Job Openings

Associate Librarian for Access Services

Due to a retirement, the James Blackstone Memorial Library is seeking an enthusiastic Associate Librarian to head up our Access Services/Circulation team. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, knowledgeable about trends in library services and programs, and enjoys working with an engaged public. They also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and are a collaborative team player. This individual will supervise the Circulation staff, assist library patrons in the use of library services and facilities, and, as part of the leadership team, work with other department heads to coordinate schedules and activities and help carry out the library’s strategic plan.

Since 1896, the Blackstone Library has been dedicated to serving its diverse and dynamic shoreline community of Branford, CT, and we continue that legacy today, supporting free and open access to information and lifelong learning. The library is an architectural gem and a beloved community hub for the town.

Overview of Duties:

• Supervises staff, volunteers, work flow, projects, collection of payments/fines, and desk assignments at the Circulation Desk and the Computer Lab; schedules Circulation Department staff and volunteers. Works at service desks as necessary.
• Collection development of adult fiction, books on CD, large print, eBooks and DVDs. Recommends acquisitions to other department supervisors. Orders new and replacement titles via Brodart, Amazon, OverDrive and other online databases; selects donations to add to the collection; deselects titles in the collection as necessary. Provides reader’s advisory to library patrons.
• Compiles and distributes monthly statistics reports to departments and the Connecticut State Library.
• Supervises data entry and processing of materials into the collection, plus processing of book delivery, emails, routing, collection, delivery issues and supplies.
• Maintain Blackstone Library LION circulation and bibliographic module including: patron registration and accounts; “days closed’ calendar; “in transit”, “mending” and other lists generated in-house or by LION; item record maintenance.
• Participates in LION consortium circulation & bibliographic committee meetings and other library-related conferences and workshops.
• Coordinates with manager of the Friends of JBML sale cart and other local nonprofit organization’s items and donations.
• Coordinator for the Art Gallery exhibits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and skills

A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program is required. Three years of increasingly responsible professional library work, preferably with experience in library circulation work. Ability to apply principles of library science to solve practical problems. Ability to provide excellent customer service, to relate effectively, fairly and courteously to library patrons and colleagues, and be an effective leader and team player. Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance, and maintaining morale. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, serving a demographically and culturally diverse community. Ability to prepare clear and concise oral and written statistical and narrative reports. Experience with computerized library systems, programs and databases and ability to troubleshoot basic photocopier, audiovisual, and computer issues. Physical dexterity and strength required, with the ability to lift forty (40) pounds of materials. Knowledge of fiction, nonfiction, and audiovisual titles, past, current and forthcoming, with the ability to order and maintain Blackstone Library collection as needs and demands warrant. This position reports directly to the library director.

Hours

40 hours per week, full-time, non-exempt position with a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and paid time off. Includes daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Compensation range: $70,000 and up, depending on experience.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION (PDF)

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three references by December 29, 2023, to Katy McNicol, Library Director: kmcnicol@blackstonelibrary.org.