MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION COLLECTION

BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:       Supervisor / Specialist I

JOB TITLES:                            Subject Specialist

GRADE LEVEL:                        9

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Positions classified in this grade are professional in nature and involve assisting the Reference Services Supervisor in meeting library and departmental goals by performing certain specific functions, including clerical work for the department.  Planning, decision-making and problem solving involving interpretation of library policy and the exercise of independent judgment are involved, and/or in-depth knowledge, education, training, and ability in advanced library procedures, including online information searching.  Public desk staffing is routinely involved.
 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Supervisor / Specialists I works under the general supervision of the Reference Services Supervisor. 
 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: The Supervisor / Specialists I, in the absence of a supervisor, is responsible for the supervision of Senior Assistant, Library Assistant II, Library Assistant I, Shelver and Library Helper positions. 
 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Performs specific tasks assigned by the supervisor,  including one time and ongoing projects.

·         Coordinates acquisition of library’s periodical collection, or coordinates library’s interlibrary loan services, performing associated clerical duties.

·         Makes recommendations for purchase in collection areas of subject specialty.

·         Applies problem solving abilities to appropriate circumstances; routinely addressing complaints and resolving problems.

·         Performs complex Internet, CD ROM and other computer searches.

·         Provides public desk coverage as applicable, including assisting library users in answering reference questions of higher complexity; assisting patrons locating and using department materials and equipment;  and maintaining public discipline and decorum.

·         Assists with program planning and execution, including scheduling of special events and promotion.

·         Assists in the training and supervision of subordinate staff.

·         Uses the department’s audio-visual, office and computer equipment and resources, and may routinely offer training to staff and/or public in its use.

·         Other duties as assigned, including clerical and shelving tasks as required.
 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty successfully with a minimum of supervision.  The requirements noted below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

·         A masters degree in library science; or three years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·         Online searching skills or demonstrated ability/aptitude to be trained in this area.

·         Demonstrated knowledge of business resources or music and arts resources.

·         Demonstrated patience and skill in dealing with general public.
 

LANGUAGE AND/OR COGNITIVE SKILLS:

·         Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 

·         Superior ability to write reports and correspondence. 

·         Ability to speak before groups of customers or employees of the organization. 

·         Ability to communicate fluently in English.

·         Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
 

REASONING ABILITY:

·         Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form.

·         Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: A current driver’s license for occasional driving to training programs.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·         Routinely required to talk or hear, including oral communication via normal telephone connections. 

·         Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. 

·         Ability to operate a keyboard.

·         Routinely lift items weighing up to twenty pounds from the floor to positions overhead; and move loaded book trucks (weighing in excess of 100 pounds) over carpeted and uncarpeted surfaces and over thresholds.

·         Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or smell.

·         Special vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.