Supervising Librarian, Adult Collections

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

BookOps is the collaborative technical services unit of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library, and the Selection department is responsible for the selection and ordering of all circulating materials for both systems. The Supervising Librarian, Adult Collections works with the Senior Manager, Adult Collections, their fellow selectors, and many stakeholders across NYPL and BPL to select for the print, nonprint, and digital collections for adult patrons, in addition to supporting branch colleagues, working on strategic initiatives, and providing guidance on serving the adult population with circulating collections.

Requirements

ALA-Accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York
Experience providing public library services to a diverse adult community in an urban setting
Experience on relevant library book committees or reviewing material for trade publications
Budget management experience
Experience making data-informed decisions about library collections, especially using tools like collectionHQ, Airtable, or Google Suite products
Knowledge of current practices and trends in collection management and development, including demonstrated experience with promoting and improving access, diversity, and representation in adult collections
In-depth knowledge of current major and independent adult publishers, and public library materials vendors, both physical and digital
General knowledge of most or all types of material for adults, as well as deep knowledge of specific genres, audiences, and/or subjects
Ability to problem solve and make thoughtful decisions in a collaborative and coordinated planning environment, as well as ability to prioritize
Strong, demonstrated commitment to adult services and collections, including a keen understanding of the wide range of collections needs that must be met when serving a diverse range of adult readers
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and willingness to assume varied duties and assignments

Nice To Haves

This position does not have any direct reports, but indirectly supervises the work of Senior Collections Processing Associates

Responsibilities

Works as part of a centralized collection development department to identify and select materials for patrons 18 and older, in a variety of formats, for the circulating collections of BookOps’ member libraries
Actively contributes to a community-centered and flexible model of collection development that reflects the changing needs of the diverse adult communities served by BookOps’ member libraries
Monitors allocated budgets for specific collection areas assigned to the position to ensure responsible, timely expenditure of the annual materials budget for each area
Works collaboratively with branch library colleagues to identify current and emerging collection needs of local communities, looking for creative and sustainable ways to implement patron and staff feedback in selection procedures
Performs ongoing collection assessment and data analysis, including the collection and synthesis of both qualitative and quantitative data pertaining to their collection areas
Remains actively engaged in and curious about publishing for adults, staying up-to-date on trends and changes in the book ecosystem
Supports staff from BookOps’ member libraries in promoting the collections to the libraries’ user communities, including making site visits to review physical layout of collections and collect feedback
Performs related duties as required