Lead Librarian

Lead Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

 
"Follow
your calling, Find your career"     

Please apply by 2/5/26

Salary Range $60, $90,918.00
This is an exempt (salaried)
position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and
internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the
applicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate
and requirements for the job.

Charlotte
Mecklenburg Library is one of America's leading urban public libraries,
serving one of the country's great emerging metropolitan areas in North
Carolina. Our library system serves a community of approximately one million
citizens in the city of Charlotte and the towns of Matthews, Pineville, Mint
Hill, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville – all located in Mecklenburg
County. Accessible and welcoming to all, our library celebrates the joy of
reading, fosters learning and growth, connects people to each other and the
world, and inspires individuals with what they can achieve. Through our 20
locations, online, and through targeted outreach, we deliver exceptional
library services and programs with a mission to create a community of readers
and empower individuals with free access to information and the universe of
ideas.
Location:
Library Administration
Center
510 Stitt Rd, Charlotte,
NC 28213
Position Summary:
The Lead Librarian in Materials Management is a key member of the library's
Collection & Access team and is responsible for selecting materials in one
or more specific areas such as Adult, Teen, and Children's. They will work
closely with opening day collection projects, managing communication between
vendors, selectors, library staff and other invested parties. This position
will also oversee the selection, troubleshooting, and general management of
online resources.
Essential Functions:
Responsible for curation and maintenance of collections according to the CML Materials Selection Policy.
Identify materials for purchase based on professional reviews, collection analysis, and library trends.
Analyze and maintain balanced and attractive collections through holds lists, circulation data and community demographics.
Manage collection-related funds carefully and evenly over the fiscal year.
Assist with creating collection development plans, managing budgets and vendor relationships on opening day collection projects.
General maintenance of library electronic resources, addressing and troubleshooting customer concerns and communicating changes and updates on a systemwide level.
Monitor year-over-year cost increases for continuing electronic resources, working in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Collections to maintain fiscal year target costs.
Gather data to support strategic decision-making around collections, resource licensing, and circulation.
Participates in system-wide teams and project management for
system-wide initiatives.

Minimum
Qualifications: 
Two years of progressively responsible training, experience, or study is typical evidence of ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Models excellent, responsive customer service and a collaborative approach to getting work done.

Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude, ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with diverse constituents.
Knowledge of leading practices and existing and emerging issues and trends in public librarianship.
Willingness to help others accomplish their objectives.
Experience
3 years of progressive experience as a librarian.
Two years of progressively responsible training, experience, or study is typical evidence of ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
Education:  
Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution
Licenses and
Certifications:
NC Public Library certification required or must be obtained within a specific timeframe.
Combination
of relevant education and relevant experience accepted? Yes
Preferred
Qualifications:
Evidence of
any of the following will enhance a candidacy:
Working knowledge of Polaris Leap (ILS)
Experience in selecting print and digital collections in the context of a large urban public library.
Experience working and maintaining a floating collection.
Proficiency in a second language.
Demonstrated initiative in investigating new ideas and implementing change.
General knowledge of popular materials for all ages.
Demonstrated leadership in facilitating collaborative problem solving and group decision-making.
Demonstrated initiative in investigating new ideas and implementing change.
Project Management certification
Experience working with floating collections and integrated library systems, preferably Polaris Leap.
Experience in leading teams, managing budgets, planning, executing, monitoring and closing projects.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge in:
Current trends and developments in cataloging and metadata
Working knowledge of automated library systems and online databases
Working knowledge of print, non-print and electronic resources available from a wide number of sources, including publishers, the Internet, and library and vendor-based systems
Knowledge and support of the principles of intellectual freedom
Working knowledge of customer needs and interests
Familiarity with Horizon, BiblioCommons, MarcEdit, eResource management
Skilled in:
Excellent verbal and written communications skills, presentation skills, and public speaking skills including the ability to adjust communication style to interact effectively with users of different ages, backgrounds and abilities
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
Excellent time management skills with attention to detail
Commitment to continuous improvement and self-directed learning
Abilities:
Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one's area and other areas, teams, departments, community groups or organizations to help achieve business goals
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
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 probable consequence
Information Monitoring: Setting up ongoing procedures to collect and review information needed to manage an organization or ongoing activities within it
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
Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence

Computer Skills:
Excellent command of various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
Advanced proficiency in various computer applications
Work Environment:
Works in an office setting with moderate noise
Selection:
This classification has been identified as having a role in the development
of ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees to
follow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meet
these obligations.

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.