PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN
 
 DEFINITION:

 Under administrative supervision, provides a variety of library
 services for the general public in one or more functional areas
 requiring substantial knowledge of and experience with librarianship
 theories, principles, and practices; does other related duties as
 required.

 NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
 purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform
 all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties
 performed on the job may not be listed.

 EXAMPLES OF WORK:

 Explains use of reference sources to patrons such as bibliographic
 indexes and reading guides.

 Describes or demonstrates procedures for searching catalog files 
 and shelf collections to obtain materials.

 Provides readers' advisory service to suggest materials to patrons
 seeking aid in selection of reading material.

 Answers reference questions which have a wide range in difficulty,
 varying from those which can be answered by brief consultation of
 general or special reference tools to elusive/involved questions that
 require extended searching in many sources both within/without the
 library.

 Develops and conducts library programs such as tours, book talks, film
 programs, and reading clubs for the purpose of stimulating reading
 and/or to inform the community and various organizations of available
 library services.

 Determines content/arrangement of library material for displays,
 exhibits, and special library programs.

 Performs original cataloging by assigning classification numbers and
 descriptive headings according to the Dewey Decimal System or other
 prescribed library alphabetical or numerical classification systems.

 Compiles lists of book titles, bibliographies, or reading lists
 according to subject matter or other designation in response to patron
 and/or internal administrative requests.

 Composes publicity releases or program announcements for media,
 library newspapers, and similar publications.

 Attends seminars/meetings of professional library groups/organizations
 to keep current with scientific and technical developments and to
 participate with professional associations concerned with improving
 methods/techniques of library services.

 Reviews library collections of books, films, periodicals, records, and
 so forth to weed material for purposes of discarding due to
 obsolescence.

 May issue work assignments and instruct subordinates in methods to
 utilize in performance of their duties.

 Recommends purchase or rental of library material according to the
 section assigned, taking into consideration priority needs and budget
 limitations.

 Compiles statistical data and composes narrative reports showing
 plans, programs, problems, and/or the accomplishments of the work
 assigned.

 Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and information systems used by the 
 agency, office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

 EDUCATION:

 A Master's degree in Library or Information Science in a library 
 program accredited by the American Library Association or from
 a New Jersey College Master's Program in Library Science that
 has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison State College.

 EXPERIENCE:

 Two (2) years of librarian experience.

 LICENSE:
 
 Appointees may be required to possess a valid New Jersey 
 license as a Professional Librarian. 

 NOTE: N.J.S.A. 45:8A-1 and N.J.A.C. 6:11-11.6 state that a
 professional librarian certificate is required for employment as a
 professional librarian in libraries supported in whole or in part by
 public funds, serving communities with populations of 10,000 and
 above. Libraries under the charge and control of a board of education
 are excepted from this requirement.

 Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
 in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
 mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge of theories, objectives, principles, and techniques 
 of librarianship.

 Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System but without
 having to commit to memory what each numerical classification
 represents.

 Ability to give talks before groups, organizations, patrons, and
 coworkers, speaking clearly, concisely, and informatively.

 Ability to alphabetize in accord with American Library Association
 filing rules.

 Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and informative narrative and
 statistical reports.

 Ability to work and deal harmoniously with patrons and coworkers.

 Ability to determine work to be accomplished, issue assignments, 
 and instruct subordinates in proper methods/techniques to utilize 
 in performance of their duties.

 Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret library rules,
 regulations, policies, and procedures.

 Ability to plan and organize library service programs such as story
 hours, book talks, film programs, and senior citizen programs.

 Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording
 and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

 Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English
 sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign
 Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of
 communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as
 they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable
 accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
 cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
 such persons may not be eligible.

 This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
02820
L
C
  
N/A
03
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

MER   6/2/2011