Lead Librarian - Materials Management

Lead Librarian – Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Location:
Library Administration Center, 510 Stitt Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213

“Follow your calling, Find your career.”

Please apply by 2/5/26

Salary: $60,612.00 - $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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.
• 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:
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; knowledge and…