Genealogy Librarian - Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Location: USA - NC - Charlotte

Apply by June 30, 2023

This position currently works in the Library Administrative Center while a new Main Library building is constructed - this position will work in the new building once open. (101 East Way Drive Charlotte NC 28213)

Position Summary

This position reports to the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room Manager. The Carolina Room is the archives and special collections department for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. This role is expected to manage collection development for the non-circulating genealogy collection as well as for a separate circulating genealogy collection (totaling over 18,000 items); provide in-depth local history and genealogy research and reference services for patrons in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and beyond; create and deliver high-quality programming on genealogy topics; serve as a liaison to the genealogy communities in Mecklenburg County and North Carolina; and be aware of and act upon national trends and topics of interest in genealogy. Experience in genealogical research and working with common genealogical resources and tools (vital records, cemetery records, land records, NARA records, FamilySearch, Ancestry, Heritage Quest, etc.) is strongly preferred and candidates will be expected to speak to their experience during interviews. Experience in conducting African American genealogical research is preferred.

Essential Functions

Meet customers' informational, research and pleasure reading needs by matching requests to appropriate resources.

Determine the timeliest, authoritative and appropriate information source for each customer, based on questions asked, the information required, and the format (print, non-print) that provides the most effective delivery.

Train customers in the use of electronic reference resources, internet searches, e-books and digital downloads; provide guidance and instruction for both general and specific requests.

Enables customers to operate PCs, tablets, mobile devices to access digital materials.

Troubleshoot problems or instructs customers in the use of software and hardware. Assesses the level of instruction needed to use technology.

Manage and maintain library materials in specific, assigned areas of the collection by noting community needs and customer requests, consulting reviews and bibliographies, checking lost and missing reports and recommending purchases.

Perform relevant collection management tasks to ensure that resources are available to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community.

Provide quality programming for a targeted audience; creates promotional materials and merchandises collection with displays.

Develop varied and creative programs, publications and displays to enhance library services.

Continue professional development through workshops, classes, webinars, conferences, retreats, etc.

Choose activities to enhance or develop skills needed to meet professional or learning goals.

Perform administrative duties that may include serving as manager on duty, scheduling employees, submitting maintenance and IT tickets, dealing with customer concerns, reserving meeting rooms, interpreting and enforcing library policy.

Exercise sound judgment and uses available resources to determine the action needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of two years of public library experience

Education: Master’s degree in Library science from an ALA-accredited institution

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: No

Licenses and Certifications

NC Public Library certification required or must be obtained within 12 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications: Ability to communicate in more than one language

Work Schedule: Rotating schedule including nights and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Library science reference interview process, familiarity with the library's classification system, cataloging interface of the Online Public Access Catalog and OCLC/MARC records

Skills

Familiarity with readers' advisory and reference resources

Excellent customer service, including strong verbal and written skills

Working with a diverse population

Assessing a customer's needs and abilities to match them with the appropriate information or materials

Excellent time-management skills with attention to detail

Abilities

Decision- Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probably consequences

Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintain good working relationships

Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise

Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently

Customer Focus: Ensuring that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers’ and own organization’s needs

Continuous Leaning: Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learning through their application

Computer Skills: Advanced proficiency in various computer applications, Technological adeptness with PCs, tablets and mobile devices, internet and database searching, and Email

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Moderate noise is typical for the work environment for this job.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.

Mecklenburg County requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for any new Mecklenburg County employees.

Application instructions:

Apply at Mecklenburg County website (https://meckcounty.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/10005?c=meckcounty)