Lead Librarian - Materials Management

Lead Librarian
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Please apply by 2/5/26

Salary Range: $60,612.00 - $90,918.00
Exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity, including assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate.

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

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. The role includes managing opening day collection projects, communicating with vendors, selectors, library staff, and other stakeholders, and overseeing the selection, troubleshooting, and general management of online resources.

• Curate and maintain 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.
• Maintain library electronic resources, address and troubleshoot customer concerns, and communicate changes and updates on a systemwide level.
• Monitor year‑over‑year cost increases for continuing electronic resources, working 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.
• Participate in system-wide teams and project management for system-wide initiatives.

• Three years of progressive experience as a librarian.
• Two years of progressively responsible training, experience, or study (typical evidence of ability to perform the essential duties).
• 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.
• NC Public Library certification required or must be obtained within a specific timeframe.
• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.

• Working knowledge of Polaris Leap (ILS).
• Experience selecting print and digital collections for 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 in leading teams, managing budgets, planning, executing, monitoring and closing projects.

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, Biblio Commons, Marc Edit, e‑Resource 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…