Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

Head of Technical Services

Department:	Library	Wage:	S8 $77,955
Reports to:	Director	Union:	Non-Union
Effective:	March 13, 2025	Location:	Library
FLSA Status:	Exempt	Full Time:	34 hours a week, some nights and Saturdays included

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Head of Technical Services is responsible for providing administrative, professional, and supervisory work in the area of Technical Services, including planning and managing acquisition, cataloging, classification, and processing of library materials; collection development; collection maintenance; and the implementation of effective procedures and processes. This position also staffs various library desks as needed including but not limited to circulation, information, and reception.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the direction of the Director. Performs day-to-day tasks with a high degree of independence. Work involves a variety of highly specialized work tasks with many details to monitor and manage.

Complex and responsible duties require initiative and independent judgment to establish work plans and priorities, using and/or modifying established procedures to complete the work in accordance with established policies and standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Administers the day-to-day operations and long-range planning of the Technical Services Department
• Performs original cataloging as required
• Processes materials for use
• Identifies and links materials to proper records
• Reviews and updates the collection and catalog periodically to ensure materials are shelved and cataloged accurately
• Cleans, repairs, and deaccessions items as needed
• Places orders with vendors, tracks order status, verifies invoices, troubleshoots, and distributes materials to appropriate staff
• Inventories, organizes, orders, and maintains supplies
• Handles any problems, questions, or concerns relating to Technical Services Department operations
• Participates in the interviewing, hiring, and training of Technical Services Department staff and volunteers
• Facilitates Technical Services Department staff meetings
• Compiles, reviews, and interprets statistical data regarding Technical Services. Prepares regular statistical and management reports
• Assists with the selection of print, non-print materials, and electronic resources for the Adult Department collections utilizing professional journals and other selection tools, patron requests, and individual judgment
• Works directly with the public at the library’s service desks assisting patrons with all types of reference and informational questions, whether in person, by phone, or via email.
• Attends information and instructional meetings, workshops, and network committees related to Technical Services
• Develops and implements library services and policies in collaboration with Library Administration
• Participates in long-range planning activities in collaboration with Library Administration
• Other duties, projects, or service desks as assigned.
• A strong background in computers/technology including fundamental knowledge of Integrated Library Systems including acquisitions and cataloging functions
• Thorough knowledge of contemporary bibliographic maintenance standards and practice, including all prevailing cataloging rules, Dewey Decimal classification, OCLC/MARC records, and applicable library automation
• Knowledge of current and emerging library principles, practices, technologies
• Ability to quickly learn technical procedures using documentation, training, and customer service support and provide understandable interpretations of procedures and policies
• Ability to analyze, research, and solve technical problems, using initiative and vendor technical support
• Excellent problem-solving, creativity, flexibility, positive attitude, and organizational skills
• Ability to perform general clerical functions quickly and accurately
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to work within a budget
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to work effectively in collaborative teams to achieve common goals
• Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, evaluation, and management of morale
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with vendors
• Experience in working with a diverse community

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Master's Degree in Library Science and a minimum of three (3) years responsible experience as a professional librarian in a public library, including one year in a supervisory capacity, OR an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Core Competencies:

Multilingual abilities desirable.

Requires a criminal records (CORI) check and a drug test.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is subject to frequent interruptions. Regular library schedule requires evening and weekend work.

The employee operates standard office and library equipment and systems.

The employee has regular contact with the public in-person, online, and by telephone. Other contacts are with library staff, other City employees, state and regional library systems and networks, City and state officials, and representative of a wide-variety of organizations with which the library maintains partnerships.

The employee has access to personnel records and confidential patron records.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service and financial loss.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work is carried out in conditions which can be affected by factors such as temperature and noise.

The position requires standing for two to three hours at a given time, moderate to continuous viewing of a computer screen, and using hands and fingers in activities requiring fine coordination or dexterity.

The position requires significant physical exertion characterized by activities such as repeated bending, reaching, climbing or walking and moderate lifting (up to 35 lbs.)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

TO APPLY

Please apply online through the City of Leominster website: https://www.leominster-ma.gov/Jobs.aspx.  Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and online application.

Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering?  

Volunteers assist with special projects, shelving, shelf reading, materials processing, and much more! We do our best to match applicants with a volunteer position that suits their interests and skills.

To apply, please fill out either the Adult Volunteer Application or the Children's & Young Adult Volunteer Application and submit it online or in person to the Assistant Director.  If there are no volunteer opportunities available at the time of application, applications will be kept on file for 1 year.