Principal Library Assistant

JOB POSTING

PRINCIPAL LIBRARY ASSISTANT – CIRCULATION

The Cranford Public Library is looking for someone with great people skills and library experience to be our Principal Library Assistant and Head of Circulation, a full-time position. The work week is 35 hours, including evening and weekend hours. The Library is located in Union County and is a member of STELLA (Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium), Libraries of Union County Consortium, and MURAL (Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries). Under general supervision of the Director, the Head of Access Services will supervise staff and oversee the provision of a variety of library services primarily focusing on Circulation and Acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have professional knowledge of and experience with librarianship theories, principles, and practices, as well as management/supervisory skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

·        Under supervision of the Assistant Director, supervises Library Assistants in the Circulation Department including scheduling and training.

·        Works with the Head of Technical Services to oversee the processing of newly acquired materials and maintenance of the collection.

·        Performs supervisory duties, including but not limited to conducting performance evaluations on assigned staff and recommendations for disciplinary action.

·        Supports the Director as a member of the Management Team, along with the Head of Reference, Head of Children’s Services and Assistant Director.

·        Coordinates the provision of Circulation Services to the public, including staffing and scheduling library workers at the Circulation Desk, and implementation and training on the library’s ILS.

·        Manages Circulation Desk operations, including check-in and discharge procedures, payments for late, lost or damaged items, holds and reserves, and patron registration.

·        Addresses patron queries and complaints regarding circulation policies and practices.

·        Oversees scheduling of exhibits and displays.

·        Keeps abreast of current trends; exchanges ideas, information, and opinions with the Director to formulate policies, procedures, programs for service improvements.

·        May be in-charge of Library building and staff; may need to re-schedule and reassign staff as required.

·        Performs other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

At least three years of experience working in roles of increasing responsibility in a public library environment, including management of staff, scheduling, programming and training. Experience with integrated library system software is required (experience with Polaris LEAP preferred).

EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s degree in any field is preferred.

SKILLS

Ability to interact with library users successfully and familiarity with literature and audio-visual materials.

Ability to train staff and participate in consultative or in-service training programs.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other interested parties, to demonstrate teamwork skills and work both independently and as part of a larger group.

Strong customer service and technology skills, creativity, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  If the individual requests a reasonable accommodation, but none can be granted without imposing an undue hardship on the Library, such persons may be deemed not qualified for the position.

Must maintain consistent, regular attendance.

TO APPLY
Salary is commensurate with experience and begins at $50,000. This is a full-time position which includes medical, dental and prescription benefits, and a generous paid time off package.

Please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to Assistant Library Director Judy Klimowicz by email [email protected] with “Principal Library Assistant” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled.

The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant/EOE employer.