Supervising Librarian, Adult Collections

Application Deadline: 19 June 2026

Department: BookOps

Location: Library Services Center

Compensation: $80,145 / year

Description

Overview
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.

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
  
  

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA-Accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York

Required Experience

• 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

Required Skill
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

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

More...

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting
• Public library setting

Physical Duties

• Lifting up to 25 lbs required
• Requires travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule
35 hours per week, Onsite, Monday-Friday. Evenings and Saturdays as required

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).