The Local History/Special Collections (LH/SC) Branch Library is seeking enthusiastic, tech-savvy candidates with knowledge of genealogy, historiography, and local, regional, and state history for a Reference Services Manager position. The ideal candidate will have exceptional customer service skills, the desire to contribute to a dedicated, specialized branch library, and a keen eye for equity, diversity, and inclusion. This position focuses on reference services, along with training staff, volunteers, and researchers on all materials in the collection. The position also works closely with the Branch Manager to develop grant proposals, technology initiatives, plan and implement innovative programs and projects, and assists with collection development and the improvement of descriptive access.
Under the direction of the Branch Manager, this position is responsible for managing and staffing the LH/SC Branch’s Reference Services desk. Primary responsibilities include assisting researchers in using relevant resources related to genealogy and Virginia history, programming, and outreach. Reference Services staff in the Local History/Special Collections Branch also create and maintain collaborative relationships with all historic organizations and City agencies, as well as educators and independent researchers.
Duties:

Programming:

• Schedules speaker events as well as creates workshops for the public, especially on basic to intermediate genealogy and research methods, incorporating the diversity of Alexandria’s residents and history on topics of interest to both the general public and professional/academic audiences
• Provides orientations to the branch as needed
  Outreach:
• Works with community partners to engage with audiences from K-12 to Seniors. Outreach efforts will engage with all aspects of Alexandria’s community
• Represents the LH/SC Branch as a judge for regional National History Day events
• Participates in the Library system’s outreach efforts
  General:
• Manages LH/SC staff in the absence of the Branch Manager
• Stays informed on current technology and GLAMS trends
• Utilizes library and online resources to respond to patron inquiries, especially complex genealogical, regional history, and house history questions
• Oversees reference operations for the Branch, including reviewing email and phone requests/responses and fulfilling/assigning image and photocopy requests to staff
• Monitors use of rare books and archival materials, and alerts appropriate staff to preservation or conservation needs
• Creates displays, subject guides, and bibliographies which highlight specific areas of the collection
• Selects materials in a variety of formats that reflect the diversity and needs of the community
• Uses appropriate selection and weeding techniques for a special collection
• Serves on a variety of committees each year such as City commissions, system-wide Library committees, and professional associations
• In collaboration with other LH/SC staff, develops and implements projects and goals for volunteers and interns, including onsite and online projects
• Trains new staff in library and branch procedures and city policies
• Reviews professional periodicals and book reviews
• Fulfills image reproduction requests from customers
• Educates customers on the copyright status of requested images

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service, communication skills, and ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, partner organizations, and the public.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems, digital asset management systems, subscription databases, DSLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and MS Office software.
• Ability to learn and provide reference assistance to varied rare, unique, or specialized materials related to genealogy and local history.
• Ability to provide access to and navigate archival, print, database, and online materials, including the online library catalog and archival finding aids
• Ability to maintain accurate usage statistics, both physical and digital
• Ability to use genealogy databases such as Ancestry and Fold3, historic newspapers and microfilmed records for genealogical research
• Awareness of national, state, and regional-level websites relevant to genealogy, historic preservation, and history, such as Chronicling America, Umbra, Library of Congress’s HABS/HAER Collection, and Virginia Memory, and the ability to train others on how to use the websites.
• Ability to use MS 365 software (especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and virtual meeting software (Zoom and Teams)
• Practical working knowledge of access, description, security, and handling needs for library and archival materials
• Ability to learn, stay current, and develop programs related to genealogy, history, emerging technologies, including promoting the use of technology in staff trainings and meetings.
• Ability to build and maintain productive partnerships with local organizations.
• Knowledge and ability to understand and do minimal work with Dublin Core.
• Familiarity with reference services using a variety of print, archival, and electronic resources.
• Knowledge of library programming trends and experience developing and presenting programs.
• Experience conducting outreach and working with diverse communities.
• Some management or supervisory experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn new software

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school required
• Virginia professional library license within 3 months of hire
• At least 3-5 years of professional special collections library experience at the level of Librarian I.

Schedule: Hours are scheduled to meet the needs of the LH/SC Branch Library and will include evenings and rotating Saturdays.

Location: Local History/Special Collections Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria VA, 22314

Salary Range: $64,563.98 - $108,209.40 annually

Application Instructions:
Position Open Until Filled