Collection Development Specialist (Fiction)

HCLS is seeking a Collection Development Specialist who selects, maintains, develops, and manages the Adult Fiction materials collections systemwide and manages assigned budget in the designated area of responsibility.

 

A role you will love:

• You provide leadership and direction in the development, management, and maintenance of library Adult Fiction collections in all formats, DIY collection, and designated special collections
• You review borrowing information regularly to monitor use patterns, training needs, and collection gaps, and identify national and state trends
• You act as the system-wide resource person in all areas of selection responsibility
• You respond to customers' suggestions and requests for reconsideration of materials
• You develop guidelines for projects in all areas of selection responsibility and monitor project integrity
• You develop database queries and data analysis, and prepare reports and presentations as needed
• You act as project manager by initiating, developing, and/or approving all booklists and bibliographic tools in the area of responsibility
• You represent HCLS through interest group and committee participation at the state and national levels
• You develop merchandising plan for materials within area of responsibility
• You provide information and readers' advisory service to the public by answering queries in person and by telephone for all branches
• You plan and conduct training sessions for staff in all areas of selection responsibility
• You serve as backup for other Selectors
• You research, develop, and manage new HCLS collections, as requested
• You may be required to participate in LATI (Library Associate Training Institute) 
• You participate in cross-functional teams as a subject matter expert on designated collection
• You maintain regular and predictable attendance. 
• You adhere to all policies and procedures of Howard County Library System and actively support the values of Howard County Library System
• You perform other duties and special projects, as assigned

We are guided by these shared responsibilities: 

• Positions Howard County Library System (HCLS) as the place to learn, grow, and connect  
• Contributes to achieving HCLS' racial and social equity goals. Please view the Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative 
• Effectively lives our strategic values of community, equity, intellectual freedom, learning, and teamwork  

Do you have what it takes? 

• A master’s degree in library or information science from an accredited institution by the American Library Association (ALA) 
• Minimum three years of progressive experience in professional library work
• Working knowledge or experience in acquisition or selection work 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Adult Fiction Materials
• People skills – ability to work effectively with others and enjoy it
• Demonstrated budget or project management experience
• Superior writing and public speaking ability
• Demonstrate ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines. Commitment to keep abreast of changing technologies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with staff, community leaders,      partners and potential partners, customers, and the library community
• Willingness to develop and to participate in appropriate community and professional activities within the County and State
• Demonstrated ability to complete work in Microsoft or OpenOffice products, as well as experience using databases to gather or query data.      
• Experience using Polaris, Tableau, or writing SQL queries is a plus
• Ability to communicate in additional languages is a plus
• Possesses a valid Maryland driver's license 

Your job at the library will be active:

• You will have a variety of standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and sitting activities, such as carrying or moving bags or boxes of books

Additional Information:

• Position located at the Administrative Branch
• Works under the supervision of the Director of Collection Development
• Full-time; 37.5 hours per week, typically daytime hours
• Evenings and weekends may be required for HCLS signature events
• Grade 12; Salary range: $57,387 - $100,629
• Position is open until filled

EEO STATEMENT: Howard County’s diversity is its greatest asset. Howard County Library System embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. All communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, are fundamental to our spirit of service, workforce, and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities. We believe all Howard County residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. Among our goals is for our workforce to reflect the community it serves. We are actively working to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences.