Supervising Librarian, Technical Services

The New Haven Free Public Library is seeking an experienced and collaborative library professional to serve as its Technical Services Supervising Librarian. This leadership position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Technical Services department, including systemwide acquisitions, cataloging, processing of print and digital materials, database management, and support for a systemwide collection of 384,616, including 303,388 physical items across five library buildings.

NHFPL welcomes nearly 950,000 visitors annually through our front doors and digital portals, realizing its mission of fostering lifelong learning, inspiring curiosity, and building community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all. Our award-winning library system has been featured in American Libraries magazine multiple times over the years.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical services expertise with effective leadership, serving as a coach and mentor to staff while ensuring the department is fully integrated with the Library’s overall operations and services.

Primary Functions

This is professional library work in the supervision of a library service area or in the development and supervision of a specialized subject area responsible for the management and operation of the Technical Services department of a busy public library.

Work involves management of systemwide acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of collection items of all media types including print and digital media as well as database management, the preparation of narrative and statistical report and material selection. As a service area supervisor, the Technical Services Supervising Librarian directs the day-to-day operations of the service area and serves as a coach, mentor, and mediator to staff and is responsible for all aspects of the department and its integration into the overall operations of the library.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops goals and manages all aspects of acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of materials.
• Retrieves data, compiles information, and prepares reports and statistical analysis for services, programs, and collection usage.
• Monitors, and maintains print and digital collections budget for systemwide departments.
• Manages, supervises, and participates in all daily service and support operations of the service area.
• Creates and maintains relevant documentation related to Technical Services workflows and procedures.
• Coordinates library staff training of new material processing workflows and digital resources such as databases and digital publishing platforms.
• In collaboration with IT, maintains interfaces between the library’s ILS and any 3rd party products utilizing relevant Application Programming Interface (API) and manages ILS software updates.
• Coaches, mentors, manages performance, and addresses service area staff concerns in a timely manner; guides and directs department staff on library services.
• Represents the Library in community organizations relevant to the specialized area of service.
• Works closely with other Supervising Librarians and Library management to assure services are responsive to patron and community needs.
• Encourages ongoing professional development for staff training sessions and mentoring.
• Ensures and enforces Library and City policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff and the public while ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations with appropriate guidance from library and city administrations.
• Performs other related work as required.

Education and Qualifications, and Experience

A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.

A minimum of three to five years’ experience in professional library work.

At least one year of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, procedures, practice and techniques of library cataloging and classification.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives of Library service to the community.
• Considerable knowledge in the required area of technical services operations and national standards.
• Knowledge of RDA and AACR2 standards.
• Thorough knowledge of and up-to-date experience with MARC formats, OCLC and Dewey Decimal Classification.
• Knowledge of integrated automated library systems. Experience with Innovative Interfaces/Sierra ILS highly preferred.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in Library and Information Science.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in order to efficiently plan, organize, supervise, and manage the staff of a service area.
• Ability to schedule and supervise the work of professional and support staff.
• Ability to problem-solve issues related to patron concerns and library services.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, other City departments, external partners, and the general public.
• Ability to monitor progress and manage resources to accomplish objectives with strong organizational, research, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strong public relations and customer service skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with library related professional tools and software applications (MS Office, library catalog and digital databases).
• Ability to understand and interpret library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, business and education leaders, the staff and to the public.
• Willingness to engage in regular technical training and the ability to remain current with emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively in a diverse community, recognizing and respecting cultural and socio-economic differences, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Terms of Employment & Benefits

• Salary is within Local 3144 Range 9: $70,596-$78,018 annualized

This is a General Fund, "Non-Tested" position. 

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Bargaining agreements are available to review HERE.

Employees become eligible to participate in the Medical & Dental benefit plan provided for members of Local 3144. Employees may elect a medical plan including prescription drug and dental coverage, for which employees must contribute a portion of the premium cost. Benefit information can be found online HERE, under the Local 3144 Management & Professional banner.

Eligible employees receive paid vacation, paid sick days, paid personal days, and paid holidays. 

Term Life Insurance of $20,000 is provided at no cost to the employee. 

Short-Term Disability coverage is also provided at no cost to the employee. 

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 10.5% of pay. 

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening in accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.