CHIEF LIBRARIAN

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, plans, coordinates, and directs through subordinate level supervisory professional librarians, various functional or specialized areas of a library involved in providing a variety of library services requiring substantial professional knowledge of theories, objectives, principles, and practices of librarianship; does other related duties as required. Positions in this class are on a level below that of Assistant Library Director and above that of Librarian 4; the Chief Librarian works under direction of a higher-level administrator and oversees and supervises work performed by supervising librarian(s); they have responsibility for administration and management of a variety of public library operations under the direction of higher levels of management.

Examples of work

Develops and executes a program of public relations designed to arouse interest in library objectives, services, and programs. Answers inquiries and handles special requests for information. Utilizes library facilities in a program service commensurate with the aim/purpose of the library. Implements policy regarding special collections of books and other library materials. Represents the library at professional and other meetings/conferences. Supervises acquisition, cataloging, classifying, and processing of library materials. Analyzes and coordinates departmental budget estimates and controls expenditures to administer approved budget. Evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Plans and conducts staff meetings and participates in community professional meetings to discuss and act on library problems. Supervises development/implementation of public information programs concerning activities/objectives of the units supervised. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Prepares and supervises the preparation of clear, accurate, and informative narrative and statistical reports. Guides, instructs, and assigns tasks to subordinate employees. Determines and allocates resources/equipment needed to accomplish work assignments. Establishes and maintains cooperative work relationships with other libraries/community agencies. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

A Master's degree in Library or Information Sciences in a library program accredited by the American Library Association or from a New Jersey College Master's Program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison State University.

Experience

Four (4) years of professional librarian experience in providing general library services, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Appointees may be required to possess a valid certification as a Professional Librarian issued by Thomas Edison State University.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of theories, objectives, principles, and techniques of librarianship. Knowledge of supervisory techniques. Knowledge of library administration techniques. Knowledge of current library technology, trends, and innovations. Ability to give talks before professional/nonprofessional groups interested in or concerned with library problems, speaking clearly, concisely, and informatively. Ability to alphabetize in accordance with American Library Association filing rules. Ability to prepare informative, narrative, and statistical reports. Ability to coordinate library services programs. Ability to work and deal harmoniously with patrons/coworkers. Ability to supervise acquisition, cataloging, classifying, and processing library materials. Ability to determine work to be accomplished, issue assignments to, and instruct, train, and evaluate subordinate personnel. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret library rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to plan and organize library service programs. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative and statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. N.J.S.A. 45:8A-3 and N.J.A.C 15:23-2.1(a) state that any library supported in whole or in part by public funds may require, and any library serving any municipality or group of municipalities having a population of 10,000 inhabitants or over shall require that any person employed as a professional librarian shall hold a Professional Librarian's Certificate. N.J.A.C. 15:23-2.1 (b) states that pursuant to N.J.A.C. 15:21-2.3 and 2.4, a library serving any municipality or group of municipalities having a population of 7,500 inhabitants or over, N.J.S.A. 45:8A-3 notwithstanding, will employ, in all professional librarian positions counted for State Library Aid purposes, librarians holding a New Jersey Professional Librarian's Certificate. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.