Selector Librarian (Children's)

This position joins a team of Librarian Selectors at Monroe County Public Library, strongly committed to the tenets of intellectual freedom and developing collections that represent the diverse interests and needs of our growing community. The Selector Librarian in this role will be responsible for selecting fiction and nonfiction print materials for children from birth to age 12 - excluding graphic novels and manga. Preferred candidates will possess knowledge of children's literature and youth services issues, as well as a passion for providing free and equitable access to a wide range of popular materials for children.

Content Development Department

Responsible for developing and maintaining a system-wide collection of materials selected in accordance with the Library’s Collection Development Policy. Provides leadership and collaboration with the Library’s professional staff in the development of the collection and stays within budget and spending guidelines. Ensures a well- rounded, quality collection and provides subject matter expertise to library and regional/national colleagues. Supports the effective use of the Library’s resources and equipment based on current best practices.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities, Knowledge and Skills

• I have extensive knowledge of the Library’s services, policies, and objectives, as well as experience with one or more audience and subject specialty and with overall Library content. 
• I collaborate with the Library’s professional staff in the development of the collection. I maintain a well-balanced collection which reflects the diversity of our community, and I seek input to identify, and prioritize type of materials for selection and purchase. I develop budgeted amounts for specific collection categories and ensure appropriate percentages are spent throughout the year to facilitate a smooth flow of materials.
• I assess collection needs through ongoing communication with public service units. I read various professional and non-professional reviews, journals, vendor and publisher catalogs and gather input from patron requests and public service staff.
• I check collections against awards and other bibliographic lists. I keep in touch with library trends, developments and new technology and contribute ideas and suggestions to colleagues.
• I conduct ongoing collection analysis at all library locations and use relevant analysis tools to contribute to data- driven decision-making regarding collection development.
• I participate in ongoing weeding and collection maintenance activities and may serve as a leader on teams charged with overseeing weeding schedules.
• I prepare purchase orders, stay within budget and spending guidelines.
• I mentor other Library employees and help them learn specific audience, subject, and content knowledge as well as Content Development processes. I address more complex questions, problems, complaints and suggestions posed by library staff and patrons.
• I may participate on multiple teams and their respective projects relative to collection development and overall content management as assigned.
• I assist the department in responding to inquiries and requests and perform basic cataloging duties as required.
• I exhibit a clear understanding of the principles of librarianship including the facilitation of free and equitable access for all, the role of a balanced collection of materials and resources, and the importance of maintaining patron confidentiality. I have knowledge of public library collection development principles and theory as well as policies and procedures.
• I am professionally active and I participate in professional development opportunities, maintaining my Indiana Public Library (LPL) Certification – Librarian Level 3 or above.
• I possess excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with customers, employees and outside contacts. I am consistently pleasant, positive, and responsive to a diverse public and staff.
• I have excellent listening and communication skills. I demonstrate articulate and persuasive written and verbal skills.
• I exhibit strong analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to initiate, plan, coordinate, and implement projects and services to consistently meet deadlines.
• I lead and/or work as part of a team and to build collaborative relationships with multiple stake-holders.
• I have strong computer skills with a working knowledge of standard hardware and software as well and I adapt easily to emerging trends in technology.
• I have the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail with an emphasis on accuracy and efficiency.
• Fluency in a second language is considered helpful.

Required Education/Experience and License/Certifications

• Master’s in Library Science (MLS) from an ALA accredited college or university.
• Three years of library collection development and experience required.
• Indiana Public Library Certification – Level 3; ALA-accredited MLS degree (or equivalent). Ability to obtain certification, according to Indiana Code 36-12-11-6 guidelines, may be considered.
• May require a valid driver’s license and proof of insurability.

Supervision Received

Receives general oversight. Uses a wide range of procedures and methods to meet job responsibilities. Refers only complex questions and problems to the manager, most often accompanied with information, data and solutions.

Supervision and Leadership Exercised

Provides leadership, assists in setting standards for areas of expertise, and is accountable for results. Participates in resolving challenges related to services and library-wide issues. Collaborates in the development of objectives and evaluating effectiveness, recommends changes to achieve goals. Participates in mentoring and assists with employee professional development. 

Working Conditions

• Regularly sitting and performing various repetitive actions and extensive use of keyboards, mice, monitors, and varied digital devices, requires use of hands, fingers and repetitive motions.
• Frequently standing, walking, moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, and moving from one work site to another.
• Work has standard vision requirements; frequent speaking, vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Occasional to frequent travel, entering and exiting vehicles, driving, moving, and carrying materials to and from various locations.
• Occasional moderate lifting (25 lbs.) and infrequent heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs.). Assistance with excessive loads is required.
• Normal library working conditions; moderate exposure to office/maintenance chemicals (cleaning solutions, glue, paint, etc.).
• Occasional exposure to fluctuations in interior conditions such as noise and temperatures.
• May encounter exposure to outside elements, heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, etc. when traveling on library business.
• Infrequent climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

An individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodations, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Department

Content Development

Reports to

Content Development Manager

Benefit/FLSA Status

Regular, Exempt, Full Time

Classification

Pay Grade 118

Hours/Week

Full Time, 37.5 Hrs./Wk.

Compensation

Starting at $21.37/Hr. Consideration based on relevant experience.

Certifications

Indiana Public Library (IPL) Certification (or ability to obtain) Librarian Level 3 according to Indiana Code 36-12-11-6 guidelines, required.

Work Schedules

MCPL employees may be assigned to work on weekdays, evenings or weekends. MCPL remains open during local academic breaks and we are unable to accommodate extended absences, including those associated with semester breaks. MCPL work schedules adjust in response to changing operational needs.

This job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, assignments, or working conditions associated with this job.

MCPL is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its employees, patrons and community. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.