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Penn State Job Catalog

Library Services Specialist – Advanced Professional (PSU0130)

Additional Levels

Job Summary

The Library Services Specialist demonstrates in-depth knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of information resources and services such as, acquisitions, circulation, collection maintenance, cataloging and metadata creation, digitalization, preservation, information assistance and consultation, reference and/or instruction.

Representative Duties

  • Maintain and apply comprehensive knowledge of information resources within specialized subject areas; conduct subject area research; develop and deliver workshops
  • Provide subject-based reference, information, cataloging, and referral services to users combining a wide range of library and information sources
  • Develop, evaluate, and curate collections; establish goals; identify and implement recommendations to enhance and promote the collection
  • Stabilize, reformat, and safeguard collections requiring an advanced knowledge of preservation programs
  • Conceive, design, and implement outreach materials, programs or instructional sessions for unique and specialized collections or programs
  • Coordinates reformatting and editing operations to convert print materials to alternative formats for accessibility purposes
  • Analyze vendors for availability, pricing, and acquisition logistics; communicate with prospective donors to acquire materials for collections, appraise potential acquisitions, secure ownership of new materials
  • Create original bibliographic cataloging records and perform complex cataloging; ensure cataloging procedures adhere to national standards; manage data maintenance projects to improve data integrity; coordinate cataloging workflows across departments
  • Create descriptive metadata, ensure alignment with metadata standards, implement changes to optimize discoverability
  • Negotiate arrangements for material use, apply library guidelines and appropriate copyright laws to loan processing
  • Provide supervision and expertise over a library function or department including cataloging, access services, digital collections, special collections, library technology, or Interlibrary Loan
  • Collaborate with other service teams to develop policies and procedures, improve workflows, and synchronize practices; coordinate activities and communication between library units and committees; serve as primary contact in specialized areas
  • Maintain knowledge bases available to library administration across locations; develop and deliver training
  • Identify and facilitate opportunities to integrate collection materials into course curriculums; collaborate with faculty

Level Matrix

Level:
Advanced Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 6
  • Minimum – $42,100.00
  • MidPoint – $51,600.00
  • Maximum – $61,000.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements