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 physical and digital 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

• Assists with supervising and training Collection Development professional and support staff; assists in training all appropriate staff on current material ordering procedures.
• Selects material in all formats for all Boston Public Library locations, primarily focusing on physical, downloadable, and streaming media.
• Engages with the reading community about books in all formats; assists readers in identifying and finding content of interest; participates in innovative readers advisory services in person and online; develops booklists and other recommendation tools online.
• Assumes primary Collection Development responsibility for digital and physical media, including the creation of orders and the communication and collaboration with selectors to complete orders; acts as selection team leader.
• Assists with the monitoring of Collection Development budgets and prepares reports as needed.
• Assists with collection analysis, gifts, weeding, and other collection maintenance activities.
• Provides informal and classroom instruction to staff and the public on a variety of topics, including downloadable and streaming library collections and apps.
• In the absence of more senior staff, assumes administrative responsibility of Collection Development.
• As assigned, identifies and communicates with appropriate library material suppliers; arranges for demonstrations, training, and other meetings with library materials vendors; assists in the creation of standing order plans with various vendors. 
• Attends internal and external meetings on behalf of Collection Development, as assigned. 
• 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. 
• Maintains a working knowledge of reading devices, including ebook readers, tablets, and other gadgets used for reading or listening.
• As assigned, represents the library at local and national conferences. 
• Works on the public service desk, as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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 (2) 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 are necessary to meet the requirements of the job, with particular emphasis on the ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets. Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and the public.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographical tools and resources.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Ability to assume responsibility and to work well with others. 
• Ability to travel.

Requirements

• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

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

Hours per week: 35