LIBRARIAN, SENIOR - EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

JOB DESCRIPTION

LIBRARIAN
(EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES)

LIBRARIES & INFORMATION SERVICES

Newport News, Virginia Human Resources
Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for performing advanced professional work that
will lead the design, delivery and implementation of digital library services, focusing on emerging and
applied technology, digital platforms, and service development. The position oversees usability and
accessibility of digital platforms, pilots new tools, and fosters innovation through collaboration and
mentorship to enhance community learning and digital literacy. This position will report to the
Assistant Director of Libraries and Information Services.

There are three (3) levels of Librarian distinguished by the level of work performed and the level of
experience of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides strategic direction in digital library services and emerging technologies aligned with Newport
News Public Libraries’ (NNPL) strategic plan, vision, and goals. Assists the Library system in
determining long-term goals. Translates emerging technologies into practical library services and
workflows. Develops a working relationship with vendors supplying digital library services. Analyzes
local demographics and makes recommendations based on library and community interests and needs.
Responsible for regular reporting of various statistical and related data and written reports.

Researches, plans, designs, pilots, implements, manages, and evaluates emerging technologies relevant
to libraries, system-wide digital library tools, and digital literacy for effectiveness based on the
department’s goals. Oversees digital platforms, and applications to ensure usability, accessibility and
innovation. Participates in team meetings with branch staff to ensure new technologies are being
applied using practical services.

Coordinates with staff to develop technological competencies. Identifies, develops, implements, and
leads a regular schedule of technology instruction for staff and the public through workshops, one-on-
one support, guidance on new tools and platforms, and instructional resources for each library location.
Leads the Technology Committee, and serves on the Adult Programming Committee and Youth
Services Programming Committee.

Performs a variety of administrative functions including the development of written policies,
procedures and best practices, provides training to staff, develops training materials; develops resource
materials, provides budgetary recommendations to the Library Director, and assists with grant writing.
Creates, maintains, and updates library online resources specific to emerging digital services.

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Maintains regular communication, collaboration, and participation with NNPL departments, NNPL
committees, and external departments to support the integration of current and innovative technology
into library services and programs in an organized and constructive manner. Makes suggestions for
improvements and ensures that digital services are functional, accessible, and responsive to user
(public & staff) needs. Responsible for effectively coordinating assigned staff including prioritizing
and assigning work, employee relations, and related activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Community Engagement – Knowledge of community demographics and needs to include

developing working relationships with community partners and working collaboratively to affect
positive impact through library programs and services.

• Technology – Knowledge of new developments in the library profession, including technological

advances, integrated library systems, digital technology applications. Working knowledge of
current digital tools and platforms, including cloud-based applications, collaborative workspaces,
and data management systems. Familiarity with social media platforms, basic web content
management, and digital communication tools. Experience with productivity software (e.g.,
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace) and an understanding of emerging technologies such as AI-
assisted search tools and digital resource platforms.

• Customer Service - Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent

customer service. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation
of patron and staff satisfaction.

• Supervision - Knowledge of supervisory techniques, principles and procedures to assign work,

schedule, supervise, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Knowledge of personnel
recruitment, selection, and the use of personnel information systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with Library patrons, employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other
departments and organizations.

• Emerging Technology - Proficient in using computers and digital systems to access online

resources, including internet-based research tools and library catalog systems, to effectively assist
patrons. Skill in navigating and utilizing integrated library systems (ILS) and other administrative
software with speed, accuracy, and attention to detail.

• Judgment and Decision Making - Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises

appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the
benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication – Ability to effectively communicate ideas and proposals verbally and in writing,

to include the preparation of reports which include numerical information and statistics. Ability to
listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing. Ability to
handle a variety of personal information in a confidential manner.

• Coordination of Work - Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and

procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Ability to establish priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Performs a broad
range of supervisory responsibility over others.

• Accounting – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to perform

purchasing and financial transactions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Librarian I – Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited American Library
Association (ALA) library school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Librarian II – Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited ALA library school and
1-2 years’ experience as a professional librarian with some lead or supervisory experience and
experience providing services to the community or an equivalent combination of education and
experience.
Senior Librarian – Requires a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited ALA library school,
3-5 years’ experience as a professional librarian, and 1-2 years of supervisory experience and experience
providing services to the community or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Specialized knowledge in emerging technologies in library services for adults and school-age children
is required to attain the Senior Librarian level and is preferred at all other levels.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and an
acceptable sex offender registry check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.

• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

pounds).

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
  

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.

• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

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