Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Library Services

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.

• 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:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00