Basic Function

Under the direction of the Collection Development Manager, performs any or all phases of work in support of collection development, selection, and access to collections requiring substantial application of professional knowledge and experience.

Reports to

Collection Development Manager

Supervises

As assigned, professional and support staff

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists with supervising and training Collection Development professional and support staff; assists in training all appropriate staff on current material ordering procedures.
2. Selects material for all Boston Public Library locations within the framework of the Collaborative Selection processes.
3. Assists with the monitoring of Collection Development budgets and prepares reports as needed.
4. Assumes primary Collection Development responsibility for specific areas of the collection, including the creation of orders and the communication and collaboration with selectors to complete orders; acts as selection team leader.
5. In absence of more senior staff, assumes administrative responsibility of Collection Development.
6. As assigned, identifies and communicates with appropriate library material suppliers; arranges for demonstrations, trainings, and other meetings with library materials vendors; assists in the creation of standing order plans with various vendors.
7. Attends internal and external meetings on behalf of Collection Development, as assigned.
8. As assigned, assists with analysis of collection use, distribution, organization, and housing. Provides information on collection utilization, collection organization and location requirements, inventory requirements, and other collection management tools required to support public access.
9. As assigned, represents library at local and national conferences.
10. Works on public service desk, as assigned.
11. Performs other related duties as required.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Thorough knowledge of best practices of collection development and related work processes.
2. Knowledge of both juvenile and adult publishing trends and practices.
3. Thorough knowledge of, and ability to evaluate, select, and implement emerging technologies and processes designed to enhance selection processes and procedures.
4. Excellent written, oral and personal computer skills.
5. Ability to lead internal working groups, small and large; ability to work collaboratively.
6. Initiative, creativity, and flexibility.
7. Initiative in generating new ideas; a proven ability to work well under pressure and meet inflexible deadlines.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited library school.  Two years of professional library experience including substantial experience in Collection Development, Readers' Advisory and Reference.

Knowledge of broad-based collection development practices, including current trends in selection, ordering, patron driven programs, use of library automated systems, and practices of the national and international book trade.  Proven ability to work with staff to analyze workflow.  Personal computer skills necessary to meet the requirements of the job.  Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.  Ability to assume responsibility and to work well with others.  Ability to travel.

Requirements:

1. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
2. Residency - Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA / P / 2

Hours per week: 35