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Penn State Job Catalog

Library Services Specialist – Professional (PSU0238)

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:
Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– None
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– Typically none
Problem Solving:
– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
Independence of Action:
– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation
Communication and Collaboration:
– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 4
  • Minimum – $34,800.00
  • MidPoint – $42,600.00
  • Maximum – $50,500.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
No prior relevant work experience required
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements