determine an optimal solution.
• Washington State Librarian’s Certification is required.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience selecting or managing materials for a large library system.
• Experience evaluating items within a public library collection.
• Multilingual skills preferred for World Language Selector.

Responsibilities

• Selects materials to acquire for system-wide distribution across a range of formats and subjects, ensuring alignment with the KCLS collection philosophy and criteria.
• Develops and maintains a system-wide collection in a specialized area (e.g., music, movies, adult, children’s, young adult, world languages) and format (e.g., print, digital content, visual recordings, audiobooks).
• Reviews and evaluates patron purchase requests, researches new title acquisitions, and anticipates demand and interest in forthcoming publications.
• Contributes to negotiation, review, and renewal of terms and contracts from vendors.
• Interacts with vendors to establish and maintain well-functioning workflows.
• Evaluates selection workflows for improvements.
• Analyzes collection usage and trends.
• Assesses condition of collections, develops replacement programs, and manages the disposition of materials.
• Assesses ongoing replacement needs of core materials to keep collection up-to-date and refreshed.
• Weeds the collection as appropriate and teaches the weeding process and techniques to library staff.
• Creates communication for the intranet and website about new and existing materials and services.
• Informs patrons and staff of new and existing materials and services.
• Responds to patron, author, and staff questions regarding selection/collection questions and issues.
• Resolves procedural or operational questions for community libraries in area(s) of specialization.
• Addresses escalated materials inquiries referred by staff.
• Designs, develops and implements projects, programs, and special collections as needed.
• Provides mentoring, problem-solving, and information sharing about collection methods and philosophies for all levels of staff.
• Collaborates with peers and supervisors to create, analyze and update collection procedures and recommend policy updates or changes.
• Prepares response and clarification on selection policies and procedures for patrons and staff.
• Contributes to the creation of annual collection budget providing information and a plan for future selections.
• Allocates and monitors budget in assigned area(s) of specialization.
• Prepares reports and analyses on collections, usage, and future projections and plans including regular distribution assessments that consider changing community demographics, building configurations, and circulation.
• Attends and actively participates on internal and external committees.
• Develops programs and workshops in area(s) of expertise.
• Represents KCLS at conferences, book fairs, and in professional associations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
• KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.

What This Job Offers

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